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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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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