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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
June 23, 2025: FMCSA electronic reporting requirements for DOT Medical Certificates will be fully enforced.
See detailed information at FMCSA Medical Examiner Certificate Reporting Requirements for CDL Drivers
CDL Drivers
The good news:
• You no longer have to go through the hassles of updating your medical card with your SDLA.
• You no longer have to carry your medical card with you.
Is there ‘not so good’ news?
Safeguard your CDL! How does the new DOT Medical Certificate reporting process affect your CDL?
Non-CDL Drivers
The electronic reporting requirements do not affect non-CDL drivers.
• The medical examiner must give you a physical MEC Form MCSA-5876.
• You should keep your medical certificate available at all times whilst driving a CMV.
• You will still need to provide a copy of the MEC to the companies you work for.
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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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.