FMCSA DOT Logo
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has a list of frequently asked questions on their website.
You can find FMCSA FAQ at this link
Please read through Trucker Docs™ Q&A before posting a question. This will help everyone to not have duplicate questions. Thank you!
If you still can’t find a related answer, then you are welcome to ask your question in the comments section below.
Q&A
Where can I get the new DOT physical / medical examination forms?
Which drivers are required to have a DOT medical certificate?
Does a DOT medical card have to be obtained in the same state as the CDL is from?
Is the DOT medical card transferrable or do I have to get a new one when I start a new job?
Is there a difference between a DOT medical certificate and a DOT physical card?
What are the DOT physical requirements?
Does the DOT physical exam include a drug test?
Can I get a copy of my DOT physical long form or will I have to take another physical?
What do I do if my medical card gets lost or damaged?
Do I need a medical card if I’m a local driver?
What’s involved in a DOT physical examination?
Who can I go to to get my DOT physical exam done?
What is a waiver or exemption and how can I get one?
For how long is my medical certificate valid?
Can my Company have different medical requirements than the FMCSA requirements?
What if I develop a medical condition while my current medical certificate is still valid?
What do I do with the medical certificate and long form once I get them?
Do I need to have a medical certificate if I operate a CMV only in my home state?
If a truck has a DOT# on its side, does the driver need a medical card to drive it?
If I’m working for a company is it their responsibility to pay for the DOT physical exam?
Where can I get the new DOT physical / medical examination forms?
PDF Versions of the forms are available at these links on the FMCSA website:
- Medical Examination Report (MER) Form, MCSA-5875
- Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC), Form MCSA-5876
Which drivers are required to have a DOT medical certificate?
Interstate:
All CMV drivers who operate in interstate commerce are required to have a medical certificate based on FMCSA requirements.
- If they operate a motor vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), gross combination weight rating (GCWR), gross vehicle weight (GCW), or gross combination weight (GCW) of 10,001 pounds or more.
- If they transport hazardous materials, in a quantity requiring placards.
- If they operate a motor vehicle designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers (including the driver).
- If they operate a motor vehicle designed or used to transport between 9 and 15 passengers, for direct compensation, beyond 75 air miles from the driver’s normal work-reporting location.
Intrastate:
- Intrastate certification is regulated by the DMV of each state. All states have based their physical qualifications on some of the Federal requirements, but may grant waivers for certain medical conditions.
- Some carriers e.g. FedEx, UPS and DHL, are subject to interstate regulations even if they drive intrastate.
Does a DOT medical card have to be obtained in the same state as the CDL is from?
No. An Federal DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate (Interstate) is valid nationwide so you can get certified in any state, no matter which state you have your CDL.
See also: Who can I go to to get my DOT physical exam done?
I have a CDL and have been notified to present DMV with a medical certificate or I will lose my driving privileges. I’m not currently driving and may not drive again. Do I need to get a DOT physical just to maintain my license?
For more information see our blog post New FMCSA Medical Certification Requirements.
In order to keep your CDL, some states will allow a CDL holder to certify in a category that does not require a medical certificate e.g. Intrastate Excepted, if they are not currently driving.
You will have to check with your State Drivers License Agency (DMV) to see if they permit this option. This will give you a way to maintain your CDL without a current medical card.
If you want to start driving again, you will first have to get a new medical card, and then visit your DMV, to self-certify in the category that is appropriate for the type of driving you will be doing.
Is the DOT medical card transferrable or do I have to get a new one when I start a new job?
A DOT medical card is valid nationwide and can be used by any company so you don’t have to get a new one.
However… There are companies that have a policy in place that states they want you to have the physical exam done by their own examiner. They can require you to take a new physical exam, if is company policy. They also usually will pay for the exam if they require it.
Is there a difference between a DOT medical certificate and a DOT physical card?
No. These terms are used interchangeably. They are most often referred to as a DOT medical when referring to the DOT medical card, and DOT physical when referring to the DOT physical exam, and sometimes drivers refer to them as a CDL physical or CDL medical.
What are the DOT physical requirements?
Here are 3 ways to understand the DOT physical requirements.
- The hard way:
Read the FMCSA Rules and Regulations Part 391.41 Physical Qualifications For Drivers - The technical way:
Understand what’s on the DOT long form MCSA-5875, FMCSA DOT Medical Examination Report Form - The easy way:
Read Trucker Docs’ guidebook, How To Take The Stress Out Of Getting Your DOT Medical Card
Does the DOT physical exam include a drug test?
The DOT physical exam requirements do not include a drug test. You will still have to give a urine sample which is used for a kidney screen for potential medical conditions.
However, companies require a pre-employment drug test. So your company may request to have a drug screen done at the same time as you take your DOT physical. Not all medical examiner’s offices that conduct DOT physicals have a drug testing service.
Can I get a copy of my DOT physical long form or will I have to take another physical?
Yes, you can get a copy. Just look on your medical card and find the examiner’s phone number. Call and ask for a copy of your medical long form. They may charge you a few bucks for the service, but it’s cheaper than a new examination.
What do I do if my medical card gets lost or damaged?
Call the doctors office that did the original DOT exam and find out what the process is to get a duplicate made and sent to you. The medical office has to keep this information on file for at least three years, so they will have it.
Do I need a medical card if I’m a local driver?
Requirements for local drivers (intrastate) are regulated by the DMV of each state. You will need to check with your state DMV if you are a local driver. All states have based their DOT physical qualifications on some of the Federal requirements, but may grant waivers for certain medical conditions. If you’re a local driver you can still get your medical card from a certified medical examiner. (Find a CME in your state)
In some cases e.g. FedEx, UPS and DHL, drivers are subject to interstate regulations even if they drive intrastate.
What’s involved in a DOT physical examination?
To best understand what’s involved in a DOT physical, read Trucker Docs™ guidebook, How To Take The Stress Out Of Getting Your DOT Medical Card.
See also the FAQ – What are the DOT physical requirements?
Who can I go to to get my DOT physical exam done?
New federal regulations state that starting May 21, 2014, CMV drivers can get medical certificates only from a medical examiner who is FMCSA National Registry Certified.
(Find a registered CME)
Updated: May 2014
Starting May 21, 2014 you can only get medically certified by a federally certified medical examiner – called a CME or Certified Medical Examiner. That examiner will have a National Registry Number, which must be included on the information on the medical certificate issued to a driver.
Medical professionals who participate in the CME program may be MD, DO, DC, APN, or PA.
The caution here is that even though these professionals are certified by FMCSA, some states will not recognize certain categories of medical professional to qualify drivers within that state. The information we have at this time is: Michigan and Washington do not qualify chiropractic physicians to issue medical certificates for their drivers.
What is a waiver or exemption, and how can I get one?
A waiver or exemption gives a driver temporary relief from a regulation; one of more of the FMCSRs.
FMCSA Exemption Programs are for drivers of CMVs that intend to operate in interstate commerce. A driver may apply for an exemption from any of the standards where the driver can show that safety would not be diminished by granting the exemption. The exemption is granted for up to two years, and may be renewed.
See the FMCSA Driver Exemption Programs for more information and details of how to apply.
Intrastate commerce: FMCSA does not have statutory authority to grant waivers/exemptions to drivers from states’ intrastate requirements. Therefore, the FMCSA waivers/exemptions do not permit regulatory relief for drivers who plan to limit their operations to intrastate commerce.
For how long is my medical certificate valid?
- 2 years if the driver meets all the FMCSA standards (see DOT physical requirements)
- If the driver meets standards, but periodic monitoring is required for certain conditions, a medical certificate will be issued for a limited time period. Depending on those conditions the period could be 1 year, 6 months, 3 months, or some other time limit. e.g. Medical conditions stable, on treatment include hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, sleep disorder, conditions qualified under exemption.
- If the driver does not meet FMCSA standards, then medical certification is disqualified. e.g. Disqualified due to medical condition and/or medication, stage 3 hypertension, insulin-dependent diabetes. “Does not meet FMCSA standards” means the driver is not medically qualified at the time of the examination. Until a certified medical examiner makes a determination that the driver is medically qualified the driver is not able to operate a CMV in interstate commerce.
My medical certificate only expires in nine months. What if I recently developed a medical condition that I couldn’t drive. Can I drive truck again now?
Even if you currently have a ‘current’ medical certificate, you are prohibited from driving a CMV with any medical condition that would be disqualifying or may interfere with the safe operation of a CMV. Once a disqualifying medical condition is resolved, and before resuming operation of CMVs, you are responsible for obtaining re-certification from a Medical Examiner.
Can my Company have different medical requirements than the FMCSA requirements?
A company must a least meet the FMCSA medical requirements. However, company policy may impose stricter standards than those required by FMCSA.
Can my new employer make me get a DOT physical even if my current medical certificate is still valid for another 18 months?
Yes, the employer can require you to take a new physical exam, if is company policy. They also usually will pay for the exam if they require it.
What if I develop a medical condition while my current medical certificate is still valid?
If you develop a medical condition that may interfere with the safe operation of a CMV, you are disqualified from driving while you have that condition. Once a disqualifying medical condition is resolved, and before resuming operation of CMVs, you are responsible for obtaining re-certification from a Medical Examiner.
What do I do with the medical certificate (MEC) and long form (MER) once I get them?
The Driver:
- Carry the original medical card (Medical Examiner’s Certificate, form MCSA-5876) with you at all times you are driving.
- Keep a copy of the long form (Medical Examination Report, form MCSA-5875) for your records. Even though DOT regulations state that you only need to carry the medical card with you, you’ll save yourself hassle if you carry the long form as well.
- It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure that they have a current Medical Examiner’s Certificate on file with their CDL, so make sure you renew the copy of your Medical Examiner’s Certificate together with your Self-Certification affidavit at your State Drivers License Department. (more info on Self-Certification)
The Company:
- The motor carrier is required to keep a copy of the Medical Examiner’s Certificate in the driver qualification file. Drivers, make sure you provide a copy of the Medical Examiner’s Certificate to the company that employs you.
Certified Medical Examiners:
- The medical examiner is required to provide the driver with a paper copy of the original Medical Examiner’s Certificate, form MCSA-5876.
- The medical examiner is required to keep the original long form and a copy of the medical certificate on file for a least three years.
- The medical examiner is required to enter driver examination results online to the National Registry system for each interstate driver examination. The examination results information is reported whether the examination is completed or not i.e. If a driver leaves the examiner’s clinic during the examination because they do not wish to continue, the medical examiner will report the results as “Incomplete Examination”.
Do I need to have a medical certificate if I operate a CMV only in my home state?
Requirements for intrastate drivers are regulated by the DMV of each state. You will need to check with your state DMV. All states have based their DOT physical qualifications on some of the Federal requirements, but may grant waivers for certain medical conditions. If you drive intrastate you can still get your medical card from a certified medical examiner. (Find a CME in your state)
In some cases e.g. FedEx, UPS and DHL, drivers are subject to interstate regulations even if they drive intrastate.
If a truck has a DOT# on its side, does the driver need a medical card to drive it?
Yes, the driver must have a medical certificate to operate a vehicle being used for commerce. So the truck/trailer and driver must be DOT approved, DOT numbers on the truck and trailer and medical card for the driver. You may want to also check you state DMV regulations.
If I’m working for a company is it their responsibility to pay for the DOT physical exam?
That varies from company to company. Some see it as part of the job and some see it as, “if you don’t have a medical card, you don’t have the job.” These is no set in stone answer.
Can’t Find An Answer For Your Question?
If you have a question that you feel has not been answered, scroll down to the Questions and Comments box and post your question.
- Before posting, please make sure you are on the appropriate Category page, so that relevant questions and answers can be found by other drivers too.
- To save us all from zombie spammers, your question will not appear on this page until it has been approved.
- Trucker Docs™ will answer your question as soon as possible.
- Visit this page again soon to see our response.
P.S. Your email address will not be published.
Your comments are also welcome.
in Missouri my card expires feb 18th. is there a grace period before I get down graded or loose my cdl?
I would do it ASAP, but I have seen drivers get their license downgraded because of this
and it may vary in each state. These drivers just went down to the DMV and showed them they had their med card and they fixed it there. So even if you do get downgraded it may not mean
you have to re take all the tests to get your cdl back.
Just don’t play with this stuff, call the states numbers they have on the sheet they sent you.. Its all more about revenue than safety anyway. The roads prove that.
Medical Examiner’s Certificate form # MCSA-5676 has the Medical Examiner’s Certificate Expiration date of 02-28-2017. The question is does the examination expire the first minute of 02-28-2017 or is it good for the entire date of 02-28-2017.
@Billie
It’s good the whole day until 11:59:59pm.
How often must I self certify in Kentucky
@Keith
Kentucky CDL and DOT Medical Card Requirements
My husband had a cardiac stent about eight years ago two years ago the dot dr ordered acardiolyte stress test it was good it cost 4000 dollars they say he needs one every two years his cardiologist says he doesn’t need it because he is doing so well with no problems and his insurance will not cover it because he has had no problems now it will cost over 5000 our dr is not one to order a test like that if not needed if dot wants these drivers to have such expensive test done then the government should pay for it when a cardiologist says there is absolutely no reason to have one that should be it
Hi, and thanks in advance. I live in California and have intrastate only on my license. Can I see a Dr that is not on the National Federal registry for my upcoming Dot physical?
@Rick
Not positive on this one. Check with your local drivers license department and ask them, they should know the answer.
All Physician who issue DOT Medical exams fall under the FMCSA guidelines and still have to be on the National Registry.
If my medical card is suspended due to blood pressure then I get it under control where I pass will I have to retake my CDL test?
@Rob
Once you have your blood pressure under control, you can re-take your medical certification examination. In most states, once you have a new valid medical certificate available, your cdl goes back into effect. That being said though you want to check with your local drivers license department to confirm that this is true in your case.
Hello, November of last year I went to my companies recommended doctor to renew my dot physical which is Concentra. Concentra’s doctor said I needed to take a sleep apnea test. I didn’t agree with that decision and wanted a second opinion. I went to another doctor that is on the DOT registry list, and he approved me with a two year medical card. Now my company is saying that they are not recognizing the second doctor’s approval because of the first doctor’s recommendations for the sleep apnea test, and that I can not work untill I take the test. Is this legal? If the state of Maryland excepted my new DOT card why my company not excepting. Is there a way I can fight this, Thanks
@Dyrell
No. Your issue may be a company policy, but you have the right to go to any NRCME registered DOT doctor.
Your last medical card examination is what is on the national registry. So it sounds like an issue with your company, not FMCSA. If the company states that they want you to comply with the first doctor, have them pay for the sleep study and go from there. If they demand it, they pay for it.
Otherwise your last DOT medical card is still valid for two years.
Thanks Trucker Doc’s for your response. Yes they are giving me a hard time. I’m an O/O without health insurance and they are saying they will not pay for the sleep apnea test. With your knowledge in this field, do you know of anything that will help me to resolve this with this company? I cannot see how this would be policy for them or any other company for that matter, however if it is in fact their policy, can this be over ruled?
I really enjoy working for the company that I’ve been loyal to for so long, starting there as a dispatcher and then working my way up to become O/O. If I can possibly come to a resolve or reason with them, I feel that would be in my best interest.
Also, would you recommend taking legal action against them if they continue to refuse to not accept my current valid DOT registration card?
Thank You Very Much for your time,
@Dyrell
As an O/O you would be considered a private contractor and thus you have the right to use any NRCME registered CME for your DOT medical certification examination. We do not think, unless the company has a written policy in place, that they have the right to over-rule a certified medical examiners findings. So check with HR in the company and see what policies they have in this regards.
Hi I was in the same situation today got a 2 year card but dnt hve the long form with it and so had take exam again and Dr said couldn’t pass me due to sleep study I’ve took exam couple times 90 day to 1 yr bk in November received 2 yrs cause the meds for blood pressure was wkn none of them mentioned nothing about sleep study wht should I do in this situation?
@Joseph
Go get a second opinion somewhere else.
I provided the trucking company I work for my medical certificate. They now state that they also require the 4 page Medical Examination Report. Do they have a right to this? Isn’t this HIPAA info?
@Chris
If they have a HIPAA compliance policy in place, then they can ask for it, and you can ask to see there HIPAA policy in writing.
No policy in place, then you decide.
Can the top copy of the DOT card be separated from the bottom?
@Antonio
If it is a two part copy, then we believe so.
I have a clinic that’s stating they’re correct in dating the determination page of the long form, and medical card with the date before the exam, i.e., exam date 12/21/16, expiration date 12/20/2018. They say that’s how they learned from their DOT physical classes before the new physicals came out last year. We are an Interstate carrier and follow federal guidelines. We have a 3rd party record keeper and I know they would not accept in into their system if the dates didn’t match. Is there an answer in the FMSCR regarding dates matching? Obviously, if they’d obtained 3/6 month cards, I’ve seen them go by the days but this is a 2-year card/physical, thank you.
@Natalie
Weird??? But in reality the examiner can make the expiration date anything they want, as long as it does not exceed the two year mark.
I renewed my DOT card in August 2016. I applied for a position with a company in December. They sent me to have a new DOT physical at the clinic they use. This doctor refused to certify me until I brought in a 90 day sleep apnea analysis from a pulmonologist. Which I cannot do since I’m unemployed. So I did not get the job. Can I continue to apply for jobs with a different company using my current DOT card?
@Andy
If the last examiner did not complete a new DOT physical exam for you, then your previous medical card is still valid. You could confirm this with your local drivers license department that they have a valid medical card on file.
I’m Ralph I’ve been under a doctor’s for pain in my back and knees, I’ve been taking Oxymorphone 20mg. And Oxycodone 15mg twice a day. I’ve have had several drug test ( pre employment,random) And have passed all of them. Has the law changed.
@Ralph
No. As long as you have a written prescription from your doctor, then the drug screens can be negative once the MRO has evidence that you are using the meds as prescribed.
Hello, I have a ny license but wanted to ask you if I can get a dot physical in Missouri. Will they let me take the physical or denied me due to having a ny license?
@Nick
You can get your DOT physical in any state, and the medical card will be valid as long as the medical examiner is on the FMCSA national registry.
I’m having trouble finding work due to a lack of prior work experience. If I let my class A downgrade for 6 months to a year will I need to retest?
@Tom
Only your local drivers license department can answer this question.
Each state treats this process differently.
If California has no variances in the MEC from the Federal standards, does that mean that all Doctors performing exams in California be on the national Registry, regardless of whether a driver is Intrastate only commerce?
I am at issue with both the DMV and the first Doctor I went to for renewing my MEC. DMV turned it down because said doctor is not on the National Registry and even though I do only intrastate commerce, because the back of my DL shows no restriction of interstate, DMV says Doctor must be on National list. I went to a second Doctor on National Registry, but first Dr. says he is in compliance and will not refund my money…..headed to DMV tomorrow with all new forms from second doctor…we will see what they say this time.
The DMV is technically correct. If your license is not specifically restricted to intrastate I can understand why they would deny the first exam you had done. Any CME that is not on the National Registry cannot mark on the exam or certificate that the physical was done to federal standards. The FMCSA requires any CME performing interstate exams to be on the National Registry.
Also, this is a good time to note that it is the driver’s responsibility to know if the CME is on the National Registry. These rules have been changing over the last 2 years as to the training requirements for CME’s. If you do not ever plan on driving interstate it might be a good time to ask your local DMV about having the intrastate restriction and if that changes who is allowed to perform your exams in your particular state. Whether or not it is required to use a CME on the Registry, it is always a good idea too because that particular examiner has proven to the federal government they are willing to stay up to date on FMCSA regulations, which all states have to meet as a minimum anyway. Good luck to you.
Dr. B
DOT Certified Medical Examiner
Hello i had my cdl class b for almost 20 years i recently was not driving a truck so when i renewed my license they downgraded to regular license the lady at dmv said i have 1 year to get medical card and they will automatically reinstate cdl.i was wondering if this is true? From new jersey question is my license was downgraded can i have it automatically reinstated before a year is up? Thank you
@Billy
The process differs from state to state.
So the lady at the dmv would have told you what their process is. Your local drivers license department is the one to confirm this.
My husband has been a cdl A driver for years. Never had a problem getting his medical card. He applied for a new job and they sent him to their doctor (his medical card exp 4/17). He scored a 11 on the sleep apnea and 15 is the limit. The doctor will not approve him. The doctor said he needs to be a 10. This is a huge opportunity for our family. Can a doctor not give him a medical card even though he is within the guidelines?
@Jen
Try getting a second opinion somewhere else. Your numbers look good, so not sure why the examiner is being overly cautious, unless there are other issues. But the second opinion may be the best route.
Husband is type 1 diabetic. He had an interview today and got the job. However, after further research, we are worried his diabetes will prevent him from being hired after all his background checks come in. Is this true?
@Sabrina
Way more detail is needed here to determine if we are the right ones to try an answer this question. Like what type of job, doing what type of work?
In the State of North Carolina, do you have to have your CDL license to drive a 15 passenger Van?
When I first got my CDL and medical card, I was a resident of the state of Indiana. I have since moved to Kentucky, and have transferred my cdl, but my medical card still has my indiana license and license number on it. Do I have to get a new medical card in KY and have it, or can I still use the one with the IN license since it’s in the KY DMV system?
I have self certified before and faxed my card and form but had to update so I faxed my medical card and form to DMV. Are drivers required to self certify every time as well or just fax the updated card and long form? Connecticut CDL holder.
If someone gets a 3 or 6 month card due to a medical reason does that person need to have a whole new physical before the card expires?
@Susan
Yes. And the new forms make it this way.
I work for the city of Chattanooga Tennessee and went for my dot physical and the dr measured my neck and recommend a sleep study within four weeks so ive never had or been diagnosed with sleep problems so try to set up a sleep study and was told the dr had to order it amd he couldnt order it so they made me go to another dr to get the sleep test orderd and he givee.a ninety day card and had tje sleep study and said i had a mild case of sleep apnea and only had 8 episodes on the first srudy then 0 on the second and had a week before my vard ran out so he refused to give me a card till i was on tje machine for thrity days so did he have the right to recommend tje sleep study and refuse to give me.a.card or temp card til the 30 daus was up on my machine
@Joey
Your examiner is following the guidelines ‘to the letter’, so it is totally up to him as to how he wants to handle the medical card distribution.
FMCSA wants a 30 day readout of 70% compliance for at least 4 hours a day before issuing a one year medical card. So yes he has the right to do what he did, based on his reading of the FMCSA guidelines.