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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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Question. If an employee is driving a water truck With air brakes on company property only, do they need a dot card?
@ Mandy
If the driver is nota cdl holder, then in this case, he probably does not need a DOT medical card. If he moves onto state and federal roads, then he would.
I have a medical card and I just got a new one from different employer, my first card is still valid until 02/2022 and the second until 06/18/2022 do I have to report to the secretary of state about the second?
@ Ricardo R
Your most recent medical card has been reported to the DOT/FMCSA data base and invalidates your 2/22 medical card. It would be best to report the new medical card to the state. By doing so you avoid any questions regarding which card is valid or not.
I am moving from MO to TN. I have had a CDL for 20 years, but have not had to carry a med card due to always working for a Gov agency. When I switch states, will I be able to keep my CDL without a card? I am not going to be driving any commercial vehicles unless I am hired by a Gov agency again.
@ A Hey
Your cdl is a state related issue. You need to check with TN. to determine their requirements for valid medical cards and maintaining a valid cdl.
I have a medical card registered and valid, but new employer wants new physical. I have a regular irregular heart rhythm and the examiner wants a echocardiogram. So he put me on a pending statues .Meanwhile another employer can use current valid physical card. Is this allowed?
@ Gary
Yes, if the information has not been sent into the DOT/FMCSA registry data base, your valid medical card should still be good.
If I change my tier from interstate to intrastate do I need a fed med card to keep all the endorsements on my CDL?
@ Terry K
Your cdl and all your endorsements are state issued and fall under the states variances, check with your state drivers license department for your best answer. Also, when you do need a new medical card, make sure your explain to the examiner that you are intra-state only.
we have an employee who has lost his CDL due to a couple of DUI’s. it is unlikely that he will be getting his CDL back anytime soon, does he still need to have a current Medical Certificate?
Even if he is not required to have the med cert, would it be a good idea for us to require it, as he may still be operating equipment such as a backhoe, digger, skid-steer, etc.?
@ Bob G
Each state is different, most states require a medical card if the driver is going to be operating a vehicle for commerce. If your driver is going to be driving a company vehicle towing a backhoe or other piece of equipment, then the state may require a valid medical card, even though it is not a cdl. Check with your state for their requirements.
Hey i had few questions i had seizure back in early 2018 i was wondering i would i be able get dot med card and if i passed. Would i be able just go to my local rmv and get my CDL back or go thru testing and schooling again? And im on meds by the way haven’t had anything happen to me in 2 half years
@ Chris t
The seizure episode is going to raise questions, but with proper documentation and supporting evidence from your treating physicians, you may be able to obtain a medical card. Your cdl is state issued and the state operate on its own set of rules and variances. Check with your state regarding your cdl.
With the carvana virus do we still need to get DOT med cards the doctors office are infected with the virus. Or is there existent on the medical card
@Robert
FMCSA has put in place a grace period for expired or expiring medical cards. Check the information at the link to see if you qualify for the grace period.
Are there any grace periods in place for medical cards during covid 19 pandemic?
@ William
US congress has proposals in progress regarding possible extensions for medical cards, but have not put the extensions in place at this time. DOT officers may still be operating on the present rules which means that a medical card expires at midnight of the expiration date. We would all expect that extensions will be allowed, but not as of this time.
Update March 24: FMCSA has issued a Notice and a Waiver allowing a grace period for expired medical cards during the COVID-19 national emergency.
Can a CMV driver have 2 valid DOT medical cards at the same time? What DOT regulation speaks to this?
@ Mary
The FMCSA and National registry can only support one medical card at the time. The drivers most recently registered medical card is the only valid DOT medical certification card.
I recently moved from n.y. To Massachusetts I just received a letter from RMV mass. Saying my driving privileges have been suspended. Saying I violation In n.y. .
I looked into it and went on the n.y. Website dmv. My license has been suspended because my cal medical certification has expired.
When I moved to Massachusetts I had my physical exam in time time frame it was due…, I’m confused Massachusetts and n.y. Have not exchanged my information.. I didn’t think it was up to me to do anything since I’m registered and legal in this state now..when I got my exam I asked the doctor do I need to do anything he said not a thing… so now I sit with no driving privileges , I always do the right thing always.. has anyone had this issue ?
@ Bill
If you have a valid medical card, then all you should need to do is make sure that the state your drivers license is issued from has a recent copy of your medical card on file. Covid disruption is running rampant in all states at the moment. Your state issued drivers license is the only one who needs your copy of the new medical card. If you change state licenses then the new state will need a copy too.
Does a DOT employee re-hired within 6 months need all paperwork completed again or can the paperwork within the last 6 months be used?
I have not used my CDL in 2 years and not sure when I will…my dot physical expires in 2 days…. if not driving do I need a new one…just need to know if I need to hurry down
@ Ron
Most states require a valid medical card to maintain a valid cdl.
Can I go get my husband medical card for him
@ Stacy
Are you just picking up the medical card following his examination? Otherwise no.
I am out of work on workers comp I received a letter from the DMV claiming they are going to down grade my CDL because my medical Card has expired do I need to get a new one now or wait to get the doctors clearing toI be able to get my CDL back
@ Carlos
You will need to be fully released without restrictions or limitations before you can get a new medical card. You might trying to explain to the DMV your situation and let them guide you from there.
I was in driving school while moving and my medical card has my new address but the cdl does not they are both in the same state. Will I get penalized for that by DOT?
@ NQuari W
It will work fine. At some point and time you may want to have both with the correct address.
@ NQuari W
Not a big issue and at some point you will want to have both with the same address.
My dot medical card expires on 2/25/20. The doctor said that I can’t drive the bus on that day because it’s expired. My boss says I can until 12:00 midnight. Who is right here? I live in Minnesota.
@ Sharon S
Card expires at 12:00 midnight of the 25th. You are legal until then.
I have a thoracic aortic aneurysm that measures 4.2 mm. Ive had it for several years and have been keep track of it and it has not grown in size. Can i get a school bus medical card?
@ Bonnie W
The medical examiner will want supporting documentation and you are applying for a school bus driver medical card. Explain to the examiner that you fall under the states variances and not FMCSA guidelines and regulations.
My DOT medical expires 03/22/20 so I just went and got it renew today 02/17/20 but when I go to self certified myself on the DMV page in CT it says that I’m not certified and that it expired on 01/22/20 but why? Did I had to renew my Medical 60 days before the expiration date? I need help with this please and thank you
@ Luis
You should be fine. Get with your local drivers license department and ask more questions. Especially as to how or why your medical card expired in January of 2020. Your new medical card should bring you up to date.
I’m confused! I manage vehicles requiring drivers to have the FMCSA DOT Medical Card only. I have a driver who is expiring who called to get an appointment to complete his physical, however his appointment is a week after his present card expires. The Doctor he made the appointment with told him not to worry DOT Medical Cards carry a two week grace period after they expire and he will be in before then. I’ve never heard of this they usually expire on the last date on the certificate, so my question is has there been a change? Is there such a grace period?
@ Steve
It may be an issue where the CME knows that the state registry process is 2 weeks behind, but there is no grace period. If your driver is stopped by a DOT officer with a out of date medical card, he may be sited.
I got a question for everyone my for card expires in three months. When I go back to renew it. Do I have to take a drug test again ????
@ Wayne B
Drug testing is done with the employers request only. DOT medical examiners do a urine testing for blood, sugar and protein.
I have a work related injury that will keep me home approx. 2 weeks past my med. card exp. date. My card expires on 02/22/20 I will not be able to be cleared to go back to work until the 1st week of March.I live in TX. How long of a grace period do I have to renew my med. cert. because of a temp. med. problem before they downgrade my license?
@ Gary
Each state is different. Check with TX. DLD and explain your situation. It may only require a new medical card, once you have been released, without limitations or restrictions, from your doctors. But confirm with TX.
I have my CDL (issued in TN). I no longer have any use for it… how easy is it to go from a CDL to a regular drivers license? What do I need to do in order to make this change?
@ Corey K
It is no big issue. Check with your local drivers license department and explain what you want to do. They will guide you from there.