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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
June 23, 2025: FMCSA electronic reporting requirements for DOT Medical Certificates will be fully enforced.
See detailed information at FMCSA Medical Examiner Certificate Reporting Requirements for CDL Drivers
CDL Drivers
The good news:
• You no longer have to go through the hassles of updating your medical card with your SDLA.
• You no longer have to carry your medical card with you.
Is there ‘not so good’ news?
Safeguard your CDL! How does the new DOT Medical Certificate reporting process affect your CDL?
Non-CDL Drivers
The electronic reporting requirements do not affect non-CDL drivers.
• The medical examiner must give you a physical MEC Form MCSA-5876.
• You should keep your medical certificate available at all times whilst driving a CMV.
• You will still need to provide a copy of the MEC to the companies you work for.
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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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.
I have a Illinois CDL *A* and recently have been disqualified by the DOT to operate a commercial vehicle due to low ejection fraction and was wondering if I had to surrender my CDL status until it improved if it ever does. Also was deemed disabled by SSA. So what I want to know do I have to surrender my Illinois CDL. Thanks
@ Judd
Your cdl license status is a state regulated issue. Some states may allow you to drive as an intra-state only driver. You would fail the FMCSA guidelines and regulations requirements and may pass the states intra-state only guidelines. Check with your local drivers license department for the final determination.
I also have the same problem They will suspend the cdl portion of your license I went to a gym the first time I had this problem took my medicine and was able to drive again so do your cardio and take medicine and you will be behind the wheel again
I’m going to be having a icd implanted here soon. And I have been searching for the laws in Illinois for how low your ejection fraction rate has to be for intra state driving and also if I could still drive a cmv in Illinois with a icd. I can’t find the rules or regulations anywhere and I asked the DMV and they didn’t know either. I just wanted to find the website for the rules and regulations for the state of Illinois on this issue because I wanted to know whether to keep my CDL or let them go. Thanks
@ Judd R H
FMCSA wants at least 40% or better, but your state should know what the states variances are for intra-state only.
Hi, I hold illinois cdl. I got mail for cdl cancellation do to medical card. I am out of a country do to famely emergency. My cancellation is in 3 days. If they cancel my cdl what are my options to get my cdl back? Thanks
@Milen
You’ll need to contact your local drivers license department and let them know your circumstances. They are the only ones who can answer this question and help you with your situation.
I have a question. I just renewed my dot card 4 months ago through a company I interviewed for. They ended up hiring someone else. I interviewed recently for another company and they want me to get another dot card through them. To me this is completely nuts. My current dot card is valid and good for two years. I don’t get the reasoning behind this. Does anyone have a clue why companies do this.
I had a D.O.T. physical and the doctor didn’t like that i walked with 2 canes because of a bad hip.Now he has me fill out a DOT skilled performance evaluation forms , i finally get them back and they say because i only will drive in Illinois this certificate does not pertain to me.The company i drive for has a DOT # on the doors of all vans,we do not need a CDL but just a regular license to drive.
My hip only hurts when walking, no seizures or blackouts or inability to drive safely.All vans are automatic with power brakes and steering.( left hip).what who where do i go and talk to.
My husband had seizures 8 years ago & had been seizure free for 4 years & have been off meds for 3 years. He wants to obtain a cdl but doesn’t know if his previous health condition will affect him. I know other states have time frames, does Illinois have a time frame also? If so how long?
@Pamela
This is not a long enough time frame for class A interstate drivers.
For intrastate only you’ll need to contact your local drivers license department.