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The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has a list of frequently asked questions on their website.
You can find FMCSA FAQ at this link
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Q&A
Where can I get the new DOT physical / medical examination forms?
Which drivers are required to have a DOT medical certificate?
Does a DOT medical card have to be obtained in the same state as the CDL is from?
Is the DOT medical card transferrable or do I have to get a new one when I start a new job?
Is there a difference between a DOT medical certificate and a DOT physical card?
What are the DOT physical requirements?
Does the DOT physical exam include a drug test?
Can I get a copy of my DOT physical long form or will I have to take another physical?
What do I do if my medical card gets lost or damaged?
Do I need a medical card if I’m a local driver?
What’s involved in a DOT physical examination?
Who can I go to to get my DOT physical exam done?
What is a waiver or exemption and how can I get one?
For how long is my medical certificate valid?
Can my Company have different medical requirements than the FMCSA requirements?
What if I develop a medical condition while my current medical certificate is still valid?
What do I do with the medical certificate and long form once I get them?
Do I need to have a medical certificate if I operate a CMV only in my home state?
If a truck has a DOT# on its side, does the driver need a medical card to drive it?
If I’m working for a company is it their responsibility to pay for the DOT physical exam?
Where can I get the new DOT physical / medical examination forms?
PDF Versions of the forms are available at these links on the FMCSA website:
- Medical Examination Report (MER) Form, MCSA-5875
- Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC), Form MCSA-5876
Which drivers are required to have a DOT medical certificate?
Interstate:
All CMV drivers who operate in interstate commerce are required to have a medical certificate based on FMCSA requirements.
- If they operate a motor vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), gross combination weight rating (GCWR), gross vehicle weight (GCW), or gross combination weight (GCW) of 10,001 pounds or more.
- If they transport hazardous materials, in a quantity requiring placards.
- If they operate a motor vehicle designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers (including the driver).
- If they operate a motor vehicle designed or used to transport between 9 and 15 passengers, for direct compensation, beyond 75 air miles from the driver’s normal work-reporting location.
Intrastate:
- Intrastate certification is regulated by the DMV of each state. All states have based their physical qualifications on some of the Federal requirements, but may grant waivers for certain medical conditions.
- Some carriers e.g. FedEx, UPS and DHL, are subject to interstate regulations even if they drive intrastate.
Does a DOT medical card have to be obtained in the same state as the CDL is from?
No. An Federal DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate (Interstate) is valid nationwide so you can get certified in any state, no matter which state you have your CDL.
See also: Who can I go to to get my DOT physical exam done?
I have a CDL and have been notified to present DMV with a medical certificate or I will lose my driving privileges. I’m not currently driving and may not drive again. Do I need to get a DOT physical just to maintain my license?
For more information see our blog post New FMCSA Medical Certification Requirements.
In order to keep your CDL, some states will allow a CDL holder to certify in a category that does not require a medical certificate e.g. Intrastate Excepted, if they are not currently driving.
You will have to check with your State Drivers License Agency (DMV) to see if they permit this option. This will give you a way to maintain your CDL without a current medical card.
If you want to start driving again, you will first have to get a new medical card, and then visit your DMV, to self-certify in the category that is appropriate for the type of driving you will be doing.
Is the DOT medical card transferrable or do I have to get a new one when I start a new job?
A DOT medical card is valid nationwide and can be used by any company so you don’t have to get a new one.
However… There are companies that have a policy in place that states they want you to have the physical exam done by their own examiner. They can require you to take a new physical exam, if is company policy. They also usually will pay for the exam if they require it.
Is there a difference between a DOT medical certificate and a DOT physical card?
No. These terms are used interchangeably. They are most often referred to as a DOT medical when referring to the DOT medical card, and DOT physical when referring to the DOT physical exam, and sometimes drivers refer to them as a CDL physical or CDL medical.
What are the DOT physical requirements?
Here are 3 ways to understand the DOT physical requirements.
- The hard way:
Read the FMCSA Rules and Regulations Part 391.41 Physical Qualifications For Drivers - The technical way:
Understand what’s on the DOT long form MCSA-5875, FMCSA DOT Medical Examination Report Form - The easy way:
Read Trucker Docs’ guidebook, How To Take The Stress Out Of Getting Your DOT Medical Card
Does the DOT physical exam include a drug test?
The DOT physical exam requirements do not include a drug test. You will still have to give a urine sample which is used for a kidney screen for potential medical conditions.
However, companies require a pre-employment drug test. So your company may request to have a drug screen done at the same time as you take your DOT physical. Not all medical examiner’s offices that conduct DOT physicals have a drug testing service.
Can I get a copy of my DOT physical long form or will I have to take another physical?
Yes, you can get a copy. Just look on your medical card and find the examiner’s phone number. Call and ask for a copy of your medical long form. They may charge you a few bucks for the service, but it’s cheaper than a new examination.
What do I do if my medical card gets lost or damaged?
Call the doctors office that did the original DOT exam and find out what the process is to get a duplicate made and sent to you. The medical office has to keep this information on file for at least three years, so they will have it.
Do I need a medical card if I’m a local driver?
Requirements for local drivers (intrastate) are regulated by the DMV of each state. You will need to check with your state DMV if you are a local driver. All states have based their DOT physical qualifications on some of the Federal requirements, but may grant waivers for certain medical conditions. If you’re a local driver you can still get your medical card from a certified medical examiner. (Find a CME in your state)
In some cases e.g. FedEx, UPS and DHL, drivers are subject to interstate regulations even if they drive intrastate.
What’s involved in a DOT physical examination?
To best understand what’s involved in a DOT physical, read Trucker Docs™ guidebook, How To Take The Stress Out Of Getting Your DOT Medical Card.
See also the FAQ – What are the DOT physical requirements?
Who can I go to to get my DOT physical exam done?
New federal regulations state that starting May 21, 2014, CMV drivers can get medical certificates only from a medical examiner who is FMCSA National Registry Certified.
(Find a registered CME)
Updated: May 2014
Starting May 21, 2014 you can only get medically certified by a federally certified medical examiner – called a CME or Certified Medical Examiner. That examiner will have a National Registry Number, which must be included on the information on the medical certificate issued to a driver.
Medical professionals who participate in the CME program may be MD, DO, DC, APN, or PA.
The caution here is that even though these professionals are certified by FMCSA, some states will not recognize certain categories of medical professional to qualify drivers within that state. The information we have at this time is: Michigan and Washington do not qualify chiropractic physicians to issue medical certificates for their drivers.
What is a waiver or exemption, and how can I get one?
A waiver or exemption gives a driver temporary relief from a regulation; one of more of the FMCSRs.
FMCSA Exemption Programs are for drivers of CMVs that intend to operate in interstate commerce. A driver may apply for an exemption from any of the standards where the driver can show that safety would not be diminished by granting the exemption. The exemption is granted for up to two years, and may be renewed.
See the FMCSA Driver Exemption Programs for more information and details of how to apply.
Intrastate commerce: FMCSA does not have statutory authority to grant waivers/exemptions to drivers from states’ intrastate requirements. Therefore, the FMCSA waivers/exemptions do not permit regulatory relief for drivers who plan to limit their operations to intrastate commerce.
For how long is my medical certificate valid?
- 2 years if the driver meets all the FMCSA standards (see DOT physical requirements)
- If the driver meets standards, but periodic monitoring is required for certain conditions, a medical certificate will be issued for a limited time period. Depending on those conditions the period could be 1 year, 6 months, 3 months, or some other time limit. e.g. Medical conditions stable, on treatment include hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, sleep disorder, conditions qualified under exemption.
- If the driver does not meet FMCSA standards, then medical certification is disqualified. e.g. Disqualified due to medical condition and/or medication, stage 3 hypertension, insulin-dependent diabetes. “Does not meet FMCSA standards” means the driver is not medically qualified at the time of the examination. Until a certified medical examiner makes a determination that the driver is medically qualified the driver is not able to operate a CMV in interstate commerce.
My medical certificate only expires in nine months. What if I recently developed a medical condition that I couldn’t drive. Can I drive truck again now?
Even if you currently have a ‘current’ medical certificate, you are prohibited from driving a CMV with any medical condition that would be disqualifying or may interfere with the safe operation of a CMV. Once a disqualifying medical condition is resolved, and before resuming operation of CMVs, you are responsible for obtaining re-certification from a Medical Examiner.
Can my Company have different medical requirements than the FMCSA requirements?
A company must a least meet the FMCSA medical requirements. However, company policy may impose stricter standards than those required by FMCSA.
Can my new employer make me get a DOT physical even if my current medical certificate is still valid for another 18 months?
Yes, the employer can require you to take a new physical exam, if is company policy. They also usually will pay for the exam if they require it.
What if I develop a medical condition while my current medical certificate is still valid?
If you develop a medical condition that may interfere with the safe operation of a CMV, you are disqualified from driving while you have that condition. Once a disqualifying medical condition is resolved, and before resuming operation of CMVs, you are responsible for obtaining re-certification from a Medical Examiner.
What do I do with the medical certificate (MEC) and long form (MER) once I get them?
The Driver:
- Carry the original medical card (Medical Examiner’s Certificate, form MCSA-5876) with you at all times you are driving.
- Keep a copy of the long form (Medical Examination Report, form MCSA-5875) for your records. Even though DOT regulations state that you only need to carry the medical card with you, you’ll save yourself hassle if you carry the long form as well.
- It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure that they have a current Medical Examiner’s Certificate on file with their CDL, so make sure you renew the copy of your Medical Examiner’s Certificate together with your Self-Certification affidavit at your State Drivers License Department. (more info on Self-Certification)
The Company:
- The motor carrier is required to keep a copy of the Medical Examiner’s Certificate in the driver qualification file. Drivers, make sure you provide a copy of the Medical Examiner’s Certificate to the company that employs you.
Certified Medical Examiners:
- The medical examiner is required to provide the driver with a paper copy of the original Medical Examiner’s Certificate, form MCSA-5876.
- The medical examiner is required to keep the original long form and a copy of the medical certificate on file for a least three years.
- The medical examiner is required to enter driver examination results online to the National Registry system for each interstate driver examination. The examination results information is reported whether the examination is completed or not i.e. If a driver leaves the examiner’s clinic during the examination because they do not wish to continue, the medical examiner will report the results as “Incomplete Examination”.
Do I need to have a medical certificate if I operate a CMV only in my home state?
Requirements for intrastate drivers are regulated by the DMV of each state. You will need to check with your state DMV. All states have based their DOT physical qualifications on some of the Federal requirements, but may grant waivers for certain medical conditions. If you drive intrastate you can still get your medical card from a certified medical examiner. (Find a CME in your state)
In some cases e.g. FedEx, UPS and DHL, drivers are subject to interstate regulations even if they drive intrastate.
If a truck has a DOT# on its side, does the driver need a medical card to drive it?
Yes, the driver must have a medical certificate to operate a vehicle being used for commerce. So the truck/trailer and driver must be DOT approved, DOT numbers on the truck and trailer and medical card for the driver. You may want to also check you state DMV regulations.
If I’m working for a company is it their responsibility to pay for the DOT physical exam?
That varies from company to company. Some see it as part of the job and some see it as, “if you don’t have a medical card, you don’t have the job.” These is no set in stone answer.
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Your comments are also welcome.
I have my 3 month permit, but i have to have a sleep study, can I still go to school and train before my permit ends?
@ Keire T
Yes.
I smoked while I was in Jamaica not realizing that I needed a dot physical for my cdl permit. I went and failed my drug test. Will I be able to go get another test? I am not a habitual Marijuana smoker so I didn’t think any thing of it when I went for my physical until I failed.
@ J
You failed the drug screen, not a DOT urinalysis, which does not test for marijuana. You can retest once it is out of your system.
Hello, today I passed Dot Medical Exam and I got permission for one year because during the exam my blood pressure was 143/99. But my blood pressure is always normal, perhaps during examination it was white coat syndrome. Is it possible to get 2 year medical card after a year if I have normal blood pressure? Because I heard that you need to get medical exam every year if your blood pressure was high once.
@ Salu
It will depend on the examiner. DOT/FMCSA is using an odd wording on this issue. It will ask if you have ‘ever’ had high blood pressure. Your best bet would be to have your primary doctor check your blood pressure. If it is normal and there is no need for blood pressure medication, then have him/her write a note stating so.
Can I get a second opinion on my cdl physical and pay for that one my self just got one done today I’d like to get another one done is that possible
@ Mike
Why? if you passed, your information went into the national registry. Yes, you can go for a second opinion, but there should be a valid reason. Otherwise it looks like you are ‘doc shopping’.
Does a employer have the right to tell you what Dr to use for a DOT Phys.?
If the employee goes to a certified DOT Phys on the reg. and is willing to pay out of pocket, can the employer deny this?
@ Jason
Everything depends on the companies written policy.
I have a updated S endorsement DOT for school bus and I also have a class A endorsement too.I have to do another DOT for this new a Co with my class A for any reason if my physical doesn’t go well will it effect my S endorsement?
@ Cedric
If your medical does not go well, then it will effect your class A. That is a federal DOT/FMCSA issue. Your S endorsement is a state issue and has its own set of rules and regulations. Check with your local drivers license department for clarification.
Can an individual have his medical certificate declined if he or she doesn’t speak English?
@ Miles A
Short answer, Yes. According to the DOT/FMCSA, a driver must be able to communicate in english, both to the examiner and to DOT.
I don’t have a current medical card as it expired 2 months ago. I haven’t been driving for 6 months. But I’m thinking of going back. The status of my CDL is eligible, and it says I don’t have any requirements to drive. Does this mean I can drive without getting a new medical card? Just would like to know before I go to my company and ask them to put me back on the road.
@ Stephanie
Your cdl is state issued, so the state is not requiring an update yet. If you are stopped by the DOT, Federal, they will want a valid medical card and if not present may shut you down right where you are. Best bet, get a new medical card, get it into the state and go from there.
I have an employee who is 19 years old. His position requires him to drive a truck across state lines that weighs 11,000 lbs, is he required to be 21 years old? He will not have a CDL license.
@ Lauren
Each state is different. Most states require a valid medical card to operate any vehicle that is used in commerce. That does not require a cdl. If he has a valid drivers license and a medical card, he should be fine. Confirm with your local drivers license department.
My company only has a few vehicles meeting the requirements of a CMV (over 10,001 pounds). However they require all drivers to obtain a DOT medical card as a condition of employment. If I have a valid drivers license but cannot obtain a card due to some disability, can my employer fire me or refuse to hire a person because they cannot obtain a card?
@ Doug
Every state has different guidelines and variances. Your need for a medical card without a cdl now falls under the states guidelines and not Federal DOT/FMCSA. Go for the medical card, but make sure the examiner understands that you are not a cdl holder and that you are under the states guidelines and regulations. In some states, you can fail the medical certification, but the states variances allow you to drive and they issue the restrictions on the medical card.
My company threatens drivers into giving them our long form and our certificate is it legal for them to force the long form and them pass it on to a third party company for filing?
@ Chris c
You always retain the originals and the company gets a copy only.
Is it legal for a company to ask for the long-form from a driver to accompany the medical certificate? Or is the medical certificate sufficient?
@ Jan R
You could provide a copy of the long form. The original stays with the CME and the driver is provided with a copy. Then the driver can provide a copy to the company, as long as the driver still has a copy of the long form. Legal? talk with a lawyer.
If I already have a 2 yr medical card and get a new prescription medication from my doctor, do I need to get a new medical card?
@ Shylo M C
All depends on what the medications are and what they are being prescribed for.
if you have epelepsy and been seizure free for 5 years and need a d.o.t. card without a cdl license to get a waiver or exemption are there any restrictions and what are they?
@ Tony
Because you are not a cdl holder, then you must inform the CME giving you the examination that you fall under the states guidelines, regulations and variances. If he does not know the difference, then go somewhere else.
Do you have to inform a doctor at a hospital that your a CDL holder and have a medical certificate? Can they prescribe opiates for severe pain?
@ James
Doctors at a hospital have no idea about DOT/FMCSA medical certification cards. But if you are prescribed an opiate do to pain, you instantly invalidate your medical card. Any situation, illness or injury which removes a driver from behind the wheel, as a class A driver, would require a new medical card to determine fitness for duty before returning to driving.
I had surgery to repair a cut flexor tendon on my middle finger. After the surgery the tendon re ruptured. The finger doesn’t bend at the middle knuckle or top knuckle. I am able to do all the things I need to do. Will this disqualify me from passing a physical if my grip strength is around 80 lbs?
@ Dave
It should not be a reason to disqualify you. The CME may want some additional information, but if you can perform the duties of a cmv operator, you should be good to go.
What if I’m on medical leave and my physical card expires before I’m able to return to work? If I don’t get a medical card they down grade my license.
@ Barry
For a class A driver, you cannot pass a DOT/FMCSA medical certification examination while out on sick leave. Contact your states drivers license department and explain your situation. They should guide you through their process without down grading your license.
My dad just got notified his cdl is cancelled, he sent in a letter stating he was under Drs care so he couldn’t get his physical before it expired but they cancelled it anyway.. he had knee and a hip replacement over the last 5 months. Any help on how to navigate this so he can get his license active again. He still isn’t cleaners form his surgeon to go back to work. Thanks!!
@ Jennifer M
His cdl is state issued and he would need to talk to your states drivers license department. Explain the situation, they should guide you through their process. In most cases all he would need to do is get a new medical certification card and show the state a copy. Then they would re-instate his cdl.
I am a contractor leased onto a major carrier, I recently had my annual dot physical and passed with a 2 year card, the compliance department for “said” company asked my terminal manager to ask me about a prescription I had listed on my prior DOT physical and if I was still taking the medication currently (even though I told the medical examiner I was not on that medication any longer. Does “said”company have the legal rite to ask or question my medical information? I was told by my manager that I need to hand write a note stating I am no longer taking the medication signed and dated…. This feels very wrong to me in many ways.what recourse if any do I have to “said” company?
@ Jason L
It appears that the company is looking out for possible risk factors. Because they have to answer to insurance companies, carriers and the likes of which you may be unaware of, they are just covering their butts. Easiest thing, write the note, it’s going into your file thats all. If you feel that they are requesting information outside of those perimeters, then you could talk to legal counsel.
Thank you, yes I wrote the note and sent it in to the compliance department, I’m sure it’s a possible “need to know” for some sort of insurance risk on there part as I’m a contractor o/o and not an employee of the company, I guess my real issue was the fact that that department passed my sensitive information down to the terminal level which is wrong to me. Thank you for your reply
What is the definition of recertification? If someone currently has a 2-year certificate, and goes to have it renewed before it expires, would this be considered a recertification? Or, does recertification only refer to exams performed where the certificate was not issued, due to a medical condition (ie vision, blood pressure, etc), and is returning to have another exam because the condition is now improved?
Handbook states: A one-time, three-month medical certificate is granted in two cases: where the driver has a BP that is equivalent to Stage 2 hypertension, or a driver that was certified with Stage 1 hypertension has not achieved a BP less than or equal to 140/90 at recertification. This three-month certificate is a one-time issuance for the recertification period and is not intended to mean once in the driver’s lifetime.
In this statement, what is the definition of recertification?
@ Sean
Recertification occurs each time you go in for a DOT/FMCSA medical certification examination. Whether you do the examination early or on time, the information is entered into the federal database and begins a new certification time frame.
Hi, my employer requires me & co-workers to do DOT physical every two years even though the company vehicles we drive have GVWR under 10,000 pounds AND we do not engage in any interstate commerce. We know what they’re doing is wrong and we’ve been complaining for years about this but company continues to subject us to it.
Is there a way to get them to cease & desist? What is best way to go about this?
@ Ray
Each state is different. Most states require a medical card, if you are driving any company vehicle that is used for commerce. ex: yard maintenance, auto parts delivery, job estimation, etc. So confirm with your state drivers license department, they should be able to guide you from there.
What if you forgot about a medication and forgot to list it
@ Joe
You forgot? Not much you can do about it now, unless you want to go back to the examiner and explain your situation.