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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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is peripheral neuropathy a immediate disqualification on a DOT physical?
@Kurt
It could be if it interferes with your ability to operate a CMV safely.
If it does not interfere, then get a medical release form completed by your primary doctor and take it with you when you go for your DOT physical. Good Luck.
thanks for the quick reply, and i appreciate the help.
Ok so. I have a question. I currently have a 2 year medical certification. Was issued 5 months ago. I was evaluated for everything like normal and now sleep apnea. I passed all obviously since I got two years. I went to oreintation for a new company that required a new medical cert. I passed all conditions but because my bmi is over sleep apnea thresholds but nothing else the examiner is requiring a sleep study. Does this negate my old cert? Them saying I only get a 3 month certification? Or is it still valid? I am wondering because I personally think it is absurd to assume a driver has sleep apnea due too size alone in one persons opinion. I was just cleared 5 months ago and since have actually lost weight. Not significant but 18 pounds.
I do want to say I am not looking to “shop” around. I’m just wondering is it possible the old opinion is still viable. I mean this is such a wide open field of opinions right now that’s one reason the gov put a halt to fmsca to putting rules in place about such an openly interpreted area as sleep apnea laws without proper studies
@Good Trucker
Your old card is still valid.
And there are no regulations to determine sleep study testing. See our blog posts on Sleep Apnea for more information.
So unless this is a company policy and they are paying for it, you might want to reconsider the company.
I want to know what the legal limit of Blood sugar test is and still be able to drive a class A tractor Trailer. I want an actual number not it’s got to be in the normal range answer.
@Michael
There are no hard set numbers for your condition.
You need a medical release form completed by your endocrinologist stating that your condition in stable and under control.
The medical examiner is looking for a confirmation that you are being treated and that the doctor’s treatment is safe, adequate and effective.
Your endocrinologist can give you specific numbers if you need them, but in most cases all they have is a range for normal, since everyone is different.
When taking my Pa DOT physical my blood glucose was 147. The doctor wants an A1C done. At my last physical my A1C was 8.8 .I was told then below 10 was Penn DOT requirement. This time I’m told it is below 9. What is it?
@Gary
It sounds like Penn has its own rules and regulations, so check with your state Drivers License Department and see what they say.
What is the maximum A1C reading and still qualify for a PA DOT medical card
@Gary
Diabetes must be under control, and you should have a medical release form completed by your primary physician. This will help answer any questions the medical examiner will have. Also the DOT physical exam will test for sugar in your urine.
Is it illegal for my employer to withhold my dot physical long form if I request it from them
@Rod
Don’t request it from them. Just look on your medical certificate for the medical examiner’s phone number and call the doctor’s office that did the exam to begin with. They can fax you a copy.
Do Government drivers who cross state lines for transporting medical patients to dr, visits need medical certificates? Vans are reimbursed through 5311 FTA program. Do any vans 16 passenger, or up to 15 passenger need DOT numbers to cross state lines? We have both sized vans.
@Jane
This is more of a state related question, so check with the driver license departments of the states you are driving through.
If a doctor places a card on MEDICAL HOLD pending an experts medical opinion – can I seek a seconded opinion from a more knowledge Doctor certified in DOT exams, and can that seconded opinion Doctor reinstate my privileges, if he strongly disagrees with the 1st doctors assessment? What would I need to do – to do this?
@Allen
Everything depends on why the medical examiner put you on a medical hold until further assessment is completed. There is not enough information here to answer the question.
The medical hold; was in regard to a medication prescribed by an internal medicine physician and a board certified psychiatrist since 2003; with numerous DOT physical’s taken without a medical hold in regards to the medication for ADHD. Since it was clear that the physician performing the DOT physical lacked the clinical education in regards to the medication and its application for ADHD. Is it permissible to seek out a DOT physician, who is educated in the understanding of the medical condition and medication utilized? So the question is “May a person who discovers that the DOT doctor performing the physical is not qualified to make the determination” seek another physician certified under DOT to issue a medical certification based upon their superior knowledge of the condition. Yes, I found another doctor that was willing to do it because of their superior knowledge.
I was in a Motorcycle accident 1 year ago. In that accident I had a Traumatic Brain injury. Since that accident 1 year ago I have had no seizures and I am on no medication. I ride my motorcycle 3 to 4 days a week. I drive 100 miles round trip there and back to work. I used my pickup and pulled my motorcycle trailer to New Hampshire and back for bike week. I used my pickup and pulled my Corvette to Carlisle Pa and back. I have had no physical problems. My Boss rides motorcycles with me and also rides the same distance to work. The question is can I be released to drive? I drive a oil/gasoline tanker.
@Jim
Make sure you have your medical release form completed by your neurologist and take it with you when you get your medical for DOT done.
In most cases you are required to wait for one year post accident, so you should be good to go.
WONDERING IF WE HAVE TO LEGALLY GIVE A COPY OF THE LONG FORM PHYSICAL TO THE CDL HOLDER WHEN HE TERMINATES EMPLOYMENT EVEN IF OUR COMPANY PAYS FOR THE D.O.T. PHYSICAL?
@Carla
Your past employee should have received a copy of his long form when he had the examination originally.
But if all you have to do is give him a copy, then why not?
Can anyone to me if you can get a cdl physical if your doing dialious.
DR. HAS CLEARED ME TO DRIVE.
@Dee
I am assuming you mean dialysis?
You will be restricted to traveling intra-state only, if your state allows you to drive a commercial motor vehicle.
You cannot drive interstate as a CMV operator.
I have a class D license..do i need a medical card from a state certified doctor also?
@Steve
Depends on your state regulations.
A place to start would be to understand What Self-Certification Means –
Depends on the type of commercial driving you do.
Depends on your State regulations, which you can check with your local drivers license department.
hello doc,
a fellow driver quit his OTR position for health reasons. Upon searching for local employment, he had a DOT physical and was NOT hired, but given a 1 month card due to blood pressure. Is there such a thing as a 1 month card? Physical was done in WI. Also, I understand everything to ultimately fall onto the “driver’s responsibility” but in the above docs/questions it is not clear on who exactly updates the state/gov’t of health changes (in this case a degrade of cert). Do ME, or the new registered ME’s, update the state or is this all on the driver? thanks!
@Hobart
1 month card was to push the driver to get his blood pressure under control. Once under control, the examiner will increase the card expiration date out to possibly one year, if all is well.
Secondly, the medical examiner is responsible for getting the information to the FMCSA. The driver is responsible to get it to the state and to their employer.
thanks for a quick reply doc, have a safe holiday weekend!
a lot of wonderful information here. great site, great work.
@Hobart
Thank you for your appreciation. We’re all taking a break this weekend. You too, have a safe and relaxing weekend.
Does a driver with a CDL license have to have a valid medical card if they are driving a vehicle that is under commercial weight(small truck or van) that would not normally require a CDL license?
@Rob
If the driver has a class A license interstate he must maintain a valid medical card to keep his class A, no matter what he is driving.
It’s not the vehicle, it’s the CDL license class and type of commercial driving, that determines the requirement for a DOT medical card. This may differ from state to state for intrastate drivers.
Two follow ups. Would that include personal vehicle? What if the driver had a Class B license?
1. The medical card requirement is determined by the type (interstate vs intrastate) of commercial driving you do.
2. Interstate – you need a medical card.
Intrastate – check with your state/local DLD for class requirements.
Our expertise and advice is focused on the medical issues related to commercial driving.
Contact your drivers license department for licensing related questions.
I was denied a job because I told them I have omitted to take for migraines. Do migraine headaches disquiet you for a CDL ?
@Debra
Not if the condition can be treated successfully.
It’s when your condition interferes with your ability to safely operate a CMV, that you will be disqualified. If your condition is under control, then get a medical release form completed by your primary doctor and take it to the DOT examination.
You might also try the HR department of the company. With proper documentation, you may be hireable.
If you’re 50 year of age. How often you have to renew your dl51?
@George
If you are asking about California medical certification, then you redo the DL51 long form each time you have a medical examination to renew your DOT medical card. Age has nothing to do with it. The expiration date on your card will tell you when you need to renew.
how much time do you get to have after your dot physical to get to your dmv?how long is the period of time given?
@Bruce
Technically, you need to get your new DOT card information to DMV by midnight of the date that your previous medical card expires. Each of the states is trying to play catch-up, so some states are behind and are allowing a little time before it all hits the system. In the future, once the systems are set up you should allow a few weeks for processing, so get your new information in early.
If you have sleep apnea, what are the required hours of use for a CPAP, and other CPAP requirements of use are required by law.
@Paul
It is a percent of time used, like 80% of your time spent sleeping.
So check with your primary care provider for what his best recommendations are for you.
If a driver has a false med card, will the dot suspense their license without informing that driver first
@Del
I hope so. Most drivers are unaware that DOT as well as Highway Patrol are calling to confirm medical cards. So if he is stopped for any reason, he may be shutdown right then and his CDL may be in jeopardy.
How long do we have before our new employee has to get an MEC and can they drive during this period.
@Roxanne
The moment you hire a driver he should have a MEC. There is no grace period.
As long as he is not driving a vehicle that is being used for commerce then he can drive on a basic drivers license. But a commercial vehicle has no exceptions, and no grace period.