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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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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.
We have a debate here in my group about the expiration of the D.O.T. card. Let say the card shows 08/29/19. Is it valid thru to 23:59:59 / 12:59:59pm of that day?
@ Aloha
Yes.
Hi, I cannot find any medical or physical requirement individuals who drive passenger cars for pay within a state or crossing state lines (uber, lyft, chauffer, taxi, etc.). Where can information on Licensing, physicals or medical examinations and use of cars/automobiles be found for the state of Kansas and Missouri?
Do the physicals or medical exams only apply to individual with CDL’s? They also meet the following, yes?
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.
@ Will H
Start with your local DLD and let them explain your states rules. Each state is different and may have different requirements.
if company cme wants sleep apena test done based on being male/over 50 and 17.25 neck size. Can you go to another cme for second opinion.
@ Bob
Absolutely.
My NJ company was just informed by NJ State Troopers that our 12500 lb. truck needs the dot registration. And I, as the driver, require the medical card. They feel they are exempt (too cheap). What is my liability when they tell me to make deliveries? Is the violation mine or their’s, or both?
@ Mike
If the company is not going to comply with the state DOT, then the violations will be for both, most likely. One, because you are aware of the issue. And two, because the company neglects to follow the rules and guidelines of the DOT.
If you was given a determination pending and your old medical card expires a week later. Can you still drive with those 45 days?
@ Eddie M N
If the CME gave you a determination pending card, then that is your medical card at the moment. Make sure you move forward with the CME’s request for further information. At the end of the present cards expiration you will be without a valid medical card.
I Am an MEAA and have been notified of an error in a submitted MCSA-5875. How do I go about editing this. (use of corrective lenses)?
I haven’t found any method through FAQs. Calling the National number for the FMCSA at the bottom of the web site has a recording that doesn’t provide me an option but to call the field office, and the field office suggests I call the national number.
I’m a non Cdl driver, my medical card is one day over do. What is the grace period before I get told I can’t drive until it’s updated
@ Oscar E
There is no grace period, if you are stopped you will be sited.
I am having a terrible time getting information on renewing my hearing waiver from the FMCSA, No information is listed anywhere such as went to submit the necessary documents before the current waiver expires. Communication with them is non existent. Does it take my home state Senator to get involved to get answers??
@ William K J
It may. also check with your state DLD and ask if they can help you out.
I have had a passenger endorsement before with my previous employer. Let the endorsement go with my new job. I still have my Class A Cdl . How do I go about getting that endorsement added back to my license.
NC Cdl driver
@ James C
Check with NC cdl department for the correct procedures to get the endorsements again.
Do I have to have my long form physical with me at all time. even if I am a local driver? will a DOT officer ask me for my long form? this is for the state of MI.
@ David
A valid medical card is all that is required by the federal government.
Is the DOT “medical card” the certificate the physician gives you at the end of the DOT physical? Or is it a plastic card that comes in the mail?
@ Dylan
It’s now the paper certificate you received at the end of the examination. Big and ugly.
I started a new job, and was required to get a new physical.( I had already gotten a renewed physical a month or so before that was good for a year with a my last employer.) The “ new. “ physical was more stringent and at first I failed, but was able to go back in two weeks and passed with only 3 months card. My question is : does the new 3 month card , disannul my prior 1 year card?
@ S w
Yes, if reported to the FMCSA registry by the examiner.
I passed a 1 year exam but the company I’m hoping to work for says they only hire people who can pass with a 2 year expiration. Can I try to take the test again at another location and will the new tester see that I recently had a test done elsewhere?
@ William L
Everything depends on the reasoning for the first one year card. But you can request a second opinion examination at anytime you like.
Would a women need to get a new card if her name changes by marriage?
@ Doug S
DOT would like to have a matching drivers license and medical card.
The district we drive for has taken over the bus transportation. So we are going from private to public sector. They are only accepting us to have school bus physicals. Will that make the Dot medical card that I have invalid? I have another job that requires me to have a DOT medical card and I’m afraid it will cancel it out.
@ Kim D
There should not be any issues with the different physicals. DOT medicals are registered with the federal DOT.
I am a retired school bus driver that work part time for after school program driving a bus. My medical card is expiring so I went to get a new one. Everything was good (pressure hearing sugar etc) had my sleep compliance report with me as well. Doctor asked me why I had a cane and I told her I had bad knees and my hit was bothering me. She asked me if I could climb up and down in a tractor truck and climb on top to put a tarp over a load and crawl under it to hook up a trailer. I said no so she said she had to fail me. I didn’t know that there is only one dot physical. She said bus drivers are required to do that know and I couldn’t do that. I told her I’m not license to drive tractor trailer I only have passenger endorsement. Has cdl certification changed. Driving 14 years never heard this before. Please help she also said I needed to be able to lift 70 lbs. I am obese but I always have been
@ Shirley P
Your examiner is holding you to DOT/FMCSA guidelines, which were established for class A – long haul drivers. You do not fall under those guidelines, as a school bus driver, you fall under the states guidelines and variances. Get an opinion from an examiner that understands your states guidelines, not just FMCSA guidelines.
Have a new hire with a 30 day conditional med card. Does he have to go back to the same examiner that issued the 30 day conditional or can he go to another certified examiner?
@ Michael
He can go to another CME if he chooses.
Does DOT require stress test if you have been cleared by your heart dr
@ Ron
In most cases yes a new stress test every two years is requested by DOT/FMCSA guidelines.
Is the long part of the form 5875 private medical information, can an employer require a copy as a condition of continued employment?
@ Richard
It may be a company policy, so check with the HR department and ask to see the written policy regarding this issue.
If your medical card expires will you get points on license?
@ Oscar
You need to check with your local DLD, most states just want a valid medical card to replace the expired one.
Upon completion of my DOT physical, does the DOT require that I send the long form (Form 5875-Medical Examination report form) in to them, or just the short form (Form 5876-Medical Examiners Certificate)?
@ Ron
Your examing doctors office will report to the federal DOT. You may need to send a copy of your new valid medical card to your local DOT. Check with your states DLD.
I have been diagnosed with Sarcoidosis and taking prednisone 10 mg a day, can I still qualified for medical card.
@ Ron L
If the condition does not limit your abilities, without restrictions, then you should be fine. If all else is within normal limits.
IS THERE A GRACE PERIOD ON RENEWING A CDL MEDICAL CARD AND HOW LONG IS THAT GRACE PERIOD.
@ GAY
NO GRACE PERIOD…..
I went and got my DOT in another state and the dr office said they would fax it.. looked as if they did.. 3 months later down graded do to no dot card… what now ??
@ Robert
Take a copy of your medical card into your DLD and see what the policy is to have your cdl re-instated.
Check your state. However you can not drive until you update the new card. Texas cans down grade you to a class C if you go over a period of time without updating the med card
Is their a grace the get your medical card reinstated and CDL reinstated
@ Alice T
Check with your states DLD for the reinstatement question.
I have a TEXAS CDL and my Medical card expires IN A WEEK. I can’t afford the fee right now , can I get an extension or is there a grace period ?
@ Mark L
Beg or borrow, but there is no extension or grace period.