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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.
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Just received a letter from secretary of state saying my CDL will cancel due to not having my medical card updated on 2/13/22, original expiration was on the 1/13/22 now its 2/12/22 saturday an just got done with getting my medical exam. Will I be ok if I go on Monday 2/14/2022 to turn in medical card at the dmv? Or will I have to start all over with taking test an all?
@ John
Most likely. Government bodies are not that fast.
I can’t drive a company vehicle at this time.
Am I still required to get a medical card?
I’m only in the passenger seat.
@ Tim
Your question is vague, but we will try to answer it. If you have a cdl, then most states require a valid medical card to maintain your license. If you are injured and can not pass the medical examination, then check with your local DLD for guidance.
I was given a year on my DOT medical certificate in Illinois due to being hypertensive. Will I get a 2 year one when I go for a renewal after controlling it?
@ Joey C
If you are a class A cdl holder and were placed on meds to get your condition under control, then you will be on a one year card. DOT/FMCSA states ‘a history of hypertension/high blood pressure’ that is the catch.
I have a step daughter that wants to get her C.D.L. license but has an medical condition.She has an aneurysm and have stints in her growin.The doctors drilled in her head.
@ Randolph T
Depending on the class cdl she want to work on, will determine her chances of gaining her license. Class A will be her most difficult cdl to gain. Lesser class cdl’s fall under the states guidelines and variances and are a bit more lenient.
I have a CDL B. Is there an extension for medical certificate?
@ James
We know for class A is was extended to the end of February. Class B is more of a state requirement, so confirm with your local drivers license department.
Is there expiration date extension for Medical cards for school bus drivers?
@ Dan
For class A drivers, it was extended to the end of February. Since you’re driving a school bus, this will fall under the states regulations. Check with your local DLD for guidance.
Can i drive in my home state only without a medical card?
@ Darrel E
You need to confirm with your local drivers license department for the best answer. Lots depends on what class license and the states guidelines and regulations.
Due to covid closing dmv facilities, how can i update my medical card information?
@ T.G
Your state drivers license department has to have a way for you to get the information into their data base. Contact your local DLD for guidance in their process.
Going on vacation during the time my medical will expire. How soon can i renew b4 the expiration date?
@ DeAndre H
You can do your medical certification examination at any time. Just be aware that the new card over-rides the old one.