Click to find DOT physical locations in GEORGIA
Click to find DOT physical locations in OTHER STATES
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…
To help us all avoid the black eye experience — AARGH! —
Please leave your feedback about your experience in this State.
Go to the Questions and Comments box below and post your feedback.
! To save us all from zombie spammers, your feedback will not appear on this page until it has been approved. Visit this page again soon to see your comment, and others too.
P.S. Your email address will not be published.
NOTE: This website is not affiliated with, or endorsed by FMCSA or any government or state agency.
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.