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.
Is there any other purpose for the determination pending status (pg. 4 DOT) other than for the Dr. Office where the DOT is being completed logging that status and holding onto the paperwork pending return after further evaluation?
@Amanda
There is no other purpose for “pending” status. Determination Pending is used when a medical examiner examines a driver and needs more information to make a qualification decision. Using this category provides the doctors office with up to 45 days to collect the information needed to make a qualification decision.
What happens if the driver does not come back with the needed info within those 45 days? Will that exam be null and void? or how is it reported to FMCSA? Thanks
@aschraer
It’s an automatic disqualifier. That exam is not null and void. FMCSA automatically disqualifies you. So you need to make sure you get a new medical examination completed.
I just moved to Maryland from Virginia and I tranfered my CDL Class A license over. I have a valid DOT medical card I just got 2 months ago and it has the Virginia address on it. Do I have to go get a new exam done or is my current DOT medical okay.
@David
Your current medical card is still valid. Maybe keep a copy of your Virginia drivers license in case anyone asks, so they match.
I have a class c license not a cdl. I operate a bread truck that is under 26000 pounds In the state of Illinois. Do I need to pass a physical and maintain a medical card?
@Todd
Yes. Anytime you drive for commercial purposes, e.g. bread truck, lawn services, etc, you need a valid medical card.
How long does the medical examiner have to post the information online?
@Christine
Currently you have until the end of the following month to report results. As of 6/22/2018 this will change to midnight local time of the day following the exam.
If I passed the DOT physical and the only thing that was needed was a current stress test, which i have obtained and passed. The clinic where I did the first DOT physical is now saying I have to complete another physical before they will issue me my regular DOT card. Is this true?
@Lon
Each clinic is different, the FMCSA has no say in this issue.
If the examiner held your results in “pending” status in order to receive the stress test results then the clinic just needs to complete that medical examination.
If the examiner gave you a new medical card, then the clinic has to complete a whole new medical examination form and a new medical certificate which supersedes the previous one. The examiner may chose to repeat the entire physical exam or not depending on the time-frame between exams.
I live in Michigan and was wondering if the company does not pay for the D.O.T medical physical does the driver have a legal obligation to give them the medical long form or just the medical card only?
The employer wants a copy of the long form. The complete medical questionnaire and the doctors exam to keep in my file , They are telling me this is a Federal regulation. Is this true? Do they get a copy? I thought my medical history and the doctors exam was covered by HIPPA. And I only had to give the employer a copy of my medical certificate.
The employer wants a copy of the long form. The complete medical questionnaire and the doctors exam to keep in my file , They are telling me this is a Federal regulation. Is this true? Do they get a copy? I thought my medical history and the doctors exam was covered by HIPPA. And I only had to give the employer a copy of my medical certificate. Do you have an answer to Mark’s question. I find myself in the similar situation. This does not seem to be ethical.
@ Mark & Heavy
If they have a HIPAA compliance policy in place, then they can ask for it, and you can ask to see their HIPAA policy in writing.
No policy in place, then you decide.
does a yard switcher need a CDL
@Tony
This is not a medical question. You need to confirm this license question with your local drivers license department.
Depends on if the switcher operates on a public roadway. Keep in mind that some businesses that allows traffic to come and go as they please could be considered a “public roadway”. If your particular company has a gated facility then a CDL isn’t required. However, a company can still require a switcher to obtain a cdl if they choose to do so.
do you have to get your DOT physical in the state where your license is ussued
@Shelley
No, you can get your DOT physical done by any certified medical examiner anywhere in the U.S.
This is definite for an “interstate” medical card.
If you are getting an “intrastate only” medical, it may be better to find a medical examiner in your state who understands your state variances, which may vary from other states.
We have an employee who has developed a medical condition which precludes her from operating a CMV. While we have removed her from CMV operating duties and will not reinstate her CMV driving duties until her medical condition is corrected and a new medical card has been obtained, is she required to notify the State to report her current status?
Thank you.
@David
Each state is a little different, so this question would be best answered by your states drivers license department.
@David
Each state is a little different, so this question would be best answered by your states drivers license department.
If her current medical card expires in the mean time, DMV will automatically suspend her drivers license so it’s best to be proactive and inform them of the circumstances in the interim.
I will be starting dialysis soon can i be disqualified from getting a dot medical certification card?
@Melvin
Much depends on the class driver you are.
If you are driving Intra-state only, then you will fall into the states variances.
If you are a class A driver, then you will be disqualified as an interstate driver.
Check with your local drivers license department to verify your position. Good luck
We provide DOT physicals at our office. If a driver’s address changes before their medical card expires are they required to obtain a new medical card with their new address?
Thank you for your time.
I went Friday to follow up on blood pressure recheck they fail me aren’t they required to give you at least a 90 day card to give you time to go to dr.Then
I went to a certified .Dr at another dot clinic they passed me then I turn to department of motor vehicles get registered for my license then find out today the first one turned in as failure what do I do now?
@Jim
It looks like the DOT thinks that you are doc shopping.
If the second CME put your data into the FMCSA data base as passed, then you should be OK.
Check with your local drivers license department to confirm that you have a pass now on their records.
In the state of West Virginia how long can a dot physical be expired before you have to retake the CDL test after you have been down graded.
@Jesse
Can’t help you here. The doctors answer medical certification questions only.
You’ll need to contact your local drivers license department to take care of your CDL issues.
If I get denied my DOT card at one clinic can I go to a different clinic to obtain a new DOT? Can I keep trying different DOT clinics until I get a DOT?
@Cristian
Depending on what the health issue is that you’ve been denied, you may be entitled to a second opinion.
No you cannot keep trying – “doctor shopping” will get you in trouble.
Just find out what the health issue is, and get it taken care of.
What is doc. shopping and what kind of trouble can you get in to IF you get caught ?
@Lou
“Doc shopping” is when a driver goes to different medical examiners to try to get around being disqualified for a health condition that should disqualify you.
All results of medical examinations are submitted by the examiner to FMCSA’s online database. Multiple submissions that indicate “doc shopping” will likely disqualify you, resulting in your drivers license being suspended.
Are Pennsylvania employers required go pay employees to renew their medical card if it is required you have a valid card to drive their vehicles? I cannot seem to find the documentation. Any help is appreciated!
If a driver was issued a 3 month DOT certificate, when that 3 month card is up and the driver goes back to the doctor doesn’t he need to have a complete physical again?
@Mary Ann
Yes, he needs a complete physical.
I recently renewed my medical card but forgot to notify the DMV. Is there any way to keep my CDL if I have proof my medical Card did not expire?
@Jonathan
You need to contact your drivers license department asap and find out what the status of your license is. Each state treats this process differently, so just contact the DMV and make sure it is taken care of.
If I drive a Trash truck with air Brakesin the state of Mo. do I need to have a current DOT card?
@John
Anytime you drive for commercial purposes you need a medical card.
Just for everybody’s info: Can I get a copy of my DOT physical long form or will I have to take another physical?
Now I noticed that your answer is yes, but when I called they claim I don’t own those records
that my company does and they wont give them to me. (I just changed jobs and the physical isn’t a month old)
I was givin the runaround for 3 days trying to get a copy, so I called one of their other locations and they said sure come on down.
My question is isn’t this like medical records? I mean if that was the case nobody could ever get any medical records that they’re insurance paid for. I guess I’m just dealing with morons at that one location.
@George
You hit that nail on the head. Good for sticking to your guns and getting the correct answers. The long forms are yours and there are some companies that feel they paid for it, it’s theirs. Bullhockeys!
My boyfriend is having this problem as well. The doctors office won’t give him his medical examination report because they say he needs authorization from his old company. Can they not give it to him? What should we do and how can we get his medical examination report?
I got a defibrillator back in 2015 its been 1 year an no shock can I go back over the road.Thank You
@Terry
Class A interstate driver with a defib unit is not going to fly with the FMCSA. Their guidelines state that you could drive intra-state but not OTR.