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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.
Go to the Questions and Comments box below and post your feedback.
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NOTE: This website is not affiliated with, or endorsed by FMCSA or any government or state agency.
I’M a Type 1 Diabetic, can I get a DOT medical card and drive a Class B straight truck for out of State Deliveries?
@ Stephen G
You fall under your states guidelines and variances, not federal DOT/FMCSA. Two things to be aware of. 1. Make sure your medical examiner understands the differences between fed regs and your state requirements. 2. First confirm with your state drivers license department, so you know what to be looking for in the states system and requirements.
My employer said I had to change my Illinois class C CDL license from interstate to intrastate to comply with my medical card. What do I have to do and why also is there a charge
@ Gale P
Since this has to be done at the state level and not federally, you will get your best answer from your states drivers license department.
Hello, I’m in IL and just did my yearly dot physical. I was deferred for HBP and had to do a sleep study because I was getting tired fast due to a lot of unwanted overtime. I have been off work since 2/22/22. Just did the sleep study 3/22/22 the problem I have is I was deferred pending all results and the sleep study takes 2 weeks for the results to come in this will put me past my grace period of 45 days. Will I have to take just the medical over or the whole cdl test? I just wanted to know my options because I haven’t taken the cdl test since 1986 and would not look forward to taking it again.
sn: that is my real email address…lol
@ Zen N
All you should have to retake is the medical.
I am a township road district employee with a Class A CDL. Do I need a medical card or do I fall under the EI or EA category?
@ ToddN
You will need to confirm with your local drivers license department for the best answer to the question.
My Illinois dot physical card expired last year i was not driving commercial vehicle so I didn’t bother renewing my dot physical card now that I wanna drive again can I go just get a physical card or do I have to do the test and everything all over again ?
@ Obaid
You will need to check with your local drivers license department to confirm and/or get additional guidance.
In my CDL physical today the nurse was going over the health questions that they always do. When she asked me within the last two years have I any illegal substance, I said yes and told her marijuana. The doctor then came in and saw me signed off and gave me my updated dot medical card and said see you in two years. Do I have anything to worry about?
@ JT
No.
can a person with one eye drive a dot pick up truck? he would not have a cdl but has to have a dot pshical to drive a company pick up truck.
@ Andrew
As long as the CME understands the states guidelines and variances, and the state allows him/her to drive now, then they should be fine.
I have a question. I have had lung surgery. The first I lost my upper lobe on left side. The 2nd was an elloeser flap. Will I pass a physical if I don’t have problems breathing? Thank You!
@ Eric S
The CME will have questions and may request additional documentation. If all else is normal, you should be fine.
Recd letter that CDL and Driver’s license is cancelled due to not having medical card on file. Does this mean to start all over from the start to obtain reinstatement?
@ Kmon
In most cases all you need do is get your medical card updated and registered. But confirm with your local DLD.
Can a person with bad or no vision in one eye drive a tractor trailer NE in Illinois and I’d there an age limit as too old? Thank you
@ Michael J
You will have difficulty passing the medical for a class A cdl. You would need a vision waiver from the FMCSA, which takes time and a special examiner to ride with you to confirm your driving abilities. Age is only an issue if there are additional conditions which may cause restrictions in your ability to operate a commercial motor vehicle.
Does a class C need a DOT card?
@ Amber
Each state has different guidelines. You need to check with your local drivers license department for clarification.
My CDL has been expired because of omedical….how long can I be out before I have to start all over again?
@ Steven G
CDL’s are state issued, so you need to check with your local drivers license department for the best answer.
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.