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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.
Until that system is completed, which compliance date according FMCSA is June 23, 2025, 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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I recently moved from Missouri to Illinois. While at the DMV to register my CDL I gave them my DOT medical card. Everything was easy as pie. Yesterday in the mail I get a letter stating my medical card was illegible, incomplete or an altered format. The copy was obviously creased from being folded in my pocket not being able to make out some information. I uploaded the original copy and emailed the state. My question is even though the card is still valid in Missouri do I need to retake the physical to have a Illinois DOT card? My time is very limited. Thank you.
@ Christopher
Your medical card is still valid, just make sure that Ill. has a valid/legible copy on file and in their data base.
Hello,
I got my CDL a couple of weeks ago. Do I need a DOT medical card?
I am just driving the pick up truck for my business in Illinois.
@ Mike
Confirm with your local drivers license department (DLD). Each state is different. Most state require a valid medical card to maintain a cdl. And since your pickup truck is used for business, it may be mandatory.
I’m on road now card expires on 29th will my cdl be suspended on the 29th because I can not find a place to be examined because I’m on a permitted route it’s oversized overweight truck
@ Trevor w
Depends on which state your cdl is issued. Most states will have a short grace period, some do not. Most would understand the situation. Most states do not downgrade so quickly. Best to get the medical examination done ASAP and get the info to your states DLD.
When getting your DOT physical, is there a difference in the ‘actual ‘ tests, and/or passing requirements if you drive interstate, or intrastate? If yes, what are they, and/or where do I find out? Thanks!
@ Chris
Class A interstate OTR is a stricter examination. Intra-state drivers will fall under the states guidelines and variances. Each state is different, so check with your local DLD for clarification.
What’s the grace period of an expired medical card. How long can I wait to get my medical card before my CDL is canceled in the state if Illinois?
@ Zuhiar
DOT/FMCSA extended the grace period to the middle of October. Confirm with your local DLD.
My medical card expired 2 years ago but my CDL is valid till july 2023 can I do my medical and be able to drive again in illinois ?
@ Ala M
You will need to check with your local drivers license department (DLD) for confirmation. Your cdl may have already been down graded.
I received a letter saying it’s a order of cancellation out due to not submitting an acceptable medical examiner’s certificate but I have my medical examiner’s card can I take it to my local dmv and they cancel the order of suspension/ cancellation?
@ Malek
Yes, it is always best to get this done in person, if possible.
What is non CDL C?
DO I HAVE TO TAKE A DOT
Physical
Currently hold CDL A.
Looking to just drive local non CDL
Thanks
@ DonJ
You will need to confirm with your local drivers license department. Most state require a valid medical card to drive any vehicle that is used for commerce/making money for someone.