FMCSA DOT Logo
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has a list of frequently asked questions on their website.
You can find FMCSA FAQ at this link
Please read through Trucker Docs™ Q&A before posting a question. This will help everyone to not have duplicate questions. Thank you!
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.
Can’t Find An Answer For Your Question?
If you have a question that you feel has not been answered, scroll down to the Questions and Comments box and post your question.
- Before posting, please make sure you are on the appropriate Category page, so that relevant questions and answers can be found by other drivers too.
- To save us all from zombie spammers, your question will not appear on this page until it has been approved.
- Trucker Docs™ will answer your question as soon as possible.
- Visit this page again soon to see our response.
P.S. Your email address will not be published.
Your comments are also welcome.
I just had a 90 day card because of my blood pressure. That is now good but my A1c is now 10.7. Can I get another 90 card since it’s not for the same problem
@ Bill
DOT/FMCSA is a one time 90 day card for high blood pressure. The examiner may do another 90 due to a separate situation, maybe.
I had a DOTFMCSA physical with a bogus examiner and failed. Do I have to reveal this in a new physical exam? Who are all the people who are allowed to see the reasons for failure given?
Will the new examiner be able to see my answers on the invalid physical questionnaire? This was a Non-cdl job. One of the reasons given for failure was I said I am prescribed Norco. It turns out that it was an invalid examiner but a real substance abuse counselor, was that legit?
Also, have an impairment in one eye, 20/20 in other eye(wear corrective lenses)and he put down that I have monocular vision, was that right?
@ AllMessedUp
If your examiner was truly bogus, then no information was placed on the national registry. Let your real CME know that this is for a non-cdl license and you fall under the states guidelines and variances. Then you should be fine.
If I have DOT medical card and it does not run out for 6 months and my new employer makes me go for a new one and if I don’t pass does that void out the old card?
@ Mark
Yes, if the new medical examination findings are recorded on the FMCSA registry, your old card is invalid.
Hello,
When this law started drivers born before a set date were grandfathered in that they didn’t need to have the DOT exam. Is this still the law and if so what is the date? Our business is in New York State.
Thank you
@ Sarah M
The old chauffeurs license were grandfathered in. You need to confirm the medical card requirements with your local drivers license department.
My husband lost his TX CDL this past year due to not renewing his DOT physical in time. We now live in KY and he was forced to downgrade with an online renewal because his licenses had expired and we could not get a hold of the DPS office to release his license to the state of KY. What should he do to get his CDL back and valid for KY? KY says we have to get TX to release it.
@ Carissa
Since cdl’s are state issued and not federal, you will need to work with the states drivers license department. Find out from TX. what is needed to release his cdl for KY. Not sure of TX procedures. Since he lost his cdl privileges in TX, they will be the ones that hold you up.
I am a Canadian citizen and my license just expired… I need a medical done, i have the form from Canada is this something that can be done in the USA
@ Bret
We believe so, but check with the examiner first.
I’m going to be in Europe for at least two years. How will I get a medical certificate? I don’t want my license to expire because I don’t have a medical. I won’t need to be driving a truck in Europe but I will when I return home.
@ Jack
First, check and explain your situation to your local drivers license department, they should be able to guide you from there. Another option might be to get a fresh new medical card now, have it registered and hope to be home within the two year time frame.
I have completed my medical exam and received my cdl permit. On the questionnaire, I listed that I had used illegal substances within the last 2 years. The question was answered honestly, as I currently do not use illegal substances and am confident I would pass a drug screening of any kind. However, because I answered that question with a yes, the company that was hiring me cannot take me on as a driver. A few of the other companies around have all basically said something similar. I feel like I’m being punished for being honest here.
Can I take another medical exam with a different certified examiner and apply to a different company?
@ Kevin F
Does this mean you are going to avoid the truth on this issue?
Yes, get another examiner on your own and apply to another company. You are correct, you are punished for being honest. Ethically and for my safety, and yours, don’t smoke weed or doing any illegal drugs as a licensed CDL driver! Having represented driver’s in vehicular homicide cases since the 1990’s, you are mandated by federal law, while operating a vehicle requiring a CDL, to submit to a chemical test. Any jurisdiction can force you to submit to said test even over any objections. Be careful if you take allergy medications that cause drowsiness as you will certainly be imprisoned for the lives that you take in a collision.
MY PHYSICAL EXAMINER CLEARED ME FOR A CARD.. BUT ISSUED ME A 90 DAY CARD . TOLD ME I NEEDED TO GET A STRESS TEST ,, RETURN WITH THE RESULTS AND I WOULD GET A 1 YEAR CARD. I SCHEDULED THE TEST ,, TOOK THE TEST AND GOT THE RESULTS .. I RETURNED TO THE EXAMINERS OFC WITH THE STRESS TEST RESULTS WELL WITHIN THE 90 DAY CARD EXPIRATION , AS I WAS TOLD .. THE RECEPTIONIST TOLD ME, I HAD TO RESCHEDULE ANOTHER PHYSICAL AND TAKE ANOTHER PHYSICAL AND PAY ANOTHER EXAM FEE !!! BY FMCSA / DOT REGULATIONS SHOULD I HAVE THE WHOLE 90 DAYS TO RETURN THE RESULTS ??
@ HARRY J
FMCSA requires a new examination once the driver has been issued a medical card. Some offices feel this to be a bit of oversight and others don’t.
If the examiner feels that there may be additional risk factors since he issued your last medical card, then he can require a new medical examination.
My Texas CDL “A” Licence was downgraded for failure to submit my new DOT Card in time. I moved to NJ and want get a NJ CDL “A” licence. Will I be able to get the NJ License Class “A “if I show my new DOT card? and current Texas Class “A” (Not expired just downgraded)Or do I have to go back to Texas to show them my card then upgrade My CDL back to an “A” then go to NJ to get the NJ CDL “A”
@ Dean
If your A cdl is current and your medical card is current, then you should be able to transfer over. But, confirm this with NJ driver license department. Each state being different does not help.
The federal statutes require States to allow said transfer so you are good to go!. If you value your CDL, act like it and get things do on time.
I have been a CME for less than a year. I recently had a client who needed DOT physical who will be driving a van, intrastate/no passengers. She does not have CDL license. She is a well-controlled diabetic ON insulin. No previous exams. I told her she could apply for exemption for diabetic on insulin but had to “fail” her due to insulin use and she could return to DMV for advice. (Georgia) Is this correct? She said she wished she hadn’t told that she was on insulin. I have not have this come up before. Recommendations? Thank you.
@ Sherry
If the driver is not a class A driver then he falls under your states guidelines and variances. Your state may not require a insulin waiver.
You were correct to send the driver back to DMV for guidance, and you should be aware of the states requirements as well as DOT/FMCSA.
Does the address on your Medical Examiners Wallet Card, legally have to match your Drivers License address?
@ Tamara K
Should not be an issue. DOT officers may have a different opinion, since most states want you to have a drivers license that states where you actually live.
If I am employed in Iowa but live in Wisconsin which state do I send my DOT physical to?
@ Elley S
In the state that your CDL is issued. If your license is issued in Wis., then Wis. gets the copy.
If my employee is pulled over in a company vehicle by DOT and does not have his Medical Examiner Card on him, is that considered a violation against the company, driver or possibly both?
@ Michele C
This is a DOT question, FMCSA has nothing to do with these issues. Our experience with this has been that it is a violation for both. But, confirm with your local DOT.
I am a DOT medical examiner. I have a new patient who has a CDL but also has new-onset diabetes requiring insulin. He was just diagnosed within the past 3 wks – sugar still not controlled. Is there any DOT paperwork I need to file to inactivate his CDL until he is controlled?
Thank you!
@ David R
If he is a class A driver, then his medical card is no longer valid with a new diagnosis of insulin dependent diabetes.
His cdl is a state issued license and the state needs to be notified.
I recently went for a pre employment dot physical and the doctor gave me 3 months because my weight I’m 5’11 280. She said I need a sleep test now and mind you I’m young …30 years old… I go to the gym and I am in good health with big bones . I currently work and I have a 2 year card the company in with now and it’s certified . I don’t plan on certifying the new card because then it’s void . Not sure what to do here , I don’t care if I get the new job now but I don’t want the get a sleep test god forbid it comes back bad then I need a cpap in my house and I’m now registered in the system. Not sure what to do , just ignore the 3 months card and maybe loose 20 pounds and my BMI would be fine …. need advice
@ Mike
Go get a second opinion from another CME. The DOT/FMCSA does not mandate a sleep study unless there are a multitude of signs and symptoms. Sounds like there is a conflict of interest with the facility you just went to.
I work for a company, in Ks. that leases box trucks & trailers to other companies for their use. These vehicles are always empty when I take them to the customer. Some transfers are across state line, but as before, they are always empty. We are not allowed to put any type of freight in these vehicles.
Do I need to have a DOT medical card?
@ DJ
Most states would require a valid medical card because the vehicles are ultimately being used to produce commerce. But confirm this with your states drivers license department to make sure, one way or the other.
I am currently working for a spotting firm. I have a CDL but I do not have a medical card due to Dialysis. The company that I work for is telling me that it is ok to shuttle loads between facilities that are about 1.5 miles apart on a public roadway. Other companies would not hire me because I did not have a medical card. Do I need a medical card to shuttle loaded trailers between facilities in Illinois?
@ Stephen T C
You are a intra-state only driver and you fall under the states guidelines and regulations. Check with your local drivers license depart for their guidelines. You may have to fail a DOT medical examination, then take the results to the state so they can issue an intra-state only certificate/restriction.
If your on dialysis and you run intrastate only, can you then get a dot medical card?
@ Marcus
Since you will be driving intra-state only, then you fall under the states guidelines and variances. Talk with your states drivers license department for guidance regarding your question. They should be able to guide you in the right direction.
I am a small business owner in PA. I have a 2005 Chevy box truck (4,890 unlaiden weight 12,000 GVWR) that several guys use to transport boxes & inventory for my business several times a year within 5 miles. Two of my guys also travel with it into OH 5 days/ year. What are my DOT and medical card requirements? I cannot be a master of all knowledge, so your input is very much appreciated.
@ Dee
Most state require that a driver driving any vehicle that is used for commerce must have a valid medical card. Not so much a cdl, but a medical card. Check with your local drivers license department to confirm.
I have a class b from Florida and my med. Card expired. Does anyone know if I can still drive a regular automobile with the cdl?
@ Jojo
Best to check with Florida drivers license department. Most states require a valid medical card to maintain a valid cdl.
I have stents they make me take a stress test every year before They will give me a dot physical is this required by cmv
@ Marcus
DOT/FMCSA require a stress test every two years and your physicals are good for one year at the time.
MY PHYSICAL EXAMINER REQUIRED ME TO HAVE A STRESS TEST
AND GAVE ME A 90 DAY CARD ..
BY FMCSA /DOT REGULATIONS ,, DO I HAVE 90 DAYS TO GET THE STRESS TEST AND RETURN TO GIVE THEM THEM RESULTS IN ORDER TO GET A 1 YEAR CARD ??
@ Harry J
See above. BTW, All caps is like yelling at folks