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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.
Can you have a CDL and a Medical marijuana card at the same time even though you don’t drive a Commercial vehicle at all for . The job I have you don’t need a CDL to drive there vehicles. But I was wondering if you can have both of your not driving commercially
@ Antonio
Class A cdl, no. Lesser class cdl’s will fall under the states guidelines and variances and will require you to check with your local DLD.
Is my regular non commercial privileges still valid if I received a letter concerning non medical card compliance?
@ Terry
Most likely, but confirm with your local drivers license department.
Does a class c license require a medical exam?
@ Liz
Only if you are going to be operating a vehicle that is used for commerce.
I have my dot physical card how do I summit it
@ Orlandus H
Take a copy to your local drivers license department and have them enter it into their data base.
The Cdl DMV is far from me, can I email it to them?
@ Erick
You will have to contact your CDL/DMV for guidance on this issue.
Am I automatically NI when turning in my med card. I am listed as EI right now allowing my CDL to be suspended until later use.
@ Paul Z
Your question will be best answered by your local drivers license department.
So I just took my test and have never had a medical card before. Do I have to go into the DMV or can I do it via email?
@ Albert
Check with your local drivers license department and then follow their process to get your medical card registered, if you are a cdl holder.
do i need to merge my dot card with my license in the state of Illinois?
@ Mike
In most states if you carry a cdl, then you need to register your medical card with the state. Confirm with your local drivers license department.
I received a rescind letter before I sent my medcard in, but when I check on the state automated phone they said my license is valid. Do I have to worry about rescind letter
@ Jeff
Most of these correspondences are driven by computers and are automated. Just confirm with your local drivers license department that your medical card is on file and your license is in good shape.
my card expired can I update it to keep my cdl?
@ ant
Yes.
Is a drug test required while taking my physical for M.E. driving card
@ James W
A urine test is required during the examination, though it is not a drug screen. The employer may request an additional drug screen test during the hiring process.
I’m a class A driver and switched to a company that doesn’t leave the state. My tractor is apportioned, but I won’t leave the state of Illinois, am I allowed to do an intrastate physical?
@ Isaiah N
Intra-state limitations are a state by state related situation. Check with your local DLD for an answer.