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Illinois CDL Requirements
Illinois law requires all CDL drivers to have a valid DOT medical card, unless the type of commerce you drive qualifies as ‘Excepted’ (EI) or (EA).
- Non-Excepted Interstate (NI)
You must meet the Federal DOT medical certificate requirements. - Non-Excepted Intrastate (NA)
You must meet your State of licensure’s medical certification requirements.
CDL Self-Certification
Initial self-certification and submission of a Medical Examiner’s Certificate, can only be done…
In Person:
At one of 47 Illinois CDL facilities.
Medical Certificate Update
If you are a non-excepted interstate (NI) driver, you must provide the Secretary of State’s office with all updates of your Medical Certificate and/or Medical Variances prior to the corresponding expiration date(s).
After the initial self-certification, Medical Certificates (medical card only, not the long form) can later be renewed…
By Mail:
Secretary of State’s Office
Attn: CDL/Medical Area
2701 South Dirksen Parkway
Springfield, Il 62723
By Fax:
(217) 558-5156
By Email:
cdlmedicalcard@ilsos.net
Attach a scanned PDF file
Questions:
If you have any questions regarding your Medical Examiner’s Certificate
you may telephone (217) 785-3002
Other CDL Information:
Website: http://ilsos.net/departments/drivers/drivers_license/CDL/cdl.html
TIP: Not Driving, But Want to Keep Your CDL
Illinois SOS states:
“These CDL holders must continue to keep the medical certificate valid or change their medical category to one other than NI.”
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.
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.
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NOTE: This website is not affiliated with, or endorsed by FMCSA or any government or state agency.
Does a non cdl driver pulling a rv need the medical card to tow a fifth wheel rv under 26000 gvwr?
@ Glen
Each state is different with their rules and regulations. If you haul with a company truck or haul rv’s for a company, then most likely yes. If it’s for personal use and not using a company truck, usually not. But best to confirm with your states drivers license department for the best answer.
Hello
I received a cancel letter on the mail for no medical card. It will cancel on 6/9/21
But I my medical card I just forgot to bring it in what should I do?
@ Marco G
Get a copy to them as soon as possible, right away, like NOW, then you should be OK.
Can I get an IL dot medical card if I have weed in my system?
@ Gerardo F
Probably not.
If I did not complete the physical for the IL -CDL and do not want to renew, is the commuter standard driving portion of the license still valid? Or is that considered suspended, as well? Thanks.
@ Stewart
Best answer will come from your local drivers license department.
I need to know my cdl status.im in a foreign country since 2016 and i dont use my cdl,my medical expired also.do my cdl suspended,revoked or whatewer it is and what can i do if it is?
@ Alex
You need to check with the state of Ill. for your cdl status.
I’m in Illinois. My Medical Examiner’s Certification expired and I received a CDL cancellation letter from the state, but I no longer drive trucks. I still want to keep my CDL. Should I just renew my Medical Card or go (Excepted – Intrastate Commerce) for the time being? I still don’t know if the state will allow me to do this since they have already canceled my CDL for the reason above.
@ Leo
Check with the state DLD for confirmation, in most states all you need to do is have a new medical card on file. If you want to go the intra-state commercial you need to check with your state to determine the proceeders to maintain your cdl.
I am not able to register my dot medical card I received an cancellation notice for 4/12/2020 what do I do
@ Tommy w
Check to see if your state has another option for getting your medical card registered, e-mail, fax, snail mail. Most states have also set up extensions for this present situation. But you’ll need to verify with the state, which option will work best for you.
My father was not allowed a medical card because he cannot provide a valid driver’s license. He is driving legally on a permit, where he is able to tow 24 hours a day 7 days a week, but is now legally unable to drive because they would not allow him to receive his documentation. He has more than a few other legal documents to use to prove his identity.
@ Rachel M
Get a second opinion from someone who understands the difference between a class A over the road driver and a local tow truck drivers. Your father falls under your states variances and not FMCSA.
My husband is trying too update his medical card but not shore about the expectation date on them since they go on ur driver’s license now,the dmvs r all closed do too this ceroniavieses going what can we do to fined out so he can get his medical card updated
@ Floyd l
As far as we know, every driver is supposed to carry his medical card with them whenever driving, even though it may be attached to his cdl. The expiration date is on the medical card. Not sure how you will get the information DLD [drivers license department].
My son was denied a seizure exemption from the federal government. How does he ask the SDLA for a medical card?
@ Barb S
Check with the state drivers license department. The state has different rules than FMCSA. He will be an instate driver and would fall under the states variances.
Are medical cards required for any driver of a company vehicle or only for vehicles that require a CDL license? For example, does a driver that drives a ½ ton pickup truck to deliver for an auto parts store, or a technician that drives a van with tools to service copiers need to have a medical certification and card?
@ Robert Co
You should check with your states DLD for the most lawful answer.
I have a K restriction on my CDL license, does that mean im exempt from a MED card?
@ Ashley c
Your best answer will come from your state drivers license department, check with them first.
I am a spotter for a company i drive on a street for 50 yards going to another building I have an 18.5 neck size I tried using a c path but could not sleep with it i have a k res on my cdl do i need a medical card?
@ Michael S
Some states want to see a failure from the DOT examiner before placing a K restriction on a license. Check with your state DLD to confirm this.
Does a driver of a class-c vehicle need a medical card with being a class-a license holder?
@ Nick
Most states require a medical card for any class driver who is driving any vehicle that is used to produce commerce/business for profit.
I live in Illinois. I only drive locally, and I do not leave the state. I drive for my family farm hauling grain to the elevator only in the fall. I currently have my CDL with a valid medical card, but I lost my leg this past year. To renew my medical card I know I need a SPE. My question is if I only drive local and for ag do I even need a medical card. (I know I have to be registered for instate only on my CDL) It is a royal pain to get the SPE and to recertify it.
@ Joshua S
You will fall under the states guidelines and not federal guidelines. First check with your local drivers license department and get the requirements from them. Yes you will be intra-state only but should not be required to have the SPE unless it’s a state requirement.
So that would mean that a salesman with a company provided 4 door sedan needs to get a medical card? Somehow I don’t see that as probable.
@ Bob CO
You should check with your states DLD for the most lawful answer.
Hi, i have a illinois class A DL.
And my medical dot expired while out was out on work related injury, and doctors refused dot exam cause i was on work restriction. For pain medication. But now my liscense have been suspended what can i Do.
@ Alonzo
Talk with your local drivers license department and explain your situation. They should have something in place that will help you out.
hi, i have a question if my medical exam expire like 10 days ago and im going to get i new one what do i have to do with it do i still have to go to the cdl license department??
@ vale
Probably, but check with your local DLD for conformation.
In the state of Illinois, is there a minimum AHI where CPAP compliance is required? I’ve read in some online resources that only moderate to severe (AHI > 16) apnea requires compliance but I want to be sure before I go to get my examination. Thank you.
@ Gerry
You-ll need to check with your local drivers license department for that answer.
Federal rules have been change go to fed site as they are not requiring that test anymore
My dot medical card expired due to an unforeseen family emergency, but I was able to renew my school bus permit. Can I still renew my card or do I have to start from scratch?
@ Christina
In most cases, you simply need to get a copy of your medical card to the DLD.
If your DOT medical card expires, and you reside in Illinois, is there a grace period in which you have to renew it?
@ Shawn
The state may have a grace period, but DOT does not. Card expires at midnight of the expiration date.
How can I get a copy of my medical record for my self . Scott
@ Scott
You should have received a copy of your examination at the time of your last physical. Otherwise, request a copy from the doctors office. There may be a charge for the copy.
Hi I just recently got my medical card 3 days ago excluding weekends. I was wondering how long do I have to update/add it to my file at Secretary of State?
@ Tony DB
Just check with your local drivers license department for the best answer.
I have a Illinois CDL *A* and recently have been disqualified by the DOT to operate a commercial vehicle due to low ejection fraction and was wondering if I had to surrender my CDL status until it improved if it ever does. Also was deemed disabled by SSA. So what I want to know do I have to surrender my Illinois CDL. Thanks
@ Judd
Your cdl license status is a state regulated issue. Some states may allow you to drive as an intra-state only driver. You would fail the FMCSA guidelines and regulations requirements and may pass the states intra-state only guidelines. Check with your local drivers license department for the final determination.
I also have the same problem They will suspend the cdl portion of your license I went to a gym the first time I had this problem took my medicine and was able to drive again so do your cardio and take medicine and you will be behind the wheel again
I’m going to be having a icd implanted here soon. And I have been searching for the laws in Illinois for how low your ejection fraction rate has to be for intra state driving and also if I could still drive a cmv in Illinois with a icd. I can’t find the rules or regulations anywhere and I asked the DMV and they didn’t know either. I just wanted to find the website for the rules and regulations for the state of Illinois on this issue because I wanted to know whether to keep my CDL or let them go. Thanks
@ Judd R H
FMCSA wants at least 40% or better, but your state should know what the states variances are for intra-state only.
Hi, I hold illinois cdl. I got mail for cdl cancellation do to medical card. I am out of a country do to famely emergency. My cancellation is in 3 days. If they cancel my cdl what are my options to get my cdl back? Thanks
@Milen
You’ll need to contact your local drivers license department and let them know your circumstances. They are the only ones who can answer this question and help you with your situation.
I have a question. I just renewed my dot card 4 months ago through a company I interviewed for. They ended up hiring someone else. I interviewed recently for another company and they want me to get another dot card through them. To me this is completely nuts. My current dot card is valid and good for two years. I don’t get the reasoning behind this. Does anyone have a clue why companies do this.
I had a D.O.T. physical and the doctor didn’t like that i walked with 2 canes because of a bad hip.Now he has me fill out a DOT skilled performance evaluation forms , i finally get them back and they say because i only will drive in Illinois this certificate does not pertain to me.The company i drive for has a DOT # on the doors of all vans,we do not need a CDL but just a regular license to drive.
My hip only hurts when walking, no seizures or blackouts or inability to drive safely.All vans are automatic with power brakes and steering.( left hip).what who where do i go and talk to.
My husband had seizures 8 years ago & had been seizure free for 4 years & have been off meds for 3 years. He wants to obtain a cdl but doesn’t know if his previous health condition will affect him. I know other states have time frames, does Illinois have a time frame also? If so how long?
@Pamela
This is not a long enough time frame for class A interstate drivers.
For intrastate only you’ll need to contact your local drivers license department.
My Dot card expired been unemployed not able pay for physical an license have been supened what do I need do get them renistated?
@Jeramie
You’ll need to contact your local drivers license department directly. Only they can help you with this.
I’m currently hold a class a cdl and this my first year having it and I am currently Unemployed waiting to get off contract and about to get off in about a week or so and my dot medical card is about to expire and I am really in need of some help on how to go about getting a new one so so I can keep it and get no points taking off I have no idea where to go to get it and the instructions on here are a little confusing
@Michael
Just find a certified medical examiner and go get a DOT medical exam and certification. Read the Driver Q&A on this website and you’ll have all the info you need.
Hello. Is the email address provided accurate? I emailed my medical card in pdf and i didn’t get a reply, instead i got a message from my email provider that the server does not exist. Thank you.
@Al
That email address is the one still stated on the official IL SOS website http://ilsos.net/departments/drivers/drivers_license/CDL/cdl.html#medical
I have a medical condition that requires a medical report filled out by my dr. Is a photocopy acceptable to present to drivers faculty
@David
What condition, what type of report is needed and what drivers faculty? More questions that answers, but we have nothing to go on here. And you should have the original form to present to the medical examiner.
Hello, Just want to get clarity on this. I currently hold a valid CDL ” Intrastate only” designation. I do not drive as my full time job, but would like to keep my CDL. Is it a requirement that I obtain a medical card? Will my DL be suspended or revoked because I do not have one based on “Intrastate only”? Thank you.
@Kevin
The published information from Illinois SOS states “CDL holders must continue to keep the medical certificate valid or change their medical category to one other than NI.”
If your self-certification is “NA”, check with you local drivers license department in person how you can keep your CDL valid. You want to get the details “from the horses mouth” to be safe on this.
Lots of luck with that.I recently lost my medical card due to a physical. I went to DMV and they re-issued my cdl license with a K restriction for INTRASTATE only and told me I could drive cdl but not to cross state lines.
Having doubts about this,today I called the same DMV and asked if I still needed a medical card when I have a cdl with a K restriction,I was informed that they only process the information and were not sure and suggested that I call IDOT to be sure.
@ Roger
Most, not all, want a failed DOT medical with restrictions and then the states issues a K restricted license. Your DMV should give you the best answer.
my cdl class B medical certification expired last month. but i renewed my cdl and took written test and everything at dmv last week. how do i get this medical card current? i was reading about self certification, but it doesnt make sense
I am a farmer and was stopped driving a truck and livestock trailer which was empty at the time. The GVW of the truck is 16,000 and the livestock trailer is 16,000 as well. I was hauling for myself and am not for hire and was about 40 minutes from home.
The extremely rude officer said I have to have a Class A license and a medical card along with other license plate and testing issues.
Do I have to have a medical card for private farm use?
@Sara
You want to get clarity from your local drivers license department. In most states once you exceed 26,001 pounds you need a commercial drivers license, person, private or farm. But you really need to get that information from your local state DLD.
Do I need to show proof of citizenship to renew my medical exam?
@Magy
A valid drivers license should be all you need, or a passport.
Would I qualify for a DOT card if I’m driving son a restricted drivers license? I don’t have or need a CDL for driving hotshots. I also have my own authority and my dui was 10 years ago.
@Sylvester
Medical card is to determine fit for duty status. As a hot shot driver all you need is a valid medical card. As far as a restricted license, you need to check with your local drivers license department in regards to what and where you can drive. You fall into state variances and not federal.
hi My name is Simon and i have a problem,My physical expired last year 11/11/2015, i didnt know that i have to renew it, now i just checked my license it says its suspended and i have 19 points, i never received any letter that i need to go to court or i need to send a new medical card
@Simon
You need to contact your local drivers license department in person to take care of this situation.
Does the medical card requirements include drug screening?
@Delia
The DOT physical exam to get your medical card, does not include a drug screen.
This does not mean that any Company you want to work for, will not request a pre-employment drug test — they most likely will. But the DOT physical exam requirements do not include a drug test.
I have a new medical card forgot to have it out on my cdl3 dua past do how long do u have anybody know
@Jason
Get your new madical card updated with your local drivers license department asap. Each state treats the downgrade process differently.
I currently reside in illinois. Ever since I was infant was hospitalized for a tumor in my eye. I went under surgery and unfortunately my eye was removed. I obtain a Class C but I am not able to obtain a DOT. Is there anything I can do or obtain through the DMV to obtain a DOT, maybe a waiver or something?
@Jesus
I am assuming that you mean a DOT medical certificate. If that is the case as a class C driver you would need to check with your local drivers license department and see what type of visual waiver you will need to drive legally. It may also require you to drive intra-state only vs. a interstate waiver. Both of these questions will be best answered by your local DLD.
our company employs a driver that had a very serious heart event occur 2 yrs ago…….ripped/torn aorta and near death. doctors induced coma after surgery. stomach/colon area/organs failed and employee now has colostomy bag. unsure of any other conditions but still needs occasional trips to doc and/or er unit with infections or intestinal problems. employee wants to resume driving truck for us but we are very wary of his overall condition and the potential dangers to himself and others on the roads/interstate hwys in our market with tractor/trailer and construction equipment as loads.
what exactly must we have from doctors to even consider him safe to drive and not be a threat to himself or others? claims his cdl is in good standing and a few months ago, he produced a short ‘return to work’ note from one of his doctors……..which clearly is not enough support in this situation. thank you.
@Larry
Any good CME is going to see that your driver does not meet the standards of medically fit for duty and will not pass the recertification process. Leave it to the CME to make the final decision. He must be medically fit for duty before he can get a medical certificate and start driving again.
I currently drive a school bus for a private company. They do not use air brakes. I have a restriction that I cannot go out of state (IL), as I cannot get a med card, and must provide a doctors note stating I am under their care. I applied for a school district where I must get air brake endorsement. Will this be a problem – can they deny me employment because of my restriction – are they allowed to even know about it before offering a position to me?
@Kat
Sorry we don’t have an answer for you. Our focus is on how to get DOT medical certification.
Is the 217 number where I can fax my DOT results?
whats the fine in illinois for not having medical card?
Hallo, it’s possible to do dot medical phisical in Washington with Illinois CDL?
@Andrew
Yes.
My CDL medical card expired 2/25 and I need to get it renewed am I able to do that and Fax it into you from a company?
@Truck0001
You would need to check with your local state drivers license department for the answer to this question. The state may need a self certification form also, so check with your state DLD.
Is a stress test still required after 5 yrs of a heart attack? I have hd to take one every 2 yrs since I had mone.
@ Dennis
Once every tow years is what the FMCSA wants and that is for as long as you are a CMV operator.
Can a individual on dialysis receive a CDL license?
@ Carsby D
It may be possible, but intra-state only. You need to check with the local drivers license department on this one.
What about school bus drivers??? What changes did 2015 bring for drivers with a heart condition that has been ok’d by your Dr……If your Dr. ok’s you but your physical says they can’t pass you because of some new law.
@Tammy
Sounds like a question for your state drivers license department.
If you are class A then you would have to pass the class A testing guidelines, but as a bus driver you only need to qualify for the state guidelines.
I had some health problems on the road and had to go home. I’m going to doctors to get healthy again. I’m not going back out until they say I’m healthy.
Thing is, though, my DOT physical expires in May. If I’m not healthy by then and it expires before I’m back to good health, what happens to my CDL? Under the old system, you just don’t drive until you renew. But I seem to remember someone telling me at some point that maintaining a current physical is now requisite to even having a CDL. So if my physical lapses, Illinois won’t actually revoke my CDL, requiring me to obtain it all over again, would they?
@Lloyd
Check with your local drivers license department and let them know your circumstances and ask them what you need to maintain your CDL. If you just let your medical card expire, without informing DLD, most probably they will revoke your license.
State police stop me and he gave me a ticket for driving on a suspended cdl licence for not reporting my medical card i never received a letter saying my license was suspended now I have a court date what you think will happen
@Edward
No telling what could happen here. Legally, they feel that ignorance of the law is no excuse and it is not the state’s responsibility to keep your license information in front of you at all times, so it would be tough to say what’s going to happen. Best case, they tell you to fix it and go away, or pay a fine and fix it. Or it could go in a different direction.
Each state is different, some states are not so harsh, others well… Good Luck
My son just received a notice of cancellation from the Secretary of State for not getting a medical exam to renew his cdl license. He received the notice on 11/13/2015 indicating the date of cancellation 11/15/2015 he has a class C cdl. Will he be able to get a medical exam and renew it after that date? Thank you for your time.
@Lorraine
Each state is different, but as a general statement, since the state is saying they will invalidate the license on a sunday, you should have a small grace period, like a day or two. Some states, like california will invalidate at midnight of that date. Also, most states are looking for the additional income, so they may have a small re-enstatement fee.
I have my medical card and provided it when I renewed my license. I just got a letter saying that my license was suspended because I didn’t show secretary of state. But I did show them. Can I get it reinstated
If i forgot my medical card at home but my home state and the company i drive for have a copy of it will I still get penalized?
@Edwin
Not as long as you can prove you have one if DOT asks for it.
Question okay i have cdl permit that expires on 11/28/15 my yearly medical examination is on 10/21/15 I have sleep apnea but i do use my cpap is it 30 days of 4>hours of 70% usage or is it 90 days of 4>hours of 70% usage, and i am a school bus driver and the person at my company asked me since i dont go out of state or on the interstate that i dont have to be dot on the medical examie or medical card is this true?
@tjones
Each state is different. Why not check with your local drivers license department to confirm or deny the proper usage of your DOT medical certificate. As far as your cpap readout, you need at least 30 day with 70% compliance.
In Illinois driving a school bus: had a TIA recently; M.E says I can not have a medical card for one year!! Any comments?? Especially facts!!
The Federal shows a recommendation from 2009, but it is not in any rules .
@Larry
FMCSA requires at least a one year waiting period for a class A driver to re-aquire a medical certificate.
Not sure what your license class is, so check with your local drivers license department and see what they have to say. In some cases with a lesser class drivers license and intra-state only you may be able to drive bus, but confirm or deny that information with your local DLD.
I recently took my DOT physical, I had a 3 month issued in March. I was only issued a temp card due to the fact that the Doc. said I had sleep apinea.
In 2007 I did the test, which they said I did have sleep apinea, I got a CPAP and used it briefly and returned it a couple later, I just could not use it.
My temp card expired in June 15th, in which I went to get another one done and the sleep thing came up again( different doctor this time)
So she would not issue me another temp card, so now my license is a medical invalid tag on it.
I am currently trying to get everything taken care of, I saw a Dentist on July 2 to get the oral device.
The question is, does the DOT recognize the oral device, the dentist said that their is no way of monitoring with oral devices?
What could I do in the mean time, I’m self employed, 90% of the time I drive a 26000lb plated truck with a 14,000 lb trailer behind it which make me have a Class A
I also have a Tandem dump trk plated for 50,000 lb,
Basically if I get busted driving any of these vehicles, I’m up the creek.
Is there anything I can do.
@Curt
You are not an OTR driver, but have a class A license. Which puts you in an odd position.
The dental device is un-monitorable and is not going to fly in the OTR world, so explain that you are local and home every night. That will be a huge help with the CME’s decision making process.
If you don’t travel interstate, you might shift to a intra-state only class A. Again, this helps the CME in his decision making process.
A similar situation for a friend who used a dental appliance. Found a CME who was a chiropractor. and got his medical card.
Are all illinois dot physical locations all tied into the same computers
@William
Yes!
State DOT physical rules have changed this year. My husband’s Internist use to take care of his DOT physical, and now he has to go to one of the registered DOT places.
My husbands personality lends to higher blood pressure in medical facilities, while his blood pressure is much lower at his familiar doctor’s office. He has been monitored for high blood pressure for the past 25 years and it has been kept under control. We have printed proof of his blood pressure being good, yet the DOT doctor’s office say he must have lower blood pressure at their office.
Now, no matter how medicated my husband is for high blood pressure, he doesn’t think that he will ever pass in that office due to nerves. He can lose his license and then his job of 30 years and excellent service for this?
He has a doctor who takes good care of him and his blood pressure. Is there something that we can do with this situation?
@HB
The FMCSA is setting the blood pressure issue at 140/90 or below. If above 140/90 the he needs to get the pressure down someway. But the CME is going to want to see blood pressure below the magic number of 140/90 or better. So there really isn’t anything that can be done other than get the pressure down. See if you can find an examiner that you like and have him take the pressure once you get comfortable with the CME. Hard to find a ‘driver friendly’ examiner, but they are out there.
As a former OTR driver, and currently a driver supervisor/ records manager, I am questioning your State’s validity in enforcing the requirement that drivers possess and produce their medical examiner’s card for any level of inspection by State Police! If a responsible effort was being made to stay abreast of the federal regulations concerning this issue, Physical qualifications for drivers, 391.41(a) & current amendments in the federal register dated April 23, 2015, you would cease ticketing drivers for not having med. cards in their possession during inspections and stop sending this bogus violation data to FMCSA for negative rating effects in Driver Fitness categories. Your State Police violated one of my drivers 5/21/2015 for not possessing his med. card, even though the federal regs/ amendment states under 391.41(a)(2); CDL exception that: A driver required to have a commercial driver’s license under part 383 of this chapter, and who submitted a current medical examiner’s certificate to the State in accordance with 49 CFR 383.71(h) documenting that he or she meets the physical qualification requirements of this part, no longer needs to carry on his or her person the medical examiner’s certificate specified at 391.43(h), or a copy, for more than 15 days after the date it was issued as valid proof of medical certification. I would, frivolously like to think that some day, just a hint of continuity and respect develop between all layers of State and Federal enforcement and the Professional Commercial Drivers, whom are absolutely responsible for bringing to each & everyone of you your every day food, manufactured goods, and novelty/luxury items! Please be Clear & Fair to the millions of Commercial Drivers that keep this country functioning for everyone’s benefit!
The carrying and producing of the “medical card” at all times while exercising the privileges of commercial driving using a CDL and requiring a DOT medical certification is not only a state requirement, but is superceded by Federal Law (USDOT) mandating the possession and carrying of that certification for CDLs. It is well within the rights of any law enforcement officer to request seeing that the driver is in compliance with the law.
Alan L. Sisson, MD, RPh
National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners
yep have to agree with the doc. it’s a fed law and not a state.
My company has several box trucks (in Illinois)
10-16 ft with lift gates. We just carry warmers with food to go to several schools.
When is it required to have a medical certification cards for our drivers?
Or is this requirement just for trucks who need a CDL license?
@Bill
In most states any driver that is operating a vehicle that is used for commerce and exceeds 10,001 pounds, then the driver (no matter what class license) must have a medical card.
Check with your state Drivers License Department to make your final decision.
If I choose to fax my new medical card documentation, do I need to fax my driver’s license too?
I just received a notice from the State of Illinois that my license is being revoked for failing to submit an acceptable medical examiner’s certificate. I went for the physical on January 5th, 2015 and possess a valid M.E. card. He faxed all the docs to UPS Human resources. Why am I getting this notice and what can I do so that the government has me listed as getting my card properly?
@Ralph
The driver is personally responsible to submit a copy of the medical examiner’s certificate and self-certification affidavit to their State Driver’s License Agency, to update their driver’s license record.
I drive a blue bus once a year from illinois to wisconsin once a year for a church retreat. There is no compensation I receive. I have a renewed CDL with a K restriction. Do I need to get a medical certificate?
@Matthew
You need to check with the state DLD to make that determination.
If you drive a vehicle that carries 15 or more passengers, yes, you need a CDL as well as having the medical data married to the CDL.
I’m intrastate non excepted with the state of il, just renewed my dot card, do I have to take my dot card into the secretary of state to show I had my physical done?
@Biii
Yes. The information at the top of this page explains your options for submitting a copy of your new medical card.
I received a letter saying my CDL license has been canceled due to not getting renewed medical card. I forgot to send this in. If I send it in will they uncancel my license?
I was told I needed a medical report in order to renew my license. What???!! I have never needed this at any time. What driver conditions warrant a medical report?
@Anita
See this article on New FMCSA Medical Certification Requirements to get your questions answered.
I will be traveling with a three horse trailer pulled by a chevy 2500 silverado truck through the state of Illinois on my way to Oklahoma for a horse show. Is a DOT and CDL license required? We are only transporting our own horse and equipment and there is no prize money to be won.
Thanks!
@Jane
In most states if you operate a vehicle in excess of 10001 pounds you may need a medical card.
It is very unlikely you would need to have a CDL to haul your own horses.
And you may not even need a medical card if all you are hauling is your own horses.
Check with the state Drivers License Department to confirm.
Do you have to have a medical card if you have a class C with no air brakes ??
@Joe
If your vehicle is used for commerce and weighs more than 10001 pounds, then the answer is yes.
Check with your local DLD and confirm what you need based on what you drive.
Why is it that I can mail, fax or email my husbands medical certification renew paperwork in for him but the closest DMV for CDL to us would not accept the paper work unless he was there in person. Just STUPID!
I had a three month extension on my dot for high bp, and missed the cut off date for the expiration date
After driving over the road for 8 months, I just learned that the computer system has me listed as a intrastate driver and my company shut me down. I must have made a mistake when self-certifying. Can i just go to the Illinois SOS and re-certify as an interstate driver. I have a current medical card that is less than 1 year old
@Greg
Just check with your state licensing department, you should be able to do what you’re asking.
How do I get another copy of my medical card if I lost it?
@Marcia
See FAQ – FMCSA card lost
Hi I have a driver IL that i just hired his medical card expires in three days, I just faxed his medical card to you, how long does it take for you too process it?
-thanks AJ,
@AJ
We ARE NOT A STATE AGENCY. Sorry, cannot help you with this.
This is a private website – DOT certified doctors helping the motor carrier industry with medical related questions.
Please call your local drivers license agency to confirm.
Can I still get a waiver from my eye doctor because I have one lazy eye
@Benny
Just get the eye portion of the DOT examination done by your eye doctor and that takes care of everything.
I just recently changed my cdl back to interstate because I’m going back over the road. When the company I applied to ran my background check it said disqualified under the medical card section. I can’t find my doctor on the registry list.the DMV didn’t see a problem when I called them. If its my doctor will I just need a new physical from a doc on the registry?
@Elmer
It would be helpful to find out why your card is disqualified.
When was your last physical done?
If it was done after May 21, 2014 and your doctor was not a CME, then all you need to do is get a new medical examination done by a doctor who is certified on the National Registry.
I faxed my new medical card. How can I verify that it was received and applied to my CDL?
How do I change address on my dot medical card?
@Donnell
You’ll need to get the medical card reprinted/re-issued. You might be able to have the medical examiner who did the examination change it for you, and then re-issue the card. There may be a charge for this.
My medical card expired, and I submitted an updated card to the state of Illinois 1 day in pdf format as requested. Does illinois accept this, and will they update my file? Or will I have to re-apply?
Thanks
Thanks for the help. I was glad to see that Illinois now allows CDL DOT physical renewal submission by fax, as well as email. This has helped my drivers, as the closest acceptable location is over 60 miles away from our home location.
@Cheryl
You are very welcome, and thank you for your feedback.
Hi. Can you give me please the fax nr or email where I can submit my medical card in Illinois. Thx
@Igor
It’s listed above.
I have a CDL but we only drive vehicles on the grounds. We do not go outside of the facility gates for any driving. Am I required to obtain the medical certification or DOT card?
@RB
Each state is a little different. In most states, right now, if you want to maintain your CDL, you must have a current medical certificate/ medical card. If you don’t want to do the medical examination, then you have the choice to have your CDL downgraded to a class D and you do not have to maintain a current medical card.
I think its ridiculous that initial self certification must be done in person, IL should be following IA’s policy/allowance of internet submission.
I drive for a company that manufactures concrete products and we deliversome times we go to orther states and deliver from what i hear and when i bring my medical card in i have 4 chocies to select from which one do I select. thanks Richard
@Richard
From your description you would fall into the Interstate Non-Excepted category.
Check our blog post on FMCSA Medical Certification.
What does inter/intra state “excepted” and not “excepted” mean?
@Patricia
see article on our blog New FMCSA Medical Certification Requirements