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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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Is there any benefit or detriment for an employer wanting to hire a driver by sending the driver for a non-dot physical? The new driver has a valid and current health card, but the employer wants to know if there are any health issues before they hire him.
@ Tom
None that we know of. Possibly for a medical card that has a longer expiration date or for drug testing. Which is not a part of the medical certification examination.
When does a CME have to start using the new FMCSA forms? I just had my recertification done and my medical card says the form expires 12.31.2024. My company is giving me hard time about it but I thought the CME could still use the old forms as long as the long form was the new one. Could you clear this up for me? Thanks.
@ Donnie T
The CME can use the present forms until the end of 24 and the “newest” form expires 3/25, don’t see where there should be a question.
I had some stents put in 4 years ago 2020 I was released from my heart to return to work at that time I have a Dot physical once a year and blood pressure and heart rate has been good every time I recently had my yearly physical and I have never had to get a letter from my heart doctor saying I’m ok to drive because everything has been great when updating my Dot physical. I am taking a new truck driving job with a new company and they require a Dot physical from their Doctors which I had no problem doing and everything was good my blood pressure was normal no problems with my heart but because I had stents put in they want a release from my heart doctor can this doctor fail me with no issues just because I don’t provide a release from my heart doctor if so I would have to pay for another visit to my heart doctor who I only have to see once a year and not scheduled to see for another 6 months I could get a release from doctor based on last visit but this Dot doctor told me that it had to be current. If everything has checks out with my health how can this doctor request I see my heart doctor again and bring them a release document this will cost me out of pocket
@ Charles W
The CME can request any information he/she feels is necessary to support his/her final decision. Your heart doctor should have on-hand a medical release form and should not even have to see you. Check with his office and confirm.
can an employer require CDL driver employees to use a particular medical examiner? Stated a little differently, can an employer prohibit CDL driver employees from using medical examiners other than the one(s) they specify?
@ Ken
Seems to be a very gray area. By law, any medical examiner on the national registry is legal. But, companies have their own rules.
Swell! I used the same guy for years and paid out of pocket. Have a complicated medical history. this year a new policy. where they will pay for using their drug testing CME’s fee and a couple hours labor. So, I don’t like them much. So used my same old guy, passed, and now filed with the DMV. Wili find out today if I still have a job.
@ Ken
Good move, don’t understand what the issue is with companies wanting to control your choices. Good Luck
A little crow might be on the menu for an HQ luncheon. Seems that several years ago, a newly instituted policy of paying for DOT physicals morphed into a restriction to only one CME, which further morphed into requirement to only use that CME. All word of mouth – no written policy. I “fell through the cracks.” So … I continue working and expect a new page to be added to the employee handbook. Kinda funny unless you are in the middle of it. Ha!
@ Ken
Ha!!! 👍
If I get a new medical card and provide it to my employer, but it is not filed with the state, is my old med cert still valid until it expires?
@ Ian
If you have a class A cdl, then your new card was input to the national registry and voids your old card. Lesser class cdl are state registered only. You will need to confirm with your local DLD.
I noticed you commented that a ClassA driver must wait 1 year to drive after a stroke. Is that a law? regulation? If so, can you please send me the law or regulation? I have only seen recommendations from 2009 but nothing other than treating on a case by case basis.
@ Dasha D
Pg. 160 of The National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. (As of 2015 is no longer in use). With the newest version of the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners, the recommendations are the same. Individuals are more likely to have a stroke/seizure within the first year, thus the waiting period. It’s more about the ‘high risk factors’ that would fall back on the CME and the dangers of a driver having a seizure while driving.
Can my job make me go to a certain place to get med card. I was gonna go Doc i used last time
@ Clay
They can’t make you do anything, but if it is company policy, then you may not be working for them. You could ask to see the company’s written policy which mandate you see their examiner.
How long after you take your dot physical must you take your paper work to dmv
@ Steve R
ASAP, the sooner you get it in the faster it gets into your state data-base, which avoids problems further down the line.
in nov of 2023 i had a very minor brain bleed. it was caused by an avm. my 2 nuerosurgeons both said im safe to drive. med exam. says 1 year, my 2nd opinion exam cleared me to drive. work wont accept 2nd opinion. 2nd opinion doc was doc that work used to use. I DIDNT HAVE A STROKE!!! . what are my options?
@ Paul T. E
Class cdl makes the biggest difference. Class A, you need to have your neurosurgeons write a letter indicating you had a mild bleed and not a stroke. Lesser class cdl’s you will fall under the states regulations, not federal. The devil will be in the details from the neurosurgeons.
both neuros allready wrote a letter saying that and that i am safe to drive commercial vehicle. cdl doc says 1 year automaticly but the new guidelines that took effect on 1/1/24, dont say that. they say treat on case by case basis, and consult with neuro. i have a class b w/ passenger and air brakes
@ Paul T. E
Class b cdl, falls under the states guidelines and variances, not federal DOT/FMCSA for a class A cdl. You are being held to a class A standard and not your states guidelines and regulations. Check with your local DLD and confirm their requirements for your situation.
i got my card a yr ago ago, now to renew im told need phyciatric analysis due to going to hospital for help on threatening my life more than 2 yrs ago how is this possible as i obtained last yrs no problems what is the law here
@ ann
Not a law, just a DOT/FMCSA guideline to operate by. It’s is up to the CME to determine his/here needs to make a final decision on your physical, mental, and emotional state before clearing you for a medical card. One CME’s interpretation of the guidelines may differ from another. Your new medical examiner is requesting additional information to aid in his decision making process.
Question: what is the max measurement on an Aneurysm of the aorta for 18wheeler qualifications?
@ Sherry
DOT/FMCSA: anything greater than 5 cm is not recommended for certification. Anything less is a one year medical certification and requires a valid ultrasound to confirm its limited expansion.
I have a valid dot medical card that expires in 11/25. I got it back in November 2023. Recently, I’ve been going thru a lot of stress and just eating whatever I want. No working out. I wanted to get a weekend job so now they want me to get a new dot medical card( new company) but I happen to not be in the best shape. I checked my blood pressure and it was kinda high. I know i got to work out again and stop eating crap. But my question is, if I go for the second job and go for the new dot card and fail it? What will happen with my dot card that I passed back in November 2023 that’s good? I’m thinking of not taking the new job cause because I don’t want to fail the new physical and then I lose my good medical card and can’t work.
Is it best to just get in better shape before I take another physical? I don’t want to lose my good dot card and can’t work.
Thank you
@ James
If you do a new physical right now and fail, it voids your present medical card. Best to get in better shape before taking a new medical cert examination.
Hello.
How long after my medical card expires am i allowed grace period to renew?
@ Jerry
There is no official grace period. Some states are running behind, but federal DOT/FMCSA has no grace period.
My husband had a very mild stroke a week ago and is doing great now, his DOT expires next month what will he have to do to get his DOT renewed?
@ Julia
If he is a class A interstate driver, he has a one year waiting period before he is eligible to do another DOT/FMCSA medical certification examination. If he is a lesser class cdl holder, he falls under the state guidelines and variances. You would need to confirm with your local DLD.
Thank you so very much for the information and your time