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The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has a list of frequently asked questions on their website.
You can find FMCSA FAQ at this link
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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.
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Your comments are also welcome.
I have a DOT card that doesn’t expire until mid 2019, I got hired at a new company and they had me redo my DOT physical and drug screen for a new DOT card, does that make my previous card invalid, am I no longer able to carry it? (I have two weeks left for my current company until I start my new job.)
Good question I have trying to find out myself and can’t get an answer
If you don’t complete the physical and it’s reported incomplete what happens then? Is that the same as being marked as failed?
@ William C
Incomplete examinations are not reported to FMCSA/DOT.
@ Zachary M
New examination has been reported to the Fed and the state, old card should be invalid.
My husband was changing jobs and of course had to go to their Doctor for Dot physical even though he just got a 2 yr card. Their Dr said he needed to bring in a result sheet from an at home test he did 5 years ago. Which he did and his score was AH=10 which showed he had a sleep apnea but it was considered under the scoring for a mild case, if I am understanding the guidelines and he had lost at least 20 lbs since then. He is 53 yrs old 6′ 9″ and weighs 293 so his BMI is right close to the 33 which if he lost a few lbs he would be under it. Their Dr said he needs to do a full sleep study. The Dot regs state if it is a moderate to severe case he would need to control the apnea. He already did the at home one so why won’t he pass him? He could have not said anything about the test he had done back then but he is an honest man and our DOT Dr said it was mild so I am confused. Am I miss understanding the guidelines? He now had to take another job and of course we don’t have the insurance to pay for a full one there is no way we can afford the $1800 cobra from his previous job. Thank god he has his 2 yr already but he wants to work for this Fortune 500 company. Is there anything we can do like talk to one of their other Drs or what?
2 Jean
FMCSA has guidelines and regulations. They can be over read. Go elsewhere for a second opinion.
Can I carry a photo of my med card or do I need to have the paper copy on me?
@ Alli
Best advise is to do both.
When the CDL driver presents his Med Cert card, must the employer verify that the Medical Examiner is a registered examiner?
@ Sally S
Not really, but it’s a good idea to confirm that the examiner is on the registry, otherwise your certificate is invalid.
I have been driving with Landstar for a few years- now I have my own corporation( i.e. my own DOT/MC). I got my DOT Medical certification about 6 months ago- Will I need to re-do it? ( I assume no because I will be driving under my own corporation and no longer Landstar hence my policies apply, as the medical/physical is valid for 24 months, correct?
@ Harry G
Correct, good luck
When is a driver certified under Federal Regulations and when they are certified with State Variances?
@ Justin
All class A drivers fall under the FMCSA rules and regulations. Most states have adopted the FMCSA examination standards, but have milder rules and regs. The examiner should know both the states and the FMCSA regulations so he can make the appropriate decision.
During DOT physical blood sugar level was elevated. No history of diabetes. Blood pressure fine, eye exam 2 months prior no problems. No insulin or medication as this is first time diagnosis. Understand that I need to look into this and take necessary steps for my health but need to work. Is there a temporary medical card I can obtain while sorting this out? They denied my medical card and my current card expires 7/8/2018.
@ Casey VanC
This falls under the CME’s discretion. He must weigh the facts and consider the safety risk and then decide if you do or do not get a short card.
Hi Casey,
Depends how high it was elevated.My husband’s A1C was 11.7(he was on metformin for type II) (needs to be under 10,preferably around 5)They gave him a 3 month card.I read about a supplement called Berberine.I mentioned it to his primary and she just blew me off.I purchased Berberine GlucoDefense from drwhitaker.com and in 10 weeks it brought his A1C down to 9.1.They gave him a 1 year card.Year is almost up so going back soon.To your good health…
What does it mean if the paper they hand you says denied first card?
My husband is out of state & did just get his DOT physical done. He wanted to mail/ fax it to a DMV in the state resides in. I called and they said he HAS to be present when he goes to the DMV to renew his license. Is there any way he can get around this? He would have to make a special trip home and is 12 hours away.
@
The question would be best answered by your local DMV.
@ Mariah
The best answer will come from your local DMV.
If I have a valid medical card for 2 years, can my employer request an updated card every 6 months?
@ Christine R S
If it is in the companies written policy and they are willing to pay for it, then yes.
My husband has flat feet, will he be able to pass the dot physical
@ Danielle K.
Unless it inhibits his ability to safely operate a cmv, then he should do fine, if all else is within normal limits.
A company required me to get a Physical even though I had a current medcard valid for another year. The clinic would not give me a copy of my new 2 year medcard because they said the employer had instructed them not to give me a copy of my medcard and that I would have to get a copy from my new employer. Is this legal? Is there a DOT regulation that covers this? I was told by another driver that the company does that to keep you from getting a free physical on them if you decide not to go to work for them.
@ Denise
It is not FMCSA here, this is a company policy that you are dealing with. Ask to see the written policy from the HR department.
The medical examiner is required by law to give the driver a copy of the medical card – no charge
The driver can ask for a copy of the long form medical form however the medical examiner can charge $$ for it.
The medical examiner cannot give the employer a copy of the long form medical form unless the driver signs a consent form authorizing the medical examiner to release a copy.
§391.43 Medical examination; certificate of physical examination.
(g) Upon completion of the medical examination required by this subpart:
(1) The medical examiner must date and sign the Medical Examination Report and provide his or her full name, office address, and telephone number on the Report.
(2)(i) Before June 22, 2021, if the medical examiner finds that the person examined is physically qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle in accordance with §391.41(b), he or she must complete a certificate in the form prescribed in paragraph (h) of this section and furnish the original to the person who was examined. The examiner must provide a copy to a prospective or current employing motor carrier who requests it.
(ii) On or after June 22, 2021, if the medical examiner identifies that the person examined will not be operating a commercial motor vehicle that requires a commercial driver’s license or a commercial learner’s permit and finds that the driver is physically qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle in accordance with §391.41(b), he or she must complete a certificate in the form prescribed in paragraph (h) of this section and furnish the original to the person who was examined. The examiner must provide a copy to a prospective or current employing motor carrier who requests it.
Can a medical examiner refuse to perform an exam if the driver has an expired driver’s license, ie, not a valid source of identification.
@ Latasha S
If you need to have a medical certification card to obtain your drivers license, then your identification/expired drivers license should be accepted. Some states will not accept a new medical card without a valid drivers license. Check with your states drivers license department to make the final determination.
What if I have a expired Dot medical certificate in failed the random drug test from the company I work will it still show up on my DOT record if not valid
@ E
Probably not.
Random drug tests are not attached to your DOT record (CDL, Medical Card or PSP).
Your employer is required by law to give that information to any future employer that asks along with SAP information.
Yes. A valid license is required to get a physical.
We have a situation where an existing employee went to our company’s designated physician for his physical in order to renew his CDL license and the physician did not clear him. He decided to go to another physician at a non designated location to get the physical and that doctor cleared him to get his CDL. Both physicians are listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. What is the company’s liability if the driver is involved in an accident causing harm to himself or others and we chose to let him work as a driver because a 2nd physician cleared him?
@ Angela
CDL or medical certification card? 1. Why was he unqualified at the first examiner and then cleared by the second opinion examiner. The first examiner put the information into the FMCSA website as unqualified, but the second examiner put the information on the FMCSA website as passed. You need to know why he failed the first examination. If it was a ligament question by the CME, then you should follow his recommendation. If it was a second opinion because the first examiner failed your driver on a technicality, then you can follow the second CME’s findings. The risk falls on two parties, the examiners in question and you to have all the information available to determine if your driver is a safety risk.
@Angela – request a copy of the long form medical from both doctors and find out the reason. That will determine your liability should he have an accident.
If I live in PA. Is it legal to get medical card from a different state
@ Bruce
Yes.
Is there any age guideline? We had two 18 year old prospect employees from out of state. They do not have CDL however are required to have a DOT med card to drive any DOT registered vehicle. I was told by the cert med examiner that under 21 they have I be DL licensed in the same state as their m d card. Is that true?
@ Shirley
No. Medical cards are federal and can be used in any state.
Hello I have a CDL class B.I do not use it for my job,it just something i have.I admitted to smoking marijuana in the past on my MCSA -5875.I told the doctor i tried it for pain.I passed the physical,and he gave me my card My question is will the DOT make me take a drug test.Also i work for The US Postal service,will they alert them to this.Thank you for your help Patrick
@ Patrick
DOT will not request a drug screen and it is highly unlikely that your work would be notified.
@Patrick. The DOT will not request a drug test but your employer could find out. All they have to do is ask for a copy of your long form medical and your answers to questions will be seen. What the post office does with the info will be up to them.
I’ve recently went for a pre employment dot physical and passed everything and received my dot card valid for 2 years, an couple days later I’ve recieved a call from the employer saying that I’m not cleared didn’t complete physical when I’ve completed everything they’ve ask me to do. Is that legal for them to do that to me, is there anybody I can speak to about this situation. I feel I f I wasn’t cleared for my physical why give me a dot card valid for 2 years?
@ Quintin
If you have a valid medical card in your possession, then you are good to go. Can’t answer the company policy question for you.
Yes it is legal. No one HAS TO hire you. What you got was just a lie from the potential employer. They use excuses including medical, background or license “issue” to gently deny employment to applicants. You have a new 2yr medical card. Start applying to other places.
My Medical Certificate expired more than 2 years ago. I recently moved to Arizona from California, I need to get an Arizona License. A doctors receptionist has told me in Arizona I only have 1 year to renew my Medical Certificate to avoid all new testing for a Commercial License. I’m not sure this is correct, if so, should I get my DOT Physical and first send it to California to get reinstated before going to Arizona Motor Vehicle ? And is there a limit on how long you can have be without a current Medical Certificate on file ? I realize my commercial part of my license would be non-valid during this period.
@Harold
You’ll need to check with California DMV. Most likely they have downgraded your license. Only they can tell you the process and if they will reinstate a CDL.
Each state has their own regulations and process, so Arizona may be different from California.
I have a copy of my medical certificate and currently trying to get hired. The company I applied to ran a MVR on me and are saying that my medical certificate isn’t showing up on the MVR. How am I able to get it on there?
@ Tiffany
Go to your local drivers license department and have them include your medical certificate in your file.
My medical card expires in one month was given three month card but have been working on no and is down to passing do I need a doctor’s letter to go back to get new card this is by company request their doctors in Arkansas I can go to my state and get a new physical at any registered for clinic but did not take meds to lower no just excercised and ate better
@ Mario Alberto G
The note from your primary will be very helpful to the examiner. The CME will, most likely, will ask for one anyway.
Currently we have one of our drivers whose medical exam expired last week. We understand that his CDL is not valid due to this and will be able to go back to work until he goes in for a new medical exam. His CDL was obtain in Mexico, however it is the international CDL (Licencia Federal) which is valid to drive Mexico, United States, and Canada. My question is, can he go in and get the CDL required medical exam done here or sense his licence is from Mexico does it have to be taken over there? He goes through scale houses and they run his licence and gets cleared every time after they check his medical paper. Would his licence be valid if his licence is from Mexico but his medical exam is from our local certified doctor?
@Alesa
He just needs a valid DOT medical certificate to continue driving, even on a Mexican license.