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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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What documents does an employer need from a physician after a CDL employee returns from an appointment (reguardless of the reason for appointment)
@LR
If it was for some minor illness, then you need a doctor’s release to return to work.
If the illness was sufficient enough to take the driver from behind the wheel, then he needs a new DOT medical card and updated DOT examination.
Is there an exemption for vision that doesn’t conform to the regulations ? And how do I get this form?
@Bob
Here is the link for the FMCSA website to get the Federal vision waiver information.
Check with your state DLD for information about intrastate exemptions.
My employer in the hazardous waste business wants me to get a pre-employment DOT Physical for a Transportation Manager position. I do not have a CDL and have no intention of driving or obtaining a CDL. I do not see the need for me to have a DOT Physical as I am not in a truck and do not plan to be involved with any hazardous material. Why do they want me to get a DOT Physical? and will this subject me to the same random alcohol/drug screening as my drivers?
@Matt
Check with your HR department to get the best answer to this question. It may just be the company policy.
I am currently dependent on insulan, I am a Type 1 diebetic in California. Later this month I am going on a 24 hour monitoring system by Dexcom with a wireless Omnipod pump that delivers the insulan. With this system in place, no more needles, would I need an exemption to obtain Commercial drivers licence? This new system will inform me 24 hours a day with alarms if sugar count even starts to drop or go to high. This is like having a perfect working pancreas. Hope somebody can offer some insight. I work for a company that is pushing me to get my Commercial Driver license if I want to promote.
@Robert
More then likely you will still need the diabetes waiver.
It’s not about how the insulin is administered, it’s about the insulin. Check with California DLD to make a final determination.
In Montana if my medical card has expired by 5 days does it automatically mean that I have to retake my cdl test I’ll renew my medical card asap I have not been driving
@ Jane
Most likely you just need to get a fresh copy of your medical to the state DLD. 5 days is not a big thing and you don’t live in a state like California, which could be a major problem.
Can someone under 21 with an intrastate CDL operate solely within the confines of a state other than the state of his CDL? Is he limited to operating only within the state of his CDL or is it just that he can’t cross from one state to another?
@Drew
Can’t speak for every state, but suspect that the under age cdl is limited to your state only. Check with your state drivers license department.
Do you lose your CDL license if you are “temporarily disqualified” for a minor injury?
@Beth
No. You must complete a new medical examination following any illness or injury that takes you from behind the wheel. So once you are completely healed and there are no restrictions or limitations, you should be good to go.
I work for the state of Ohio (department of Rehabilitation and Correction. I am sometimes asked to drive a class b dump truck. I have a Class a CDL, but my medical card had expired. If I do not drive out of the state of Ohio for a class B vehicle. Do I need to renew my medical card.
Joe
@joe
Each state is a bit different. In Utah you have to have a valid medical card to have a class A or B license. Operating any vehicle that requires a commercial driver license requires a valid medical card. You could check with your state DLD and see what the rules are in your state.
What is the employer’s responsibility when printing MVR’s and the medical certification is not listed on the form by the state? Will state’s be fined if they are not consistent with adding the certification to the MVR? Will employer’s be notified when the state makes a decision to suspend someone’s license if they have not submitted a new certificate by the expiration date?
If you are going for an “intrastate” class B commercial license physical in California, does the examine have to be performed by a CME on the registry ? I have not been able to find any information that clarifies this.
@Dave
As far as I understand it, any commercial driver has to have their medical examination done by a CME. But check with your state DLD to confirm this statement.
I took a pre – employment drug test and passed it, would I still have to take another drug test during DOT exam???
@Adrian
Drug screens are used to hire. DOT requires a urine test to evaluate proper kidney function, not drug testing.
My physician only granted me a 2 month medical card to do a sleep study. Can’t even get an appointment with in that time and I am being told 2 weeks for results. Shouldn’t I have been given 3 months?
@Gerald
Unless there is specific reasoning as to why they are requesting a sleep study, then you may be being taken advantage of.
There are no new rulings regarding sleep apnea and the CME is not the person to make that determination. So unless there is a real concern regarding your sleep, go somewhere else for your DOT examination.
For more information on this issue, read the Sleep Apnea articles on our blog.
What drugs are required to be testef for by the fmsca and dot ? Is it a 5,7 or 9 panel test?
@Bill
Five panel.
My physical runs out in a couple of days, if i dont get it in to the state by the due date, 20th, what happens. Do i just get it in asap after the due date? Will i get fined ? Etc? Ill be waiting on your answer. Thanks
@Danny
Each state is different.You’ll need to check with your state. Just get your paperwork filed with the state as soon as you can. There is probably some length of grace period for filing.
However… there is no grace period for driving a CMV with an expired medical card. Your medical card expires at midnight of the expiration date. DO NOT drive on an expired medical card.
Question – I am a Non-CDL driver in the state of Washington who has to get a DOT physical every 2 years. The form I was given by my employer has a drug screen box and a DOT physical box. Both boxes are checked. When I asked what the deal was I was told a drug screen is a DOT requirement. This is the first time in 10 years that I’ve worked for this company other than Pre-Employment that I’ve been told I need a drug screen. I’m just wondering if there were any changes to Washington’s laws in particular. I’m having a hard time finding an answer to this question so if you can point me in the right direction that would be great. Been all over WSDOT and WA DOL websites with no luck. Thank you for your time and I apologize for the long post.
@Matt
Your employer can request a drug screen, if he is paying for it, but it is not a mandatory test for the DOT physical exam.
Is it legal in all states for the EMPLOYER to have a copy of the long form?
@Debbie
If it is company policy and the company can supply you with a HIIPA compliance policy, then they can ask for a copy of the long form.
In reality, all they need is a copy of the medical certificate.
Thanks!
What are the DOT regulation for Michigan? I’m type 2 taking pills. My a1c is 9.4 It used to be 10. It dropped in one month. I was extended to 3 months before that. I need to go back and get extended for nine months. Will I’ll be able to get that?
@Mike
It sounds like the main question is aimed at your state. Just check with your state DLD to see what their rulings on your issue are. Each state is different, and we answer mostly federal DOT’s and the FMCSA rulings.
I wondering if a CME @ one of these emergency care places has the right to make you undergo a sleep apnea test even though we do not travel long distances ( generally no more than 25 miles out and back , most days just in town ) Our trucks have no sleepers on them , all day cab trucks in our fleet . We normally don’t work over 10 hours a day . My high blood pressure is under control through my personal doctor which is checked every 3-4 months at his office He said he would only give me a 90 day card until I get that done . He also said something about renewal was 30 days at a time . Sure sounds flakey to me , like they are just trying to make more money for return visits because my company pays for our physicals and has our emergency treatment through them . Several of us have had problems even with our old company doctor . All of them see this as money machine to get you back in the office again so can ring their cash register again . Trust me there is still abuse in the new system with these crooked medical outfits that specialize in drug tests and workman’s comp. cases . If it quacks like a duck , it must be a duck , right ?
@Dennis
The short answer is, NO they cannot just arbitrarily screen for sleep apnea testing. Sleep apnea screening is a much misunderstood issue in the world of DOT medical certification.
See our blog articles on Sleep Apnea to better understand what is happening, and where you stand.
I have a valid medical card which expires 3 /16. Got a new job and employer required a dot physical. I took it and was issued another card however it was only for 1 yr due to elevated blood pressure. It expires 8/15. Old card is one registered with dmv. Do I need to register new card with dmv?
@Dan
Old card is registered with the DMV and the new card is registered with the FMCSA. Right now that is not a major issue.
If the rulings go through in January of 2015 where the two systems are linked, it may be a problem, later down the line.
Your best bet is get the BP under control so it doesn’t become an issue for your medical card.
Once you had the second physical for a new med card, the first one becomes null & void. You should self-certify the second Med card with your state.
I am presently on workers comp, and about to endure back surgery. my medical card is going to expire in 1 week. do I have to get it renewed, or do I wait to take the exam?
@Glen
You will need to wait until you are fit to drive again.
Even if you passed the test right now, if you are going to be out from behind the wheel for any medical reason, then you need a new medical examination to go back to driving.
@Glen
Heal up first and then take the DOT examination. Otherwise you are going to have to take two examinations before returning to driving. Good Luck