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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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Can i still use my own doctor for my dot physical
@Douglas
Starting May 21, 2014, CMV drivers must have the DOT physical completed by a medical examiner who is FMCSA National Registry Certified.
I am curious to know if a major corporation is required to handle the whens and where’s to a DOT physical or if it is solely on a driver to remember that they have a DOT physical due… My brother, is a driver for a major company, and they are constantly changing trucks based on routes in which they have to drive their supply to. originally from another state, we moved where we are now, he transferred between DC’s in the company, in which the old DC would remind him, that he had so many days to get driver physical done, the new DC did not remind him and has gotten very upset at him because DOT physical has lapsed, by this causing a suspension in his DOT CDL. while trying to transfer from one state to the other. Now he has 10 days to get it fixed or the company will fire him, so I ask, Is it the company’s responsibility to make sure that he gets the physical or is it his own? I can understand if he was an owner/operator that it would be his fault, but under a big corporation I would believe that it would be the corporate jurisdiction to make sure that he gets his physical ( North Carolina)
@James
You need to start with ‘what is the company policy?’ Most companies do not keep that type of record and some do.
That being said, the company also has to have an updated drivers record on file or they are finable for not doing so.
Ultimately it is the driver’s responsibility to keep and maintain his medical card current.
How soon can I renew my DOT physical? It is 9 months before it will expire, but I will be out of the country when it does. Can I renew now?
@Ernest
You can redo your medical card any time you want to.
The most important thing is to keep it current on file with your state drivers license department.
I have a valid DOT card that will expire next year (03/2016). When I got hired on to a job back in November 2014, they required me to take another DOT physical. I just received a letter from the DPS stating they downgraded by license because my DOT card expired. The one that expired was from the job not the one I currently have. The DPS states that the one from the job supersedes the one that will not expire until next year. Can they do that?
@gholmes
Each time a DOT medical card is issued, then the last one becomes invalid. Most of the time when this occurs it is because of injury or illness that took the driver from behind the wheel and he was seen as ‘unfit for duty’. Each time a new card is issued it is usually because the driver has returned for a new DOT examination to be deemed ‘fit for duty’ again. Your last medical card supersedes anything before. If you have a valid medical card from 11-14 and it is good to 11-16, then just make sure that your DPS has a valid copy so they can re-enstate your license.
I was pulled over today and hit with a fine for not having a medical card. I definetly have one, just couldn’t seem to find it. He tried to look me up and still no luck. Can I get this dropped by showing proof that I do have a medical card and that it was valid at the time the ticket was issued?
@Brian
Not real sure about it. You will need to check with the department that wrote you the ticket, once you can prove your innocence.
If you work for a company and drive their pick up truck do you need a medical examiners certificate if the truck’s weight is less than 10,000 lbs.?
@Michelle
Depends on the state. In some states any vehicle that is being used for commerce needs to have a driver with a valid medical card. That is not the same thing as a CDL.
So your best bet is to check with your state DLD to get the most appropriate answer. (and a lot of DOT is looking at the trucks capability of weight hauling, not what it actually hauls.)
I FAILED THE BP CHECK AND WAS ISSUED A 3 MO.CERTIFICATE. SINCE THEN, I HAVE HAD BP MEDS PRESCRIBED AND MY BP IS NOW NORMAL. DO I HAVE TO PAY THE DOT PHYSICAL FEE ALL OVER AGAIN TO GET MY 1 YEAR CERT? OR DOES THE DO JUST NEED TO TAKE MY BP,LOOK AT THE DOCUMENTS AND SIGN OFF WITHOUT ME PAYING THE EXAM FEE($125.00) AGAIN?..THANK YOU..
@Ron
(In CAPS is like YELLING and also difficult to read)
Each office is different, some will just get the reading and issue the one year card. It does take time and people power to make it all happen, some offices charge a smaller fee for updating your card. You’ll have to check with the office that did the examination.
Am I, as an employer, required to have a copy of the DOT long form in the state of California before I allow a driver to start driving?
@Tammy
By law you have to have a copy of the drivers medical certificate.
If you have a HIPPA compliance policy in place to protect the drivers personal medical records and it is the company policy to have a copy of the long form, then that’s the companies policy.
Once you have a medical certificate in hand, you may want to confirm that it is valid, by calling the examiners office and confirming the medical card’s validity.
My medical card experied in may 6, 2015, can they suspend my driver license. How many days do I have to renew it after that. How many days do I have to take it to the Texas department on transportation?
@Karla
Once your medical card expires, yopur state drivers license department can downgrade your license.
Each state’s process is different. You’ll need to contact your state DLD about your status.
I currently have a Pennsylvania Cdl. Ive been in the process of moving to West Virginia. I just got issued a new 2 year medical card showing my new West Virginia address but under my PA Cdl #. When i switch to a WV Cdl what do i have to do to have my medical card show the new WV cdl# but no change of address?
@Dude
Just ask the the DOT examiners office to change your medical card: change drivers license information from one state to the other.
They may charge a few bucks for the time and all, but it shouldn’t be a big issue.
my husband went to take dot physical and drug screen to get a dot med card for class a license he passed everything with flying colors until doctor asked him to hold arms out well he failed him because he says he had tremors and said he needed to go to a neurologist and be cleared and when asked for referral to do so he flat out refuses to submit a referral and my husband has a slight shake but its nerves due to a traumatic childhood and its a occasional occurance not often at all and its very light when it does happen and it mainly only happens when hes really anxious “eg: doctor staring at him” what should we do in your opinion is it feasable in your opinion to get a different doctor to do a new one and is this something that that the doctor should in fact disqualify him for he is 47yrs old and no medical history and no alcohol /drug use and never has had any health problem except for common cold/ flu. any advice would greatly be appreciated
@Tonica
The slight tremors may have set the CME off, but it is not a disqualifier.
Get a medical release form from his primary doctor explain the situation and you should be good to go.
If that does not get it done, then you may be dealing with someone who is over-reading their position. If in fact this is not a real concern and does not effect the driver’s ability to operate a CMV safely, then have another examination done somewhere else, but start with the primary doctors medical release form.
I live in a state where medical marijuana is legal and have been prescribed it by my doctor .is the use of this drug disqualifying for interstate driving even tho it’s for medical reasons which do not disqualify me from driving?
@Alex
Well, if you can convince the fed that it’s OK then best of luck to you. Until you get part done, the FMCSA / DOT says that it is a drug that is an instant disqualifier for any commercial driver doing interstate driving. Pretty much end of subject.
My medical certification expires in a week. I failed the dot examination and was temporarily disqualified due to a knee injury. I should be ok in 2 to 3 weeks and given a clearance by the orthopedist; but what should I do in the meantime to keep from having my CDL downgraded.(State of Texas)thanks
@Thomas
Check with your state Drivers License Department. They have to take into consideration that you are unable to do your job due to the injury and you must be medically fit for duty to get a medical card that will pass. Take a note from your doctor to support your claim.
Do I need to take a Drug Test to keep my CDL valid even though I have not been selected to take one? I have not received a random drug screen for almost a year.
@DC
No, your employer will set that up for you. It is not something you need to do for yourself.
We live in ohio. Is there a certain A1C level required to operate a commercial vehicle?
@Brenda
Our focus on this website is Federal regulations. FMCSA has a set of regulations and each state has their own rules and regulations.
This sounds like a question for your state Drivers License Department.
Good evening,
Quoting” Until January 30th 2012 you will be required to carry a copy of your medical examiner’s certificate/card while operating a commercial motor vehicle and your carrier will be required to maintain copy in your driver qualification file. After January 30 2014 you will no longer be required to carry. After January 30,2014 you will no longer be required to carry a copy of your medical examiner’s certificate/card and your motor carrier will no longer be required to maintain a copy in the driver qualification file. This Information will be maintained on your driving record. ”
I am looking for information regarding Medical certification. Has this rule been enforced yet? Also Is a state by state case. I am hearing different stories. A student asked me if they need to still carry there medical card with them in the CMV, even though they have self certified. According to out text book it states yes and to be honest it is not very clear in the FMCSA Book. As I had tried to find the information. I am hoping you could help me answer the question or at least point me in the right direction.
Thank you very much
@Jennifer
The goal posts for the Commercial Driver’s License Information System (CDLIS) keep moving.
See this article Hold Onto Your Medical Card Paper Copy for more information.
My husband would like to know if he has to take a physical if he will only be driving in the state of Ohio, he has self certified catagory3?
@Nancy
Our scope of information on this website is aimed at Federal regulations.
Each state has their own regulations for Intrastate drivers.
Category 3: Non-Excepted Intrastate is subject to Ohio state driver qualification requirements. You’ll need to check with your local Drivers License Department to find out if he needs a medical card.
My ? is I have went and got my physical done. was given a 90 day Card and ask to have my hearing tested from a hearing institute got hearing aids and they programed them to get me back to work and released me to go back. the company witch is schneider national says the letter that was given by hearing doctor is not good enough but the doctor that gave me physical ok it.. now im stuck without a job. can I go to another company to work or get another physical with this 90 day card cause they also ask me to get my blood pressure checked by MD it was 140/96 or do I need clear everything thru this Doctor that gave me exam before I can drive again.
@Donald
Get your blood pressure under control, and have your hearing aid in when you retest for the DOT and you will be just fine.
Get medical release form(s) from your doctor(s) for the hearing aids and the blood pressure medications.
my home sleep study results are I have a mild form of sleep apnea doc says treatable with a mouth piece to move my lower jaw forward , but now hes telling me that I have to get a cpac for dot is that accurate information
@Gary
Not really. The mouth piece may do the trick, but you will need to be using the unit for a period of time before you would know that it’s working and not interfering with your sleep patterns. After the waiting period, then you need to have your doctor fill out a medical release form stating that the device is working as expected. Toughest part is most CME don’t have enough information to make a determination regarding proper compliance with the device. Your doctors explanation and his medical release done for you will be a huge help answering most of the CME’s questions right up front.
My class B medical card for the state of California is due to be updated by March 15 2015. Am I still required to get the medical card updated even though I am presently unemployed? I have an appointment to do so but it can’t be done until April 4th, 2015 with my doctor. Will I be penalized for not having it done by the due date? Please reply. Thank you.
Hello,
Sleep study shows `17.9, doctor does not want to sign off ..he is now wanting in lab study. What are the <20 AHI for untreated, ( dont this mean i do not need a cpap)? No crashes ,,,no sleepiness during day. What should i do? I told them i dont have a problem with sleepy day. Go to work 6am home at 5pm in my bed. Please help ..Thanks
@Sam
Have to wonder what triggered the CME to warrant a sleep study?
If it was just BMI and neck size, then you may want to ask some serious questions. BMI and neck size are the easiest to do and the least effective forms of diagnosis. There are about 8 criteria that should be met before a sleep study is requested. If the CME will not answer the questions about his determining factors, then you might want to consider going somewhere else for you examination next time.
What are the 8?. This is what i was told, male, >50, neck>17,BMI is 29.7,BP meds, throws me in to sleep study..Get to sleep dr and he tells me after looking in mouth,bp,weight and height with a finger reading of 96…that he did not think i have it..but we must prove it to DOT.
@Sam
He does not need to prove anything to the DOT.
The CME is saying he has questions, and the medical doctor who does these tests is saying you don’t have sleep apnea.
Just get the medical doctor to write in on a medical release form that he feels the test is unwarranted and go from there.
The CME is trying to cover his behind and the medical doctor that does sleep studies is the expert here, so get the medical release and if CME is unsatisfied, go elsewhere for your physical.
Sleep apnea screening is a much misunderstood issue in the world of DOT medical certification. To better understand the issues, for both drivers and doctors, read this set of articles on our blog, about Sleep Apnea Issues.
this was my point with the sleep study, the doctor did not mark it as medical…so the sleep machine place said CAN NOT RUN THUR INSURANCE SINCE DOCTOR DID NOT MARK IT MEDICAL. Had to pay for it out of pocket. The Sleep doctor and CME are owned by the hospital which is all same gang. This has been a mess and very stressful event in my life. That is why i went for second CME check 40 days after my first and dealing with NIGHTMARE. Almost makes a good driver want to leave this job.