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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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Hello, this I copy/pasted from your website:
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.”
Can you please tell me what this means and how i can do it, as I’m exactly that driver. Not driving but want to keep my CDL is case I go back on the road.
Thank you, Paul Rose
@ Paul R
Confirm with your state drivers license department. Each states cdl has different rules and requirements and your question is for the state side of your cdl. It may be as simple, in your state, as changing from non-exempt to another category.
Illinois has always been rough on CDL stuff (but not as bad as they used to be). I found one way but it’s only for CDL-B drivers, working in the farm industry.
https://www.ilsos.gov/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_cdl7.pdf
Then as I was looking for Illinois, I just happened to come across Texas. Texas has always made things easy for CDL drivers. Texas makes this easy too with form CDL-10 and it offers lots more options to become exempt.
https://www.dps.texas.gov/Internetforms/Forms/CDL-10.pdf
Anyway, I have an Illinois CDL so I’m SOL.
@ Paul R
Thanks for the input Paul, hopefully it will be helpful for those that need the info.
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.
I got a cancel letter cause my medical card expired last month.
I been home no work for 2 months injured. Can I still go get my medical card or is it too late and I’m getting canceled?
@ Julio
If you are home with injuries, you can not pass a DOT/FMCSA medical certification examination. Go to your local drivers license department and explain your situation. They should have a policy in place for issues like yours. The DLD should be able to guide you through their process.
My cdl is do for renewal and I don’t have a medical card what do I do. I haven’t used them is why I don’t have a card but I want to keep them for when I do get ready to drive.
@ James
Most states require a valid medical card to renew your cdl. Also confirm that you still have a cdl, you may have been downgraded. Confirm with your local DLD.
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.
Same thing happened to me. I didn’t get medical card and just let it go. Just recently found out I was suspended. I’m heading back to Illinois to see what I can do about it. May I ask what happened with your license? Was your regular license suspended or just your cdl? Did you have to pay to reinstate? Any info is appreciated. Thanks
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.
Can I go to any DMV to reinstate my CDL medical card?
@ Ruben A
Any DMV in ILL.
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.
I live in Illinois just when for my medical card and didn’t pass cuz I have nerve damage in my left hand but i could still a good grip on steering wheel ! He said doesn’t matter cuz I have nerve damage can I Appeal this decision from this doctor any way shape form or matter? Thanks
@ Al
As a class A driver, having to fit into the DOT/FMCSA guidelines, you could request a second opinion. You will want to have your medical doctor supply you with a medical release form and an explanation for the nerve damage and its full extent of capabilities or restrictions. Then it falls on the CME to make a well informed final decision. If you are not a class A driver, then you fall under the states guidelines and variances.
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.