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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 white coat syndrome and my blood pressure was one point too high for a two year card this year. doctor gave me a one year card and said I had to get a two next time or I could not drive for a whole year. basically saying if I don’t get a two year I’m not going to be able drive again. is this true are can you get a year over and over again. I live in Texas.
@ Jerry H
NO, this statement is incorrect. You should be able to reduce your blood pressure enough to get a two year card, without taking bp meds. And if for some reason your blood pressure remains high, then blood pressure medications may be needed. Lots of drivers receive one year cards year after year. But if you do pull your bp down without medications, you’re good for two years.
I currently work for a company in Washington State that is considered Interstate. I have a Class “B” designation on my license but do not have a current medical DOT physical. I do drive a company vehicle but it is under 10,000 lbs. My question is am I required to have a current DOT physical card?
@ Cory
Each state is different for medical card requirements. You are a class B driver and fall under the states guidelines and variances. Best to check with your local drivers license department for the correct answer.
I hold a class B DOT license with passenger and school bus endorsements and hold a medical examiners cert card in the state of FL. My license is interstate. I was currently certified for 2 years in May 2020 before this instance. I was off on FMLA for a single instance of vertigo. After fulfilling the requirements along with letters of clearance to return to work, I went for re-cert appointment. I provided a certified med list, signature clearance letters as requested and passed all aspects of testing. However the clinic refuses to release my CDL/med cert card to me so I can return to work. They will not talk to me or give me a reason for withholding my card and I cant get any straight answers. The company I work for owns the clinic where I have to be recertified. I do not know what to do as I feel my rights are being violated. Can they withhold without cause or explanation while I lose wages?
@ Rebecca B
Try going to the company and asking ‘what’s the holdup?’. If no answer, go to the HR department and ask the same question, and if it is some policy issue, ask to see it in writing.
The same thing is happening to me and I dont know what to do. I have a class A and had a bout of depression and took a few weeks off. When I returned to work I updated my meds like I was told so I listed my depression meds which disqualified me and after 4 months of jumping through hoops the drug testing company now says they wont talk to me till 6 months is up,minimal.
I took my DOT Medical Exam a year and a half ago and still have another 5-6 months before it expires. I am also getting ready to test for my permit again because I couldn’t get through the schooling in time before the last permit expired (Covid and family issues made it almost imposable). On the form it says that I’m taking medication for Depression and Bi-Polar Disorder, but I haven’t needed/used the medication in over half a year. Do I have to get a new Medical Exam done before I take my permit test so it shows that I’m not taking medication anymore?
@ David
You would need a medical release form from your prescribing doctors indicating you are no longer using your prescribed meds. And you will want a medical release stating that you no longer need the meds. If you have a new DOT/FMCSA medical certification exam done, the CME will need these releases.
can a driver over 70 get a 2 year medical card, or just a 1 year?
@ Rick B
DOT/FMCSA does not have a specific age that becomes a question. If the CME feels as if your physical, mental, or emotional/psychological state should be checked more frequently, then it is up to the CME to place the limitation on the time frame of the medical card.
@ Rick B
DOT/FMCSA do not have a specific age that requires a one year medical card. If the CME feels that they would like to monitor your physical, mental, and psychological/emotional well being, then it is the CME’s choice. not DOT/FMCSA.
I live in Massachusetts. I’m 71 years old. Had a heart attack 4 years ago so I have to redo DOT physical every year. Since then, have never had any problems passing the stress tests or any previous DOT physicals. Just had a recent stress test which I passed with flying colors and went to my cardiologist and got her letter of approval that I was in “excellent” health and could continue working and receiving my DOT physical certification with no restrictions. Went yesterday, 12/4/20 and passed my physical with no problems or restrictions. Just for your info, I’m 5’10”, 190#, neck 15″, BP 125 over 80 and no current health problems at all. When the doctor made out the medical card, she said I could only have it now for 6 months as opposed to the previous 1 year. When I asked why, she first said because I was over the age of 70. When I reminded her that I was over the age of 70 last year when I received my medical card for the 1 year period, she then said it was because I was not presently working. If fact, I was just laid off from my driving job on 11/30/20 (4 days previously). She insisted that because I wasn’t working, and over 70, I could only have it for the 6-month period. The only reason I went to have it renewed was to keep my CDL as I now have to look for a new job, but didn’t feel right that I seemed to have been shortchanged on this issue. Is this a DOT requirement or was this just her opinion and am I bound by it?
@ James E
It is not a DOT/FMCSA requirement, so it is the CME’s opinion, based on their understanding of the FMCSA’s guidelines. You could go for a second opinion with a different CME.
In NJ the age restriction only applies to school bus drivers. Drivers 70-74 are required to get an additional exam once a year by an MD or DO drivers over 75 must get the additional exam every six months, which the employer keeps on file and must be produced when the bus company has its inspection. I would check with your local DMV to see if Massachusetts has the same rule. Otherwise there is no reason why you would not receive a one year cert. . Two years if you’re not on any medications and have clearance from your cardiologist, then its up to the examiners discretion for 1 or 2 years. check your state rules and regulations and find a new examiner.
@ Mary M B
Based on the history of this driver, he will only receive a one year medical card. Not due to age but his cardiology issue.
If a driver with an amputation has changed CDL status to excepted interstate to avoid having to get a medical card however new employer is mandating that the driver gets a DOT Card and employer mandates that driver meets DOT medical standards for the medical card- does this driver need SPE? This is in a state without any intrastate variances. Thanks
@ Walter
Class A interstate drivers would need a waiver from the DOT/FMCSA to pass the medical certification examination. Drivers that are intra-state only will fall under the states variances and guidelines. Usually you would not pass the DOT/FMCSA (federal level) examination, but then take the results back to the state and they issue the cdl for intra-state only. Check with your local drivers license department for confirmation since each state has differing guidelines and variances.
I have two questions. One is do I need a DOT card if I will be driving a fire truck in NC. Two if I do need one can I get a DOT card with an A1C of 9 %
@ Tammy
Question one would need to be answered by your local drivers license department. Question two would depend on the class license you are required to maintain to perform the job. You are a diabetic and should be monitoring your condition very closely.
are there any recent extensions on medical cardsor is it stii the end of october
@ ann s
The grace period for the FMCSA waiver has been extended to October 31 OR December 31, 2020, depending on expiration date of current medical card. See our blog post for more info COVID-19 Grace Period for CDL Medical Certificates.
Are you as a cdl b driver required when taking your dot physical to lift 75 lbs. in the state of delaware?
@ jack R s
CDL’s are state issued and will be best answered by your states drivers license department.
if you have Hazmat and you get pulled over in a DOT inspection at one company and you drive for another company.do you have to report that you were inspected at the other company?
If I have a cdl in one state can I renew my medical card in a different state
@ James
Yes
Will a picture of my medical card, license, registration, etc. work for a DOT stop?
@ Joe
We are not DOT, so your best bet is to ask a DOT officer
I understand it is the driver’s responsibility to submit MER and MEC forms to the DMV. I also know an employee can be given a citation for driving out of class if driving a commercial vehicle after his MEC expires.
It is also my understanding that even if the employee passes his DMV Physical before the MEC expires and gets a new Cert, if he (or the Dr.) does not then submit said Cert to the DMV as required, he can STILL be cited for driving out of class.
My question is, What is the EMPLOYER’S responsibility with regard to the submission of the MER-MEC forms as required? If it’s the employee’s responsibility, can the company be cited (or sued) for allowing an employee to drive a commercial vehicle with a current but non-submitted MEC? (this question is assuming the employee has advised it is/was done, and I have no way to check)
@ Angela
Your question is more a legal situation and not so much DOT/FMCSA.
I’ve been driving a school bus for years and now have developed diabetes. My A1C was above the qualified limit and now my DOT Physical card is expired. The medical examiner gave me 45 days to get it down to an acceptable percentage. I was not able to do that. I missed the acceptable limit by less than 1%. Have I lost my endorsements and my CDL altogether now?
@ James S
If you are not a class A driver then you would fall under your states variances and not DOT/FMCSA guidelines. Check with your local drivers license department regarding your situation.
I was involved in an accident no fault of my own. Im still under Doctor s care my medical card is about to expire can I get a extension on it till I get well.
If I have a DOT exam that requires additional information to be provided, after the physical, etc. is completed, before the certification can be given, what is the correct date to apply to the certification, the date the physical was completed or the date that all additional information was available?
If my employer paid for my CDL and I change jobs, can the medical provider give me copy of my long form without the previous employers permission:
@ monica m
Different policies all over the US. Ask the doctors office for a copy. If they give it to you, great. If not, then you know the companies policy.
I used to have a cdl but I had to do downgrade, I have an valid dot medical exam that will expire only next year, and now I’m trying to get my cdl in Texas but I obtained my dot medical exam in illinois , can I use the Illinois medical exam in texas or do I need to get a new medical exam issued by a doctor in texas?
@ Cristian N
Your medical card is valid through out the US so it should work in TX.
I’ve worked for the railroad for the past 3 years and haven’t driven in that long as well. my medical card expired on September of 2017, I’m unsure how PA works but how hard would it be for me to get my CDL back if I went and got a new medical card from a doctor? Hopefully someone can help with this question Thanks in advance!
@ Mike G
First contact your states drivers license department to determine what steps need to be taken.
I have an employee whose DOT medical card expires on July 24th, 2020. He went for a physical on July 14th and did not pass. The doctor I spoke to told me she submitted his disqualification to the state. The driver claims his original card is still good until July 24th, 2020. This is not what the doctor told me. Who is correct?
@ Christina
New medical card over-rides the old medical card and his old medical card is now invalid, the CME/doctor is correct.
My med card expires in September 19,2020 I recently was offered a job and the employer sent me to get a new dot physical and the cme gave me a 3 month med card because she wants me to take a sleep apnea test I haven’t added the 3 month card on my license yet can I go to another cme and get a new physical done and get another opinion and add the new card the new cme gives me? Also I won’t be taking that job but I wanted to know if I can just go get a med card at another facility anyway to prevent from Adding the 3 month card the company local cme gave to me please help?
@ Roberto p
Go for the second opinion. The new medical card will override the 3 month card, if the findings are different.
Does the name on the DOT med card have to match the name on the CDL? I have a driver John Smith (name on his CDL), but goes by the first name Sonny. If his med card reads Sonny Smith, is that legal or do I need to have it revised?
@ Sandi
It makes life easier for the driver, DOT inspectors, and highway patrol if the names on the cdl and medical card are the same.
Thank you!