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updated: March 8, 2024
Kentucky CDL Requirements
Kentucky law requires all CDL drivers to have a valid DOT medical card.
While FMCSA only requires medical certification for drivers operating in non‐excepted operations, Kentucky requires all CDL holders to be medically certified (601 KAR 1:005) regardless of category selected.
All Kentucky CDL Holders Must Be Medically Certified
You must meet the Federal DOT medical certificate requirements.
Self Certification and Medical Card Submission
Submit the following two documents:
- Commercial Driver License Self-Certification, form TC 94-169. Download the form here from Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Division of Driver Licensing.
- Copy of your valid DOT medical card (Medical card only, not the long form). Provide a legible copy of both front and back of the medical card. Enlarge the copy to ensure that all information is legible.
By Mail:
Division of Driver Licensing
200 Metro St.
Frankfort, KY 40622
We will no longer accept any documents submitted through fax and/or e-mail.
MyCDL website:
You now must submit your Medical Certifications, Self-Certifications and Commercial Applications through the KY MyCDL website
First time users will need to create a Kentucky Business One Stop (KBOS) account, if you don’t already have one. This account creation is a one-time requirement. You will use the same User ID and Password each time you log into your KBOS account.
By submitting your documents through the MyCDL website, you will receive an immediate confirmation email that the document(s) are received and another email when the CDLIS driving record has been updated.
We believe this service will make document submission and processing faster and easier for everyone. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
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! —
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Where do i get recertification forms. Had heart surgery and have been released to return to work but was told by dr that i would have to get forms for him to fill out.
@ Betty s
Check with one of the local DOT examiners offices near you.
I have had a spinal nerve stimulator placed inside my back. Will this dis qualify me from holding a class A CDL?
@ Michael
You will need to provide good supporting medical documentation to the CME at the time of your next DOT medical exam.
Concerning a non-CDL driver who drives a work vehicle with DOT # for work purposes but who does not haul/transport material commercially: does this person need a DOT physical? As far as the state of Kentucky DOT guidelines: what other documentation is required for this type of driver (driving record? drug testing?)
@ Sara
FMCSA medical certification is mostly for the big rig, long haul drivers, class A. To answer your question correctly we would suggest you check with local DLD.
If crossing state lines in the promotion of a business……If the GVWR of the vehicle is 10,001 or greater, yes. Or, if he pulls a trailer, even behind a pickup, and the combined CAPACITY (GCWR) exceeds 10,001 then, yes.The driver is required to have a DOT Physical and to carry either his card or long form of that physical. Note, this is related to the rated capacity of the vehicle(s) not the actual weight. However, no DOT drug screen is required until you get into CDL territory which is for vehicles at 23,000 or greater. The 10,001 lb to 23,000 lb area is where a lot of confusion resides. Many plumbers, electricians etc run outside of the rules everyday without knowing it.
How long after your dot medical card expires do you have before you lose your license or have to retake the written part?
@ Stephen B
Your cdl is state issued and each state has its own regulations and guidelines. You need to check with your state regarding the answer to this question.
Have a prospective driver but his Physical was not updated with State of Ky so it shows his MVR is NOT CERTIFIED. I have emailed his card and self certification papers in. How long does this normally take to be updated.
I was told by the doctor doing my DOT physical I have to take a stress test. However after contacting several clinics, hospitals, etc they tell me in order to do this I have to have a “referral” by said doctor. This was not offered nor mentioned at my physical visit?
@ Louis W
There must have been a reason for the request and it is outside the examiner role to make a request without proper reasoning.
If I had a small mild stroke and have no damage or issues, all cleared by the hospital doctor and personal doctor to return to work and drive does the state impose restrictions on my CDL? I do not drive across state lines and stay within one county.
Our organization has 3/4 ton pickup trucks that we use to run to customers sites. Do our technicians need a CDL and/or a DOT physical to drive these units?
@Jeff
Anyone who drives a vehicle for commercial purposes needs a medical certificate / DOT physical.
No they don’t need a CDL.
I was just put on insulin for my diabetes and have a class b CDL . I work for the county road department do I lose my CDL even though I don’t drive out of state and we drive official vehicles not commercial
@Jeff
Contact your local drivers license department for Kentucky intrastate only regulations.
I live in Kentucky and my brother has a logging business. Do I need a medical card to drive a family farm tag truck to haul the logs from where they are cut to the mill?
Farm tags are non cdl.
I had a pulmonary embolism 10 years ago and have had no other issues since.. Can I still get a cdl in Kentucky?
@John
Sure, as long as you can pass all the DOT physical requirements.
My KY CDL expired in 2006 because my physical was outdated. Do I have to start the whole prices over to be certified again. Driver test, pre-trip test, road test, and physical to get my CDL again?
@Ken
Most probably! Check with your local drivers license department as to all you need to do.
I have several small commercial trucks (under 10,000 lbs, non CDL) but still require DOT physicals. My understanding is physicals are now directly attached to you CDL license but are not required to be attached to a regular drivers license, is this correct? Regular license you carry physical card with you and it doesn’t get sent off somewhere to be merged or attached to your license?
@Robert
Yes, this is the case that we’re aware of in many states. Check with the local drivers license department in your state just to be sure.
I’m applying for a school bus drivers position. My question is can you be deaf in one ear (uncorrectable) and still pass the CDL physical?
@Howard
Yes.
I passed my DOT exam with flying colors. Then at end, Doc failed me on weight & stated I needed a sleep apnea test. I answered all questions correctly–I don’t fall asleep on job. But everyone that goes to the company doctor is failing due to their weight ONLY. So doc gives me 3 month card, but I can’t get in to do the apnea test within this time. So now I’m told I need another physical before I can get another 3 month card. This is CRAZY. It’s apparently a money making scheme. If I knew somewhere else to go for my DOT in Louisville KY, I certainly would. This is profiling of overweight people…yes I know some may have sleep apnea, but not all. And 2/3 of Americans are considered overweight.so there’s a lot of money being shuffled around for this testing.
Got letter from state of my saying my medical card expired. I did my physical and passed all that. The dr faced it in to the state twice. They are saying they didn’t get it. How do I get this straight?? Thanks
@Matthew
Only way is to make sure personally – send a copy by mail, fax, or email, then call KY TC and ask them to verify they’ve received it.
I drive a f550 truck with a 16 foot flatbed and its only 22,000 with truck and load. My question is what size truck requires a medical card? Do I need a medical card in order to drive this truck
@James
You need a medical card if you drive for commercial purposes no matter what vehicle you drive.
Who can provide the medical exam for non CDL medical cards in KY? Is the provider required to be on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners for this?
Can you be denied a dot due to seizures?
@Barbara
A solid, Yes. But you need to determine what type of driving you are going to be doing.
Interstate over the road, no deal without a seizure waiver from FMCSA.
Intra-state only falls in the state variances category. So check with your drivers license department.
Recently accepted a job offer but i have to obtain a DOT card in KY first. I have never had one before so i am not sure of how this goes. What type of physical is involved for this and what will i be expected to do? Thanks.
@Jason
See the article What Do I Need For A DOT Physical Exam?
I surrendered my cdl uponmoving here for no medical card. Im a AKA amputee. I got my cdl back a year later after retesting, self cettifying and dot physical. I also had to send in a packet to Atlanta Ga for spe certificate. All of this was done before my cdl would be granted back. Completed this and got it back. Went to work. Worked 14 months passed 3 inspections thought everything was fine. Last inspection in N Carolina got put out of service for not having spe waiver in my possession. Thought it was digitally connected to my license like medical card ? Come to find out noone had a record anywhere of my spe certificate. Upon further looking into. Address in Atlanta Georgia for spe certificate was the old federal building. Theymoved. I never got it back and it wasnt forwarded. All my driving records from 2 states, applications, job application, 2 doctor reports, dot physical came up missing in my packet I sent. This is vety frustrating and the old address is still online misleading other people. All that work came up missing and was never returned. So out of work now until I do it all again. Once I submit my dot physical stating I need spe certificate I am simutaniously faxing in the new spe packet jointly with my employerto Chicago yhis time since my employer isin Ohio we can do this. How long does Ky keep my cdl valid untilI actually receive my waiver because I do not know how long it takes them ? Thank you.
@G B
Sorry we cannot answer your question because it pertains to your drivers license and state related.
The only people who can give you the specific answer to this is your local drivers license department.
P.S. We are a group of doctors who try to help drivers with medically related questions for their medical certification – and more oriented to federal regulations.