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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…
To help us all avoid the black eye experience — AARGH! —
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Do you need to take a class before you can get your cdl in ky??
@ Shanna R N
Check with your local DLD for guidance on this.
New law as of 04/2022, CDL physicals out of date more than a year but no more than 5 years, do not have to retest to renew his license. Here’s the kicker, my CDL physical was due to renew in May or 2020, COVID quarantine us up for a few months, got it in July 2020, two months over and they are making me retest to renew my license. Total trash of a rule… just cause it was approved in 2022, to help out , but no help for a pandemic related deal. Just don’t understand!
If my Class A CDL drivers license is issued in Kentucky. Do I have to to have a physical done in the state of Kentucky or can I have it done in any state but then transfer that certification to the Kentucky department of transportation?
@ Ervin C
You can get the medical certification examination done any where you find a CME. Then make sure your states drivers license department gets a copy to input into their system.
Anywhere you find a CME but would need to transfer it
Does anyone know the fines associated with Non-CDL commercial vehicles (plumber/construction/Etc) that is over 10001 but less than 26k not having a medical card?
I recieved my one year medical exam certification, with no restrictions, on July 22/2022. I uploaded it to Ky.CDL Medical Exam certificate portal,and it responded completed 07/22/2022, same day, today i recieved letter stating my CDL is suspended because my exam was not recieved. can this be corrected locally thru KSP, since the portal is down.
@ Lloyd T
Hopefully, since this is a state related issue.
If I have a CDL, do I need to carry my medical card if I’m driving my personal car? I don’t currently use my CDL and don’t want my medical card in my wallet.
@ Mike
Just take a picture of your medical card with your phone. That way it’s with you when you drive and only carry it when you are operating a cmv.
My Class A-CDL medical cert was issued 8/30/2021 and doesn’t expire until 8/30/2023 but I just received notice I need to update it before it expires. I went to the portal and tried but it said I couldn’t update it past 8/30/2022. I have every endorsement and no restrictions. Don’t know what I should do now.
@ Kelli S
Not sure who sent a renewal notice. If it came from the state, contact your local drivers license department.
i have submitted my physical and documents, how long does it usually take for them to un-suspend my CDL?
@ Jim
Each state has different process’s, best to check with your local drivers license department for your answer.