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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
Please read through Trucker Docs™ Q&A before posting a question. This will help everyone to not have duplicate questions. Thank you!
If you still can’t find a related answer, then you are welcome to ask your question in the comments section below.
Q&A
Where can I get the new DOT physical / medical examination forms?
Which drivers are required to have a DOT medical certificate?
Does a DOT medical card have to be obtained in the same state as the CDL is from?
Is the DOT medical card transferrable or do I have to get a new one when I start a new job?
Is there a difference between a DOT medical certificate and a DOT physical card?
What are the DOT physical requirements?
Does the DOT physical exam include a drug test?
Can I get a copy of my DOT physical long form or will I have to take another physical?
What do I do if my medical card gets lost or damaged?
Do I need a medical card if I’m a local driver?
What’s involved in a DOT physical examination?
Who can I go to to get my DOT physical exam done?
What is a waiver or exemption and how can I get one?
For how long is my medical certificate valid?
Can my Company have different medical requirements than the FMCSA requirements?
What if I develop a medical condition while my current medical certificate is still valid?
What do I do with the medical certificate and long form once I get them?
Do I need to have a medical certificate if I operate a CMV only in my home state?
If a truck has a DOT# on its side, does the driver need a medical card to drive it?
If I’m working for a company is it their responsibility to pay for the DOT physical exam?
Where can I get the new DOT physical / medical examination forms?
PDF Versions of the forms are available at these links on the FMCSA website:
- Medical Examination Report (MER) Form, MCSA-5875
- Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC), Form MCSA-5876
Which drivers are required to have a DOT medical certificate?
Interstate:
All CMV drivers who operate in interstate commerce are required to have a medical certificate based on FMCSA requirements.
- If they operate a motor vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), gross combination weight rating (GCWR), gross vehicle weight (GCW), or gross combination weight (GCW) of 10,001 pounds or more.
- If they transport hazardous materials, in a quantity requiring placards.
- If they operate a motor vehicle designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers (including the driver).
- If they operate a motor vehicle designed or used to transport between 9 and 15 passengers, for direct compensation, beyond 75 air miles from the driver’s normal work-reporting location.
Intrastate:
- Intrastate certification is regulated by the DMV of each state. All states have based their physical qualifications on some of the Federal requirements, but may grant waivers for certain medical conditions.
- Some carriers e.g. FedEx, UPS and DHL, are subject to interstate regulations even if they drive intrastate.
Does a DOT medical card have to be obtained in the same state as the CDL is from?
No. An Federal DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate (Interstate) is valid nationwide so you can get certified in any state, no matter which state you have your CDL.
See also: Who can I go to to get my DOT physical exam done?
I have a CDL and have been notified to present DMV with a medical certificate or I will lose my driving privileges. I’m not currently driving and may not drive again. Do I need to get a DOT physical just to maintain my license?
For more information see our blog post New FMCSA Medical Certification Requirements.
In order to keep your CDL, some states will allow a CDL holder to certify in a category that does not require a medical certificate e.g. Intrastate Excepted, if they are not currently driving.
You will have to check with your State Drivers License Agency (DMV) to see if they permit this option. This will give you a way to maintain your CDL without a current medical card.
If you want to start driving again, you will first have to get a new medical card, and then visit your DMV, to self-certify in the category that is appropriate for the type of driving you will be doing.
Is the DOT medical card transferrable or do I have to get a new one when I start a new job?
A DOT medical card is valid nationwide and can be used by any company so you don’t have to get a new one.
However… There are companies that have a policy in place that states they want you to have the physical exam done by their own examiner. They can require you to take a new physical exam, if is company policy. They also usually will pay for the exam if they require it.
Is there a difference between a DOT medical certificate and a DOT physical card?
No. These terms are used interchangeably. They are most often referred to as a DOT medical when referring to the DOT medical card, and DOT physical when referring to the DOT physical exam, and sometimes drivers refer to them as a CDL physical or CDL medical.
What are the DOT physical requirements?
Here are 3 ways to understand the DOT physical requirements.
- The hard way:
Read the FMCSA Rules and Regulations Part 391.41 Physical Qualifications For Drivers - The technical way:
Understand what’s on the DOT long form MCSA-5875, FMCSA DOT Medical Examination Report Form - The easy way:
Read Trucker Docs’ guidebook, How To Take The Stress Out Of Getting Your DOT Medical Card
Does the DOT physical exam include a drug test?
The DOT physical exam requirements do not include a drug test. You will still have to give a urine sample which is used for a kidney screen for potential medical conditions.
However, companies require a pre-employment drug test. So your company may request to have a drug screen done at the same time as you take your DOT physical. Not all medical examiner’s offices that conduct DOT physicals have a drug testing service.
Can I get a copy of my DOT physical long form or will I have to take another physical?
Yes, you can get a copy. Just look on your medical card and find the examiner’s phone number. Call and ask for a copy of your medical long form. They may charge you a few bucks for the service, but it’s cheaper than a new examination.
What do I do if my medical card gets lost or damaged?
Call the doctors office that did the original DOT exam and find out what the process is to get a duplicate made and sent to you. The medical office has to keep this information on file for at least three years, so they will have it.
Do I need a medical card if I’m a local driver?
Requirements for local drivers (intrastate) are regulated by the DMV of each state. You will need to check with your state DMV if you are a local driver. All states have based their DOT physical qualifications on some of the Federal requirements, but may grant waivers for certain medical conditions. If you’re a local driver you can still get your medical card from a certified medical examiner. (Find a CME in your state)
In some cases e.g. FedEx, UPS and DHL, drivers are subject to interstate regulations even if they drive intrastate.
What’s involved in a DOT physical examination?
To best understand what’s involved in a DOT physical, read Trucker Docs™ guidebook, How To Take The Stress Out Of Getting Your DOT Medical Card.
See also the FAQ – What are the DOT physical requirements?
Who can I go to to get my DOT physical exam done?
New federal regulations state that starting May 21, 2014, CMV drivers can get medical certificates only from a medical examiner who is FMCSA National Registry Certified.
(Find a registered CME)
Updated: May 2014
Starting May 21, 2014 you can only get medically certified by a federally certified medical examiner – called a CME or Certified Medical Examiner. That examiner will have a National Registry Number, which must be included on the information on the medical certificate issued to a driver.
Medical professionals who participate in the CME program may be MD, DO, DC, APN, or PA.
The caution here is that even though these professionals are certified by FMCSA, some states will not recognize certain categories of medical professional to qualify drivers within that state. The information we have at this time is: Michigan and Washington do not qualify chiropractic physicians to issue medical certificates for their drivers.
What is a waiver or exemption, and how can I get one?
A waiver or exemption gives a driver temporary relief from a regulation; one of more of the FMCSRs.
FMCSA Exemption Programs are for drivers of CMVs that intend to operate in interstate commerce. A driver may apply for an exemption from any of the standards where the driver can show that safety would not be diminished by granting the exemption. The exemption is granted for up to two years, and may be renewed.
See the FMCSA Driver Exemption Programs for more information and details of how to apply.
Intrastate commerce: FMCSA does not have statutory authority to grant waivers/exemptions to drivers from states’ intrastate requirements. Therefore, the FMCSA waivers/exemptions do not permit regulatory relief for drivers who plan to limit their operations to intrastate commerce.
For how long is my medical certificate valid?
- 2 years if the driver meets all the FMCSA standards (see DOT physical requirements)
- If the driver meets standards, but periodic monitoring is required for certain conditions, a medical certificate will be issued for a limited time period. Depending on those conditions the period could be 1 year, 6 months, 3 months, or some other time limit. e.g. Medical conditions stable, on treatment include hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, sleep disorder, conditions qualified under exemption.
- If the driver does not meet FMCSA standards, then medical certification is disqualified. e.g. Disqualified due to medical condition and/or medication, stage 3 hypertension, insulin-dependent diabetes. “Does not meet FMCSA standards” means the driver is not medically qualified at the time of the examination. Until a certified medical examiner makes a determination that the driver is medically qualified the driver is not able to operate a CMV in interstate commerce.
My medical certificate only expires in nine months. What if I recently developed a medical condition that I couldn’t drive. Can I drive truck again now?
Even if you currently have a ‘current’ medical certificate, you are prohibited from driving a CMV with any medical condition that would be disqualifying or may interfere with the safe operation of a CMV. Once a disqualifying medical condition is resolved, and before resuming operation of CMVs, you are responsible for obtaining re-certification from a Medical Examiner.
Can my Company have different medical requirements than the FMCSA requirements?
A company must a least meet the FMCSA medical requirements. However, company policy may impose stricter standards than those required by FMCSA.
Can my new employer make me get a DOT physical even if my current medical certificate is still valid for another 18 months?
Yes, the employer can require you to take a new physical exam, if is company policy. They also usually will pay for the exam if they require it.
What if I develop a medical condition while my current medical certificate is still valid?
If you develop a medical condition that may interfere with the safe operation of a CMV, you are disqualified from driving while you have that condition. Once a disqualifying medical condition is resolved, and before resuming operation of CMVs, you are responsible for obtaining re-certification from a Medical Examiner.
What do I do with the medical certificate (MEC) and long form (MER) once I get them?
The Driver:
- Carry the original medical card (Medical Examiner’s Certificate, form MCSA-5876) with you at all times you are driving.
- Keep a copy of the long form (Medical Examination Report, form MCSA-5875) for your records. Even though DOT regulations state that you only need to carry the medical card with you, you’ll save yourself hassle if you carry the long form as well.
- It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure that they have a current Medical Examiner’s Certificate on file with their CDL, so make sure you renew the copy of your Medical Examiner’s Certificate together with your Self-Certification affidavit at your State Drivers License Department. (more info on Self-Certification)
The Company:
- The motor carrier is required to keep a copy of the Medical Examiner’s Certificate in the driver qualification file. Drivers, make sure you provide a copy of the Medical Examiner’s Certificate to the company that employs you.
Certified Medical Examiners:
- The medical examiner is required to provide the driver with a paper copy of the original Medical Examiner’s Certificate, form MCSA-5876.
- The medical examiner is required to keep the original long form and a copy of the medical certificate on file for a least three years.
- The medical examiner is required to enter driver examination results online to the National Registry system for each interstate driver examination. The examination results information is reported whether the examination is completed or not i.e. If a driver leaves the examiner’s clinic during the examination because they do not wish to continue, the medical examiner will report the results as “Incomplete Examination”.
Do I need to have a medical certificate if I operate a CMV only in my home state?
Requirements for intrastate drivers are regulated by the DMV of each state. You will need to check with your state DMV. All states have based their DOT physical qualifications on some of the Federal requirements, but may grant waivers for certain medical conditions. If you drive intrastate you can still get your medical card from a certified medical examiner. (Find a CME in your state)
In some cases e.g. FedEx, UPS and DHL, drivers are subject to interstate regulations even if they drive intrastate.
If a truck has a DOT# on its side, does the driver need a medical card to drive it?
Yes, the driver must have a medical certificate to operate a vehicle being used for commerce. So the truck/trailer and driver must be DOT approved, DOT numbers on the truck and trailer and medical card for the driver. You may want to also check you state DMV regulations.
If I’m working for a company is it their responsibility to pay for the DOT physical exam?
That varies from company to company. Some see it as part of the job and some see it as, “if you don’t have a medical card, you don’t have the job.” These is no set in stone answer.
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First off I was denied because I’m on subutex. But now I just learned that the dmv got rid of medical cards for class d drivers, I drive a maintenance truck under 20,001 lbs. All you need now is to pass the dot physical but can you do that while being on medication even tho you don’t need your medical card. I can’t get any answers on this.
@Josh
Most states are requiring a valid medical certificate, no matter what class license, if you are operating a vehicle that is used for commerce. So what you need is a valid medical certificate to do your job.
I had a failed pre employment drug screen a couple years ago for so I stopped driving truck, dumb mistake but a it happened. Now I’ve been offered a job with fed ex to drive a non cdl local package delivery truck. I did have to take a dot physical and drug screen which I passed and I was cleared for a 2yr cert. Since I’m not driving a truck needing a cdl am I legal to drive for fed ex in their trucks in CA?
My medical card expired. I want to know do i just have to get a new medical card or do i have to take a refresher course on my cdl all over again? I havent been driving i have been in another line of work but now i want to use my cdl
I want to know as well. I was also out of the country when mine expired last year
I have been driving for two years with my company. when my last med. card expired they sent me to the Concentra medical office to get a new card, at first the Dr. said I would get my card when they got a release letter for my medication, then I was denied because of a meningioma, which the examining doctor didn’t know anything about, but instead of getting my Yale neurosurgeon’s information to ask him, she searched with her higher ups until they found a reason to deny my card. I also believe that she was prejudiced against me for some reason, as she left a message on my phone saying she forgot to talk to me about it, which isn’t true, and before I got her call saying I was denied she told me that she would only give me a one year card because the medication I’ve had for years – and now that I have her report I see she wrote “alcoholism” ! on the bottom, which she has no evidence of, we are tested regularly for drugs and alcohol, sometime when you walk into the office in the morning, they say “stick this in your mouth” for an alcohol test. She has lost my job for me because my company does not accept a second opinion unless I go before the FMCSA and risk everything with a lengthy “appeals” process. I have tried to fight it through my company’s med. dept and sent them a paper I found online saying my condition does not disqualify me.
P.S. I need to get a card soon so I can start looking for another job.
@Alan
To begin with, all you really needed was a note from your neurologist explaining the situation and a medical release form from him.
The CME should have taken all of the available information before making a final decision.
Not sure about the company stand unless it is some type of company policy.
You, as an individual, have the right to pursue a second opinion. So at this point get all of the available information from your neurologist and primary health care provider together before going for a new DOT examination. Get medical release forms signed by both doctors indicating that they understand the requirements of a CMV operator and you should be in good shape.
You will probably be on a one year card due to the potential progressive level of this condition, but at least you will be doing what you like to do. Good Luck.
Does my employer have the right to have copy of the long form from my DOT Physical? If so, do they need my permission to receive this information from the DOT physician?
@Helen
In most cases all the company really needs is a copy of the medical certificate. If they request a copy of the long form, then you can ask to see the the company policy that protects your person information. And yes you would need to provide a signed release to the doctor for him to release your information to anyone.
Do I have a certain time to get my dot card renewed after it expires?
@Jeff
You cannot drive on an expired card.
At some stage drivers license department will downgrade or suspend your license if your medical card is not current. Each state treats this process in their own way.
My DOT medical card expired 4 months ago and my job is still making me drive along with other. I keep bring it up to there attention and they keep ignoring the facts. what can i do about this?
@Natalie
It is the driver’s responsibility to have a current medical card on file with their drivers license for their state.
Drivers usually pay for their DOT physical exam. Some companies may pay up front for the exam or reimburse you.
If you get stopped by a traffic officer for some reason, and they find you don’t have a medical card, the traffic fine may be in the hundreds of dollars.
I’ve had blood clots in the past twenty years and I’m on blood thinner and have my blood checked monthly will this effect me getting a DOT physical
@Tom
It is going to raise a lot of questions, especially on the potential safety issues. Try getting a medical release form from your prescribing doctor before you go for the examination. That will help the examiner make the best and safest decisions.
I Have been issued two – two year cards and have been working most recently for two years for the same company.. When I went to a local Medical center that my company uses, I was examined and denied a card. The doctor went so far as to call me up on the road and tell me that not only wouldn’t they issue a card, but that my current card was now also invalid. I was on my way back from Canada at the time.
I contacted the company’s main medical team, in a separate medical company, and they are trying to help me. Some facts: 1 Nothing about my medical condition has changed at all since my last two cards were issued.2 I am a very healthy 60 year old male with, as my GP put it ” the blood pressure of a 25 year old”. 3 The examining Dr found a technicality that allows them to deny my card, but refused to even consider (so far) the opinion of my attending physician, who is a top surgeon in the field at Yale New Haven.
Having talked with my company’s medical group, they said they would review everything and try to consult with the examining doctor (who I don’t think will budge for unknown reasons) and then consider getting me examined by someone else. They are saying this would be problematic of course. I feel like I’ve won the anti lottery because of this Doctor’s unwillingness to look at the report from my doctor. I don’t want to appeal to the FMCSA because if I get an exemption, I will not be able to go to Canada, which is crucial to my job.
Any advice would be appreciated..
@Alan
You gave us lots of data, but nothing specific about what condition/technicality that we can try to answer other than to go somewhere else and get a second opinion.
Hello, sorry, I guess I’m worried about info online. It’s a meningioma, which the examining doctor didn’t know anything about, but instead of getting my Yale neurosugeon’s information to ask him, she searched with her higher ups until they found a reason to deny my card. I also believe that she was prejudiced against me for some reason, as she left a message on my phone saying she forgot to talk to me about it, which isn’t true, and before I got her call saying I was denied she told me that she would only give me a one year card because of a medication I’ve had for years – and now that I have her report I see she wrote “alcoholism” ! on the bottom, which she has no evidence of, we are tested regularly for drugs and alcohol, sometime when you walk into the office in the morning, they say “stick this in your mouth” for an alcohol test. She has single handedly lost my job for me because my company does not accept a second opinion unless I go before the FMCSA and risk everything with a lengthy “appeals” process.
P.S. I need to get a card soon so I can start looking for another job.
I live in california. I have never had any commercial driving incidents. I learned the old school way. From my Grandfather in an old cabover on private farms. Never needed to drive on public roads. I was 18 and left the business. 30 years later i apply for a retail job part time and have been there 2 years now. I have been through the DOT physical and all has been good. Now that California has a mandated 3 day inspection, log book check, fmcsa, etc….my supervisors are stacking paperwork in front of me to be completed that myself and others dont even know what it means. They say check yes. They dont even know what it means. Vehicle checklists i get. A driving test….i had that signed off when i took the test. Subject to fmcsa, sensitive 49 code? I drive paper towels and toys down the street 2 blocks, a total of 10 miles a week in a single axle cargo truck. I like to know what i am signing and this baffles me because no one at work seems to know anything and going online hasnt helped at all. Does anyone have a simple explanation in laymans terms what this all means?
If a person is given a 3 month card for blood pressure, do they have to have another complete exam done to get an extension?
@Shari
There is no extension. You get a one time 90 day card to get your situation under control. If it is not under control at the end of the 90 days, then you are disqualified until it is below 140/90. As far as a complete new test, it will fall to the decision of the examining facility or the CME, but most likely yes.
I need to transport a truck from Florida to Maryland, but I currently hold a Intrastate restriction on my Class B CDL . Can I get a temp waiver to allow me to drive interstate .
@Mario
DOTPhysicalDoctors focuses on medical card related questions.
You’ll need to ask this to your local drivers license department.
I am a Medical Examiner.
One of the companies we contract with pays for the examination of their drivers. We have some drivers requesting copies of their long form when they change employers. Can the company legally deny us the ability to supply the driver a copy of the long form? Do we as examiners have the legal right to deny a copy to the driver based on the fact the company paid for the exam?
@Connie
The driver should have received a copy of his long form and medical certificate at the finish of the original examination.
You can supply a copy of the long form to the driver if he asks for it.
The long form is not the property of the company, so you can give the driver a copy.
I just moved to Florida. I have a NY class B license my dot card expires in July can I get my license before then with out getting a Florida dot card?
@Deborah
As long as you have a valid medical card from any CME in any state, then you are good to go and get your new drivers license. Some states are a little picky about how much time you still have on your medical card before issuing a new license. Check with the Fla. drivers license department and confirm what you need before starting the process.
i have a WI CDL class B and my Fed Med is expired. now Im in NJ for some time. Can i do my dot examination in NJ or i will have to go to wi to do it ?
@Adriana
A federal medical card is valid nationwide and you can go to any certified medical examiner nationwide to get a DOT physical.
I live in Michigan and I had a defibrillator put in about three ago and I have my cdl class B with P and S endorsement to drive school bus. Went to go get my dot physical and got told no because of defib. Only going to drive intrastate and my cardiologist gave a written permission that their was no problem to drive school bus. So what is the problem. Defib has never went off. If the cardiologist says it in how can the dot doctor say no. Thanks
Hi I am trying to get DOT for FedEx driver position Non CDL passed everything expect I take anti seizure meds. Haven’t had one in over 7 years got my PCP to signed a release form
Clearing me to driver by the medical examiner wouldn’t clear it what can I do?
@Charlie
You will fall under state variances with your driving and the CME needs to know that. He is doing an examination for a cdl/interstate driver and you do not fit into that category. So check with your state drivers license department and see what you need to have to pass for the state side of the medical certificate.
If I only drive 185 miles a day do i need a dot examination
@Ronald
If you a driving a vehicle for commerce, more than likely your state requires it. Check with your local drivers license department to confirm that.
@Mark
You need to let the examiner know that you fall under state rules and variances and not federal rules and guidelines. There is a lot of confusion right now with this issue and most of the CME do interstate drivers and do not understand the state guidelines. Talk with your local drivers license department and see what they can tell you before going for your medical certificate examination. Also have your doctor fill out a medical release form for you before going for the DOT examination.
My DOT Medical Card is expired. I live in New Jersey. I am currently working for a company where i do not drive a Commercial Vehicle, so i am not going to get a medical card at this time. How long do i have to get another DOT medical card, to get my CDL back, with out having to take the Driving test over again?
@Gustavo
Your need to check with NJ drivers license department. Each state treats this process differently.
Should NON CDL licensed individuals required under the new law to obtain a medical card for driving be included in the FMCSA Random Drug Pool as opposed to the PHMSA that they are currently in?
@Tammy
I don’t believe that FMCSA is requiring you to be in the drug testing pool. If you are attached to one system, then there should be no need for another system. Check with your safety department or your compliance director to confirm that though.
I have a CDL for the state of California my DOT physical is coming up soon if I let it expire for a few years can I still obtain my CDL if I decide to take the physical or do I need to take the written and the driving test again?
@Gilbert
This is a question for CA DLD. Every State treats this process differently.
Valid CDL in the state of NH, medical card will expire before I can get a Dr’s appt. (Need clearance from cardiologist prior to dot physical)
I know not to drive my tractor trailer, any other known issues for this situation? Any penalties for letting medical card expire? Any known problems with sending in medical card lot?
Any help is appreciated.
If you are due for a physical for your CDL is there a grace period from the expiration date?
@Ellen
No. You cannot drive on an expired medical card.
You may go and get your new physical any time.
Your CDL may be suspended or downgraded. Each State treats this process slightly differently.
I am going to be driving a 26ft Penske rental truck full of band gear in the US and Canada for 5 weeks. I have a class D license. Do I need to have a DOT medical card?
@Frank
You need to check with Penske to confirm your needs. You may need a medical certificate to drive, but not sure about a rental. So check with Penske.