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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
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.
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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