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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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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.
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I lost my dot card and call to the doctor and the clinic do not have recor of it? What can I do in this situation? It was done 5 months ago.
Thanks
@Frank
Not sure why they would say that. By law they are to keep a copy of your medical records for a period of three years at minimum. That’s the law.
If I have a CDL, but don’t have a medical card, can I still drive non-commercial vehicles while I am in the process of getting the medical card? Thanks in advance.
@Nathan
Each state is different so you would need to check with your local drivers license department to confirm or deny your question. Most states today want a valid medical certificate to maintain a valid CDL.
If there is a driver out on Workmen’s comp and his physical is about to expire-and he will not pass now -is there any exemption so his license is not downgraded because he could not update his MVR with a new medical expiration date? Will he need to get a new license as well as physical?
@Linda
This one you need to check with your local drivers license department. Most states have an exception for the rule.
If failed dot durg test can I sitll get a cdl?
@Carl
Maybe, once you can pass a DOT drug screen and if someone will hire you. Drug screens are for the company and most companies today want a drug free work place. And especially in the driving community, since driving and drugs don’t work well together.
sorry guy u might have 2 take a drug treatment progrme. after that u might find a company. its the insurance company that stops most company from taking u on. u might have to waite 3-5 yrs. if ur company has health insurance. go 2 rehab. they cant fire u. u will get a weekly udap. but u will have a job. gov. considers addiction a deases. good luck. gods speed.
I have never driven commercially and my “Possible” Employer sent me for a DOT Physical. I was at first denied by the physician until I provided a note from my personal physician on a medication he prescribed.
I have been taking a single Xanax pill every morning for 27 yrs. I worked as a Maintenance Electrician involving climbing, extremely dangerous machinery, 80 ft. high lifts, operated cranes, etc. and drove 60 miles per day just for work. No accidents and 1 speeding ticket in the last 15 years. My wife and I ride a Harley Dresser. I just retired after 41 yrs of employment.
My doctor was willing to attest to the fact that I have had no side effects and that it would not impair my driving ability.
The next day the DOT Physician called me and told me she contacted her Director and he said Xanax was Prohibited and that the medical card she issued me was void.
My doctor says that I would have possibly serious consequences going off of this medicine after such a long time.
The Employer said they would wait for the 45 days the DOT Physical would be good for.
Do I have any options? This is for a Class C w/ Passenger. I have a permit now.
@Leonard
Some CME that does not understand the FMCSA and your states variances is making a huge mistake. It looks like you are being examined as a class A interstate driver, when you are not.
So get a medical release form from your doctor and go get a second opinion when your medical card is about to expire. Explain that you are a class c and that you have been on these medications for years. Also have your doctor do the same thing on the medical release form. That should do the trick for you.
1) I need an Interstate Class C with Passenger. (For Transit Bus)
2) I have never had and do not have a DOT Medical Card (They issued me one and then called and said it was Voided due to the Director reversing the DOT Physicians decision).
3) The Company that “will” hire me is the one sending me to this Hospital for the DOT physical. I was not given a choice of where I take the physical.
4) The 45 days, is how long the physical that I took is good for before I have to take another one if I can’t resolve the “Xanax” issue.
5) This is in the state of Iowa.
The Physician that was going to approve my physical with my personal doctors approval had her decision reversed by her director whom I never met.
I have an appointment with my doctor next week, but if this “director” is having a “Zero Tolerance” on the use of Xanax, it appears I don’t have any options, even tho the DOT Physician said it was only a recommendation and not a law concerning the use of Xanax. I think this “Director” is just trying to cover his — and not really concerned about whats right.
@Leonard
All you can do is explain/show all this information to the company you want to hire on with and see if they are willing to be reasonable and let you get your DOT physical through another doctor who understands how to evaluate a Class C driver and apply the guidelines appropriately.
It is the company’s prerogative of they insist on using a specific doctor, so they may lose you as a good hire.
Is there a higher authority in the DOT that could or would give a clear guideline to the Nurse Practitioner whom is denying me any chance of proving my ability to drive. Everything I have read about the use of prescribed Xanax, hinges on length of use and proven track record of no side effects. I would think there should be a government agency that I could contact to get this settled. Thanks for all you input.
@Leonard
Unfortunately the FMCSA pulled the guidelines 27 months ago and all of the new CME’s are having to go on what they were taught in the CME class. And the FMCSA is not monitoring what is being taught in these classes. Your best bet is to go and get a second opinion from another CME. Take your doctors release form with you and explain your situation. Also have your doctor explain in the medical release form the reasoning for the medications and the present length of time that you have been using the meds. Good Luck
I am asking mostly for a fellow worker. Do we as Non-cdl drivers (have to get med card) have to follow the BMI test and sleep apnea rules. We sllep in hotels at nite in location we work.
Thank you for any info. And if possible post link to rules.
@Craig
If you are driving a truck that has company information on it and is being used for commerce, then you need a medical card. Since there were no new rules or regulations regarding bmi or sleep apnea, then if someone starts down that path, (neck measurements and bmi) it may be time to get up and walk out.
I have recently gained employment with a Co., and had a PA DOT physical and ‘non-cdl” drug screen, which I passed, and now have a DOT medical card, but it states, “non-cdl” The Co now wants me to obtain my CDL. Will PennDot accept my current DOT medical card for my permit, or will I have to take another DOT exam? And will that exam include a more extensive drug screen or just a more extensive medical exam?
@Chris
In most cases the DOT examination should be sufficient. See if you can get the original medical examiner to make you a new medical card stating that you could have a CDL. It’s just to have the right box checked for the DLD.
We have drivers that require medical certification, but not a full CDL license. Should these individuals be included or excluded from the Random Drug Pool?
@Cory
Commercial drivers are required to be in a drug testing pool, but most companies that only require a medical card to operate their vehicles are not in a random drug pool screening. So it would be up to the HR or safety director to make that final decision.
Thank you for the response. When you reference commercial drivers are you referring to drivers with a CDL or drivers that drive a commercial motor vehicle in excess of 10,001 lbs but not requiring a CDL to operate. Our drivers requiring medical certification only are not part of the random pool.
A new question arose today: If a person only needs a medical certification card, should they have a federally regulated drug screen as well or should it be a “quick screen” option?
@Cory
That could fall into the company policy. The only disadvantage is that a quick test can not be retested on the same urine sample. The reason for the split is to confirm, for the driver and the company, that a positive test that is in error should be retested with the same urine sample. It’s more expensive, but covers everybody’s behind.
I know that there are exemptions given on situations here is my situation I have 20/20 vision in left eye corrected and 20/50 in right eye corrected. (added) I forgot to mention I do have good peripheral vision both up and down and side vision
Does that totally eliminate me from trying to get a CDL license
@Lonnie
You will need a vision waiver to drive OTR according to the FMCSA.
That may be different if you are driving intra-state only, because it may fall under state laws and not fed. law. You are not out of the picture, but will have a few more hoops to dive through if you want to drive interstate.
Do you need to carry the original copy of your medical card or will a copy of it be fine?
@Lynn
Original is best but a copy will do. If the DOT officer needs to, he will confirm the validity of the medical card with the CME.
if a driver has no valid medical card can he still drive his truck for personal use?
@Vicki
What truck? What class license? No information to go on here.
If a DOT Doctor qualifies you, can a DMV employee override the Doctor and not renew your medical certificate?
@Scott
More data needed to understand the situation. There may be more pieces to the process if it’s not a straightforward medical certification but requires a waiver from the state or federal.
If a Driver were to get pulled over and did not possess a DOT Medical Card, in the state of Texas who would be responsible for the ticket? The employee driving the company vehicle or the company itself?
@Jackie
This is an employee/company matter.
One of our Utility Lineman’s CDL Physical Medical cards will expire before he is able to obtain and complete some tests that are restricting his ability to renew his CDL Physical at this time.
Is there a Grace period …..say 30 days……after the CDL Physical expires without taking any other tests for qualification. His CDL License will not expire for another year.
@Linda
Don’t know of any state that offers a grace period. FMCSA states that the medical certificate becomes invalid at mid-night on the date of expiration.
That sucks! My card expires tonight 11/21/15 Saturday and can’t get a med exam til Monday
Is it possible to get a waiver if I’m epileptic and on medication. I’ve not had a seizure or any seizure activity in several years.
@Kelley
It may be possible. You would need to check with the FMCSA to determine the steps that you will need to go through for the waiver.
are doctors required to report a medical condition that would temporarily stop a cmv driver from driving until said condition is fixed. if so who do they report this to
@Chris
When you have a condition that would prevent you from qualifying for your medical certificate, then you are listed on the FMCSA data-base as temporarily disqualified. No conditions are listed, you and the CME know what needs to be done and then you take your situation to your primary healthcare provider. Once the situation is resolved, then you re-take the medical examination and if you pass you are given a medical certificate.
Is my company entitled to a copy of my medical examination report?
@Greg
Most companies have a policy that requires a copy. You just want to know that they have a HIPPA compliance policy in place to protect your medical records. By law, all they really need is a copy of your medical certificate.
Question: School bus drivers in Texas (class B) – What is the maximum period of certification allowed? Is it One Year, or is it Two Years? (I have received conflicting information at this time, and desire to have clarification, that is in black & white). Thank you in advance.
@Ronny
Federal requirements: With no conditions that would hold your medical card to one year, then it would be good for two years max.
If you have conditions, like HBP or diabetes or sleep apnea, then you would be good for a max of one year.
On the my medical examination report, it is checked that I meet standards for 1 year, but periodic evaluation is required. On the Medical Examiner’s Certificate, the NO box is checked for CDL. Does this mean I cannot obtain a CDL?
@Bart
You can obtain a CDL. The CDL box puts some states off. Like you can’t check the CDL box if the driver does not have a CDL, but in some states if the driver does not presently have a CDL and is planning on getting one, then the CDL yes box must be checked. Go figure.
I would explain to the CME what your intention is and have him mark the correct box for you. It seems that the main point is that the examination of the driver was at the CDL level and the driver is medically fit for duty as a commercial motor vehicle operator.
On my long form of my dot physical I have class b license but the class d box was checked I went where I had the dot physical and asked about it she scratched it out and checked the b box and said that was fine I asked about there copy she told me that once it got in resigery it would show a class but so it didn’t matter Wat was on the paper is that correct
I’m driving a 16″ straight truck with gmv 14500 lb in New Jersey. so I want to know if I need to carry a DOT medical card, and if I need it, where Can I get it… Or what kind of cards I need to get. Thank you.
@Oscar
Make sure of this with your state drivers license department, but if I’m not mistaken, any vehicle over 10,001 pounds and is being used for commerce requires a valid medical card. If you for sure need one, then first check DOTPhysicaldoctor.com and see if there is someone near you that does driver friendly™ DOT examinations. If there is no one close to you, then check with the FMCSA-National Registry and see if there is some one near you. They should know what paper work you will need, just ask. Good Luck.