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Georgia CDL Requirements
All CDL holders have to certify driving type and, if required, keep a valid medical card on file with Georgia Department of Driver Services. Your certification of driving type tells DDS which qualifications you must meet to hold a CDL.
- Non-Excepted Interstate (NI)
You must meet FMCSA driver qualification requirements. - Non-Excepted Intrastate (NA)
You must meet the medical requirements for Georgia.
If your medical examiner’s certificate is only valid with a vision, diabetes or a skills performance evaluation variance granted by FMCSA, you will also be asked by the DDS to provide a copy of that variance document. If you have a vision waiver granted by the DDS you will be required to provide a copy of that variance document.
CDL holders can no longer claim exemption from medical certification requirements because they are not currently operating in non-excepted interstate or intrastate commerce. If not specifically included above, they must maintain their medical certification or certify into an Excepted category.
If CDL holders are required to provide a medical certification then they must continue to carry all medical certification documents with them at all times even after completing the self-certification process with DDS.
CDL Self-Certification
Submit the following two documents:
- Commercial Driver Self Certification Form (DDS Form 1207) – download the form here from Georgia Department of Driver Services.
- Copy of your valid DOT medical card (Medical card only, not the long form.) Enlarge the copy to ensure that all information is legible.
Online:
Visit the DDS website at https://online.dds.ga.gov/onlineservices/account/login.aspx
By Mail:
Department of Driver Services
Attn: RM-CDL
P. O. Box 80447
Conyers, GA 30013
By Fax:
(770) 918-6251
Important: Submissions via fax must be for individual customers. Submission of documentation for multiple customers may be sent by mail.
In Person:
You can submit your self-certification to any DDS Customer Service Center.
Medical Certification Update
Your license will be downgraded if you fail to keep your medical certification current. You may be required to re-test if you remain in a downgraded class for a long period of time.
You must provide a copy of each new DOT medical card to the Department prior to the expiration of the current DOT medical card.
You are also responsible for applying to FMCSA for a renewal of your variance. If you have a variance issued by the DDS you must apply for renewal of that variance prior to its expiration.
You may submit your new medical certificate online, by mail, fax, or in person, as described above.
Other Contact Information:
If you have any questions you can call 678-413-8400 or 1-866-754-3687 and ask for a medical certification customer service representative.
Special Information Updates Pertaining To ALL STATES
MEDICAL EXAMINERS MUST CONTINUE TO ISSUE MEDICAL CERTIFICATES TO ALL DRIVERS
The FMCSA has requested that all medical examiners continue providing drivers with a paper copy of the Medical Examiner’s Certificate – Form MCSA-5876, so that Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) holders can provide a copy to the State licensing agency, and the non-CDL drivers can provide the documentation to their employers and Federal and State enforcement officials.
The Agency is currently completing efforts to put into place an electronic system to enable medical examiners to transmit the medical certificate information from the National Registry system to the State licensing agencies. However, until that system is completed, medical examiners must continue to issue paper copies of the medical certificates to drivers who pass the medical exam.
ALL DRIVERS MUST CONTINUE TO CARRY A PAPER COPY OF THEIR MEDICAL CERTIFICATE
Commercial Drivers – You still need to carry a paper copy of your medical card, until FMCSA announces that this is no longer necessary.
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Dealing with Federal DOT Regulations across the board is tough enough!
But when it comes to State Regulations — There are 50 different sets of rules. Someone could move the goal posts at any time…
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I have a Class C CDL to drive a 22 passenger bus for a retirement community. I need to update my Medical Card after almost 7 years. How do I go about getting that updated? Thank you!
@ Erin
Just make an appointment to have a DOT medical certification examination done. Make sure you explain that you are a class C driver and you fall under the states guideline and variances, not class A, DOT/FMCSA.
I have completed my class work on my CDL but now I need training hours. I don’t want to get in a truck with someone OTR. Is there a way around getting my training hours if I know someone with a truck and willing to take me out on day trips. How do I get those hours verified by DOT?
@ Demi
Check with your local drivers license department for your states guidelines within the cdl devision. They should be able to guide you through the process.
If you have a class b cdl that says intrastate only but passed dot physical and is marked qualified for interstate. Can you drive a non cdl commercial vehicle interstate.?
@ Brian
Your cdl is state issued and if it says ‘intra-state only’ then you are limited by the license not the medical card.
Yes in a cdl spec vehicle only not non cdl vehicles
Correct? So ANY non CDL vehicle is fair game?
Yes
I live in Florida and recently had a stroke. My neurologist and family Practitioner have both released me to return to work unrestricted. The DOT examiner tells me that there is a one year restriction. I contacted the FMCSA and they emailed me a copy of regulation, which states that there isn’t any restriction on a stroke. I’m just trying to get recertified but keep running into dead ends. Where can I go or what can I do?
@ Donald M
If you are a class A driver, then the CME is going to adhere to the guidelines as he understands them. Sometimes this is not based in full understanding of the FMCSA guidelines, but the notes that they took during their training.
FMCSA states in their guidelines for class A cdl holders:
Waiting Period
Minimum — 1 year if not at risk for seizures (cerebellum or brainstem vascular lesions)
Minimum — 5 years if at risk for seizures (cortical or subcortical deficits)
If you are not a class A driver and you fall under the states variances and not the fed, then you should check with your states drivers license department for further clarification.
Can I get a dot physical if I am missing my right hand, only operate in ga, and only drive a 3500 dually with a dump trailer
@ Steve
Check with GA. drivers license department. If your vehicle is being used for commerce, it may be required by the state. It should not be an issue if you are already driving in GA. on a GA. license. But confirm with the state.
If my CDL license is in Georgia do I have to get a DOT physical from the same state my license is issued
@ Steven C
No, a DOT/FMCSA medical card is federal and can be obtained in all 50 states. Do make sure you get a copy of your medical card to Georgia also.
I am retaking my cdl a written permit exam and my med cert is 6 mos expired where do I get ot update
@ David M
Any physician that is DOT certified can do the examination. Check the FMCSA registry for the closest CME to your location.
My physical card is two month expire can I just go get a new physical without doing my CDs all over
@ mark s
Probably, but check with your local drivers license department to make sure.
Won’t be able to operate a commercial motor vehicle until the medical card is reinstated.
WHAT IS THE LAW WHEN YOUR COMPANY CONTINUES TO HAVE YOU DRIVE A BUS WITH BEING DOT CERTIFIED FOR 16 MONTHS. THIS IS ONE OF THE REASON THAT I HAD TO LEAVE. I WAS NOT EVEN GIVEN LUNCH BREAKS AT ALL IN AN 8 HOUR PERIOD AND I AM DIABETIC..PLEASE HELP
I have been diagnosed with cardiomyopathy for over 10 years. 2 years ago, when trying to renew my medical card I was told I could not get recertified due to my heart condition. My primary cardiologist even sent a written recommendation that my condition should not warrant disqualification. Is there something I can do?
@Dreamer
With proper documentation from your cardiologist, go to a different medical examiner for your DOT physical.
I would like to know if a person with Commercial Driver’s License fails the physical due to high blood pressure. Can he or she transfer to another department and drive a non commercial vehicle. The person is aware that he or she will lose their Commercial Driver’s License if they lose their Medical Certification Card.
@June
That situation would now fall under the state’s variances, so check with your local drivers license department for more information.
I have hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. I had a septal myectomy to remove the obstruction. I take no meds nor do I have or require an implantable device.
I was told I’m disqualified from being medically certified. I read on the fmcsa site the mep recommends it be changed to a case by case basis.
Is there anything I can do to continue to operate interstate or intrastate?
Thank you
@Mike
With proper documentation and a medical release form from your primary cardiologist in hand, go and get a second opinion. It will still be up to the medical examiner to make a final determination.
You can apply for a Federal exception through your Doctor.
I am insulin( needles) dependant and being offered a job (CDL) CLASS 2 required with hbp, would I be able to get a CDL and medical card again ( personal history ) heart attack 2005 two stents in place
@Gary
Insulin dependent, but a local job, will fall under the states variances. Check with your local drivers license department to confirm their rules and state regulation on this matter.
I am not driving at this time but medical card expired…might be months before i can go back out…i went to school for cdls and do not want to lose them…can i keep my cdls without medical card as long as i dont drive…hate to lose them…
@Janet
Your drivers license will be downgraded if you don’t maintain a current/valid medical card on file with your drivers license department.
Each state treats this process differently so call your local DLD to understand the implications of your CDL being downgraded.
?? I have it, I live in Georgia and I’m looking to buy a Dodge ram 3500. Will I need to have a med card. It will be used for side work. I will not be hauling any loads.
Are Non CDL Drivers required to Get and carry a Medical Card.?
I have a CDL- B for the state of Georgia and need to renew medical for future employment in GA. Not driving a bus at this. Can I renew medical card if I pay for it myself.
@James
Yes.
I am an outside salesman for a construction supply company. I drive my personal pickup truck every day. From time to time, I use our company’s 20-foot trailer to deliver materials. I’m being told that I have to have a medical card to use the trailer. The trailer does not have company information on it, and it’s not required to have a DOT number. Neither does my truck. Do I have to have the medical card?
@Taylor
Each state may be a little different. So you want to check with your local drivers license department for confirmation. In most states, if the vehicle is being used for commerce of any type, then you are required to have a valid medical card. So do a final confirmation with your state DLD.
i just got my learners permit, but it says intrastate only. i gave them my medical card. i am about to go to trucking school in the same state the permit is issued. what prevented me from getting non-interstate? did i fill out something wrong?
@Don
It all depends on your age and any other conditions that you may have. There is not enough information here to give you a better answer. We need more info.
I have CDL my medical card expired
In 2013. I went today and got my medical card,do I have to retake the CDL test?
@Jack
You’ll need to contact to local drivers license department to get this question answered about the status of your drivers license.
I drive a school bus that doesn’t need a certificate of examination. I thought I was going to change jobs and got one. Can I get rid of the certificate if I don’t need it?
@Jennifer
Check with your local drivers license department for an answer.
I have CDL (class B) but don’t drive any commerical vehicle at this time. I was a School Bus drive and I would like to keep my CDL as is. I know that I am going to have to get DOT medical certificate to be able to renew my CDL. What do I ask the medical examiner, what kind of DOT test do I need for class B ?
@Tina
The examiner simply needs to know what type of driving you do and how much. He/she should be able to work it out from there. It’s not that it is a different test, it’s the difference in driver type for the examiner to evaluate safety and risk.
I have had type 1 diabetes since I was 7 and now I’m 43. I live in Ga and have always wanted to drive trucks and want to know of I am capable of getting my CDL to be allowed to drive locally in Ga?
@Todd
First you want to check with your local drivers license department and see what the process is going to be for you and your situation.
It is do-able, but needs the right type of paperwork and supporting documentation. Good Luck
What is blood pressure reading is to high to get a passing medical exam? I passed everthing else… Went back today and my reading were 141/88 and 130/90
@Reginald
Anything below 140/90 is acceptable. If you are on blood pressure medications then it has to be below 140/90 or less.
? I have a cdl but don’t drive any commerical vechs..my medical card is expired to I still need to maintain one..
@Harold
If your self-certification status is non-excepted, then yes you need a current medical card else your CDL will likely be downgraded.
Hello I was curious if I would have to redo my CDL because my medical card expired apparently 1 day ago I can get a new one tomorrow but don’t know if I will have to retake everything all over again or not I am in Georgia
I have not drove otr since 2009 , and have not used my license since (no local driving neither. I was not aware my license was switched to intra, now im trying to start back otr. would I have to take road test again? no dot card either.how do i get back otr?
@Yolanda
The only way you can know exactly what you need to do is to contact your local drivers license department. Your license has probably been downgraded or suspended.
We live in Georgia and my husband has to have a DOT card to drive the company truck, not CDL. He has a pacemaker with a defibrillator. He’s never had a heart attack but has a Pacemaker. The doctor told him that he can’t get a DOT card because he has a defibrillator. Is this true in all cases or just Georgia?
@Lynn
This is a state related question and you are trying to get your answer from your CME that is federally related.
So check with your local drivers license department and ask them what is needed. Since he will be driving intra-state only for work, they should have a policy that will get him a medical certificate and let him go from there. But it is up to the state to make the final decision if he is going to be intra-state only.
Yes, it’s true Georgia adheres to Federal laws
Diabetic 1, my sugar test 153 doctor said I failed as it should not be more than 140
Can I get a waiver regarding this?
@Nelson
How is the sugar being controlled?
For the DOT interstate cdl it would need to be below 140 and completely under control. So depending on how your condition is being controlled (insulin?) would determine your choices or whether you would need a waiver or not.
If I am on insulin but drive a company truck that doesn’t require a cdl do I have to have a dot card and if so can I get one on insulin?
@Shane
As far as I know every state requires a medical certificate for anyone driving a vehicle that is being used for commerce. That is any vehicle that has someone’s name on the side of the vehicle.
That being said, now you need to check with your local drivers license department and see what the states rules are regarding insulin. Fed. would require an insulin waiver, but the states have their own set of rules and their own waiver, which is what you will qualify for. Get the waiver first and then see what you have to do. Some states issue the waiver and the medical card for individuals in your situation, so check with your local DLD. Good Luck
In the state of Georgia, does an insulin dependent diabetic that drives INTRAstate only have to get the federal exemption?
@Angie
Check with your state, but I believe that your state has the basic waiver for intra-state only drivers on insulin.
Some states are following FMCSA guidelines, but most are establishing their own regulations for intra-state drivers.
I took a dot physical and passed everything but the vision cause im blind in my left eye. I only need for a non cdl job. Pls help me on what i can do to get a medical card .
@Shernard
If you passed everything else, then go to the state drivers license department and ask for a vision waiver from the state.
I am an federal employee with a CDL state of GA driving only military vehicle do I need to have a medical card?
@Anthony
You’ll need to check with your state. In most cases, as a military only driver, you would not need a card, but check with your branch officer or the state Drivers License Department.
My husband has his CDLs and interstate. We have always used the same doctor who does the DOT physical with all the forms. My question is when it is time to renew his physical card can he continue to go to the doctor he always has or now does he have to go to a doctor on the national registry of certified medical examiners? If so how would our current doctor who has always done them go about getting on the list of doctors on the National registry of certified medical examiners?
@Suzanne
Starting May 21, 2014, CMV drivers must have the DOT physical completed by a medical examiner who is FMCSA National Registry Certified.
See the FMCSA website for medical examiner certification.
I have CDL, the company that I work for promoted me to a position of not driving any more.
Do I have to maintain my medical card to keep my CDLs in the state of Georgia?
I don’t have a medical card and have been driving on the weekends for a local company making short intrastate runs. I was told that I wasn’t required to have one as long as, I wasn’t crossing state lines when I last renewed my license at DDS, but my employer recently informed that I would need one. Has that changed?
@Ric
Georgia regulations state that intrastate non-exempt must meet the Federal DOT medical certificate requirements. See information above.
Quick question: : my fiancee is a driver and has to renew his CDL in february. His medical card says its vaid another several months. The question is do you have to renew your medical card when you renew your CDL or just stay current with the date on medical card??? Any knowldgeable help would be VERY MUCH APPRECIATED!!! THANKS in advance 🙂
@nicole
You only have to keep the medical card current. They do not have to be renewed at the time of the drivers license, just kept current.
D O T medical card has its own expiration date.
The expiration date on the medical card is the
determining date which the D O T medical card
should be renewed by.
I live in ga and had to have a hole fixed in my heart. The dr. I use for my medical card states that I have to wait a length oh time to get a new medical card in Ga but did not know what that length of time was, I am hoping you might know and also anything else I might need to know about getting a new medical card. Thank you
@Debora
Well first things first. You need to be completely healed from the surgery before you go back for a new DOT medical card.
Before you go for the examination, make sure your primary doctor completes your medical release form for you to take to the DOT examination.
The medical examiner may be looking for a recent stress test before he completes your examination, depending on the type and level of your most recent surgery. With all the information in hand you should not have any major hangups. Good luck
What happens if one of our intrastate drivers fails his dot physical? What are the fines if caught driving without a medical cert in GA? and what are the repercussions to the company?
@Sue
Driver can lose his commercial license, and the company is finable to around $10,000. And why would a company take that kind of a risk?
? is my florida medical card good for the state of georgia? or do i have to get new one? need to know asap already switch my cdl license to ga but i did own a fla cdl license
@Harold
If your medical card is Interstate, it is valid throughout the US, not state specific.
If your medical card is Intrastate Only then you’ll need to check with GA DDS to make sure it’s still valid. Most likely “yes”, because both FL and GA require Federal DOT medical certificate requirements for Intrastate.
If you drive OTR a.k.a. Interstate, your
DOT medical card is good in all u.s. states.
If you drove only INTRAstate in Fla., then highly likely your medical card was a Fla. state issued medical card and good Only in Fla. state. If so, then you will need to get a GA. state issued medical card IF your GA. CDL is INTRAstate for driving in GA. only.
I am 50 ys old , I have a Defibrillator and I’ve never collapsed, but I have had 3 heart attacks that have left my heart damaged. My doctor said he wanted to install a ICD so if I ever do have the big one it will jump start me. But now i have a chance of getting hired on with the state of Georgia DOT, But they require that I maintain my CDL’s . Is there any chance of holding on to my license if I stay within the state ?
@Jamie
I would check with the state, but I believe you can keep your CDL and still be an intra-state driver exclusively.
That’s how it’s done here in Utah for our CDL drivers that would be disqualified from interstate driving otherwise.
Just a update; Checked with the Georgia DDS. And they said GA. Adopted the FMCSA regulations and will not allow it. If you have diabetes you can get a exception, but not ICD.
Who would a driver need to provide an updated physical card to for the state of Georgia?
Thanks
@Alisha
A driver can submit a renewed medical card the same ways as described above for self-certification – by mail, fax, or in person.