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.
My 2 year DOT card expires on September 25th, 2022. I have an important prior obligation that would cause me to be out of town on that date, if I do not get my medical card in time do I have a grace period? Or will it still expire ?
@ Brad
You could get it done now, or use the grace period from DOT/FMCSA until the middle of October.
I’m out of country and my medical card expires in November.
What happens if I don’t get back until then, do they have any exceptions if you are out of country?
Note: my cdl is valid for couple more years.
@ Zemarak J
In most cases all you need do is get your medical certification card done and get it to your local DLD. Most state have a policy that allows for a few days late. Confirm with your local DLD.
I currently live in one state but still have a driver’s license from another state. Once I get a new license I will have a different Driver’s License Number and Issuing State than what my Medical Examiner’s Certificate says. Does that information need to be updated, or is it still valid?
@ Timothy
It is usually best if all the paperwork is the same. But that being said, most officers understand and will accept the differences. So your card would still be valid. An idea would be to take a picture of your old drivers license on your phone so you can substantiate the difference. Then when you renew your medical card it will all match.
I have a current Med card that doesn’t expire til Feb 2024. I went to do a new med card for a new job. I found out I am diabetic, so my new med card is pending til can get it under control. Does my valid med card (the 2 year card) does it automatically become invalid now?
@ Tony
If you were given a new, short – 90 day medical card, then your old/2 year card is now invalid.
My license and DOT physical expired while I was out of Country. Now I’m back. Can I get a DOT physical without a valid license? My MVA may try to downgrade me to non CDL upon renewing my license. That would mean doing the whole class A testing again.
@ Adam S
Get the medical certification done and go straight to your local drivers license department to renew your cdl.Don’t delay, do it today.
Im on subtexts and my dot card expired now they wont pass me again what can i do i need my job i dont take a high fkse my doctor sent paper work that says im safe to drive if there a way around rhis or is it case by case ?
@ Chris
We know of no such medication as subtext. Please clarify.
How many times can a CDL driver be issued a 3 month card due to health problems? There are several that are running for us with 3 month certifications, and have been for a while. I have read that they are given the three months to correct their medical conditions or they lose their driving privileges, but I can not find the FMCSA reg to back that up. Any help would be appreciated.
@ Chris
A 3 month medical card is issued one time for a driver to get his medical condition under control, usually high blood pressure. An ongoing medical condition, other than HBP, may receive a 3 month card as a means to monitor the driver and his condition. The CME is looking for ongoing improvement with the driver until he/she can issue a one year card. It is odd though to issue multiple 3 month cards to multiple drivers. ???
I had a car accident and came out with a severe brain injury last year, my doctor had to sign a paper saying I wasn’t able to drive at that time, and faxed it to the dmv, is there a time limit on that? Does it expire? Or will I need another examination? My doctor wouldn’t help me get disability the last almost two years, but then yet told me I wasnt able to drive. Is my next step to go back to her and resign a new set of papers?
@ Katelyn H
Best to check with your local drivers license department for guidance on this situation.
Do you have to do a sleep study just for being overweight? I’ve never had any issues with my blood pressure, I’m not a diabetic, and my neck circumference is normal. I don’t have any health issues. I’m just overweight.
@ AZ
No, DOT/FMCSA has no mandated sleep study for overweight people.
I went to Concentra for a DOT physical at the time I had a 2-year medical card the doctor at Concentra downgraded my medical card to a 90-day medical card saying that I have to have a sleep apnea test. The company did not hire me can I have a second opinion from my original medical provider who gave me the 2-year card.
@ Waddell
Go get a second opinion. Seems like some of the ‘Doc in a box’ facilities have a conflict of interest with a sleep study facility.
Can you enter a DOT certification if the driver only as a Puerto Rico license? If you can…how do you do it??
@ Kaye
Since PR is a US territory and not a state, we do not believe there is a way to enter it into the DOT/FMCSA data base. The driver would need to get the needed information back to PR, where the license is registered. Also, the class cdl will be a factor to be considered.
My cdl is inactive due to my dot medical card expiring. I just went and got my medical card renewed. What do I need to do in order to get my cdl active again?
I’m currently in Missouri but my cdl is out of North Carolina. Is there a number to call or do I have to go to North Carolina to reinstate my driving privileges?
@ Jay
You should be able to find contact information for NC online. Contact them and follow their process to get your cdl re-activated.
Can a medical practice withhold a new copy of your medical examiners certificate (long form) if you lost your old one? I’m trying to hire a new driver and his previous employer uses The Company Clinic to do their DOT physicals. The Company Clinic said they can only give the long form to the employer because they paid for the exam.
@ Matt
It seems to be some kind of BS game these companies want to play. We don’t have a solid answer for you. If the driver has a valid medical card, then he is good, but your need for a hard copy of his long form is the main question. You might have him take a new medical cert exam elsewhere, then you get a copy of the long form.
If I drive a vehicle that doesn’t require a CDL license am I required to have a medical card? I was stopped today for the first time in over 25 years of driving my personal work truck and was issued a warning for not having a medical card, a fire extinguisher and not having DOT numbers on my truck. Again I have been driving this type of vehicle, a F350 Box truck for over 25 years and never had the Department of Motor Vehicle Safety stop me.
@ Andrew S
In most states, any vehicle that is being used for commerce, requires the driver to have a valid medical card. Some states are only now starting to target the small business owners and their vehicles/drivers.
So I have the right address on my driver’s license and it’s right in the system. But the address on my dot physical is incorrect. They said they can’t change the address unless I pay the fee and retake it. I just got my cdl less then 6 months ago. My job wants the proper address on my physical. Is it true that I have to retake it. Why can’t I just request a address change
@ Vincent
The doctors office should work with you, there is no reason for a full retake of the examination for a simple address change. May be a service charge for office staff time.
I moved and my address is now different than what is on my certificate do I need update my certificate with a new address and how do I do that?
@ Shonna J
You should not have to do anything at the moment. Just change it when you do your new medical card.
How old do you have to be to have a medical card and drive from state to state?
@ Karen N
Depends on the class of license you have.
I recently took my CDL, I took the alcohol and drug test, I have my medical card valid until 2023, I want to know if I have to retake the exam for the FMCSA
@ Eric
If you have a valid cdl, a valid medical card, and you passed the drug and alcohol testing, then you are done as far as we can tell. There is no FMCSA testing for you.
Can a driver operate a commercial motor vehicle in NC while using oxygen from an oxygen tank?
@ Mike T
Depends on the class cdl you carry. Less than a class A, you will fall under the states guidelines and variances. Then you need to check with your states drivers license department.
I had a 3 month card for sleep apnea. I just went and got a new physical done and the dr gave me a 2 year card. My work called and and said it’s invalid and they need a copy of the sleep apnea results. Are they allowed to do this?
@ CJ
Your new medical card is valid and the information was input to the national registry. What the company is doing is the question and can only be answered by the HR department of the company.