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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! —
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I have new med card but it was never updated with the dmv what happens?
@ Delvon
You need to get a copy of your medical card to your local DLD ASAP. If left undone, most likely, you will be downgraded to a normal drivers license.
No, you do not get downgraded to a normal driver’s license. You keep your CDL – but you just cannot drive with the CDL portion of your license until you get the medical certification and continuing education for the interstate designation. If you pay for the CDL and get your medical certification and continuing education, you can still drive CDL. You will not get downgraded.
@ Sara
That may not be true in all 50 states.
We had a driver renew his med card. The doctor gave him an automatic truck restriction. The doctor said its because when the driver tried to turn his neck he couldn’t. Is he able to drive with a restriction?
@ Steve
Depends on the class cdl your driver carries. Less than a class A, he falls under the states guidelines and variances.
I’m trying to get my CLP to start training. Do I need to pass the written test before the DOT physical, or DOT physical before taking written test? Also, do I go to one of the 47 CDL facilities listed above to get my DOT physical, or do I go somewhere else for the physical and then bring the results of the physical to the CDL facility to self certify?
@ Mike
Since your cdl is a state issued document, it will be best if you confirm with the local divers license department (DLD) for guidance in their process and sequence of events.
I got a letter saying my cdl is suspended and i just turn in my license because my medial card was not updated in Illinois. I had my medical card this whole time and the medical medical center said they will notice the dmv and they didn’t. The paper said in 5 days is the date of cancellation can i still go to dmv to update my medical card with them
@ Andre a
More than likely, but confirm with your local DLD.
Yes, you just go the DMV and give them the medical card. Your CDL status is fine.
I am an B.K.A. since 2021 on my right leg and a recent metatarsal amputation on my left foot in 3/23. I wanted to know as a type II diabetic insulin dependent with a history of heart disease. Can I get a CDL again? prior to that I had one for 19 years. In Illinois
@ Moises B F
Not saying it is impossible. It will take work and documentation from all your doctors. Also a skills performance evaluation before any CME is going to do a medical certification examination. A lesser class cdl, not class A, might be possible with your state.
I am currently on workman’s comp due to a work-related injury. I sustained an injury to my neck and it prevents me from driving. My DOT physical is coming up. How do I go about obtaining my DOT under my work-related injury?
@ Angel N
You don’t. DOT/FMCSA for a class A driver. You will need to be fully released to return to work, without restrictions or limitations, before going for a new medical certification examination. Talk with your local drivers license department (DLD) and follow their procedures for maintaining your cdl while in recovery.
If I am an Illinois CDL holder but I work in Iowa as an Excepted Intrastate Driver do I need a DOT Medical Certificate?
@ Garrett L
I most cases, cdl holders are required to have a valid medical card. Best to check with your local DLD for confirmation.
I have a CDL to drive a school bus in Illinois, but the company paid for the physical and is keeping it in my file. I thought that all drivers of any commercial licenses are supposed to carry a copy with them at all times. I have asked for a copy, but have been denied. Is this legal?
@ Jennifer W
You should have a copy of your medical card with you when you drive. Long form is not required while driving. Not sure about legalities, consult a legal advisor.