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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)918-6271
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.
Until that system is completed, which compliance date according FMCSA is June 23, 2025, 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.
Your Feedback Is Welcome
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.