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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
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…
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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.