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Massachusetts CDL Requirements
Everyone in the State of Massachusetts who wishes to obtain or who currently holds a commercial driver license is federally required to inform the RMV of the type of commerce they plan to operate.
- Non-Excepted Interstate (NI)
You must meet the Federal DOT medical certificate requirements. - Non-Excepted Intrastate (NA)
You must meet the Massachusetts State driver qualification requirements.
You should certify at the highest standard for which you qualify so as to not limit work opportunities. Non-Excepted Interstate (NI) is the broadest category and the one you should select if you meet the criteria, even if you currently do not consider yourself an interstate driver.
What if I can’t meet the medical qualifications for interstate commercial operation?
If you do not meet the Federal DOT medical certificate requirements, you may qualify for an intrastate medical waiver through the Registry of Motor Vehicles. This waiver permits operation of a CMV used in Massachusetts intrastate commerce only. Individuals who have been issued a intrastate medical waiver will have a W (waiver) restriction placed on their license.
CDL Self-Certification
Submit the following two documents:
- Massachusetts Department of Transportation CDL Self-Certification Form, T21893, download the form here from MassDOT.
- Copy of your valid DOT medical card (Medical card only, not the long form). Enlarge the copy to ensure that all information is legible.
Online:
Go to Online services > Other > CDL Self-Certification
By Mail:
MassDOT, RMV Division
Driver Licensing
PO Box 55889
Boston, MA 02205
By Fax:
857-368-0818
In Person:
At any RMV branch office.
Medical Certificate Renewal
For NI and NA categorized drivers, self-certification is tied to the expiration date of the medical certificate, variance, SPE or waiver. Therefore, drivers will need to re-certify using the same form when they renew these documents. Depending on the validity period of your medical card, you will most likely have to re-certify every 1 to 2 years.
To avoid a downgrade of your CDL, make sure you renew your medical certificate and re-certify with MassDOT before your medical card’s expiration date. Use the CDL Self-Certification process, described above, to keep your Medical Certificate updated with Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles.
Other Information:
Link to CDL Self Certification Frequently Asked Questions
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. However, until that system is completed, 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…
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I’m in MA and I need to self certify by Sept 3rd but I have covid can’t get to dot physical until quarantine is done. Can I self certify after the expiration date or am I going to need go redo my road test?
@ Dennis
Self certify after you have a new medical card. Since your situation is like so many, you probably will not have to retest. But confirm with your local DLD.
I drove before I lost my left leg above the knee in 1984 through 1986. I have been trying to get my CDL for over a year. I passed the DOT physical exam. I had to go to an Orthopedic Surgeon in Boston to get approval for the FMCSA SPE certificate, which was difficult to find because most doctors didn’t know what it was. Went back to driving school and passed the CDL road test exam from Mass state troopers with a FMCSA SPE certificate. Received my CDL last month and then it was downgraded back to a Class D because I didn’t get approval from DOT SPE examiner. I had sent a copy of the license to the FMCSA office and they said that I have to take another road test but Mass is a closed state because of covid. Any legal recourse of getting the money back I’ve wasted on this?
How old do u have to be to get your dot
@ Jason
For a class A medical, 18 years old.
i loose my cdl because my medicai card expired ,i renew my medical card i can get back my cdl,what can i do
@ pedro f b
Check with your state drivers license department and ask about having your cdl reinstated.
I just failed my cdl med card because the dr said I am over 42yrs old and I have a 15 inch neck and a thick tongue and I don’t get my period any more. No joke! She says I should have my reg dr order a home test kit for sleep apnea. I am a female and not obese & no physical issues. Can I go somewhere else and get retested? I will lose my job if I lose my med card
@ Pissed Off
Yes, go get a second opinion. Someone is “way” over reading the DOT/FMCSA regs. and guidelines.
I currently hold a CDL Class A license my medical card is due to expire in a few days one year ago I was placed on disability for back and hip problems do I have to surrender my CDL license if I can not pass a DOT physical or can I hold the CDL license with the hopes of being able to get my self in good enough physical condition to pass the DOT medical exam
@ Joe
Your CDL is state issued, so it falls under your states drivers license division, check with them.
I had to take a sleep test because I met the requirements for sleep apnea. I was told to get a cpap machine and use it for 30 days so they could get enough data to lift my work restrictions. So does this mean I will have to show them 30 days data each and every time I renew my dot medical card?
@ Harry
Yes.
I have a cdl class b lic haven’t drove a truck in over 10years never was informed I need a med card I have one now because I have to renew my lic in a month is my cdl valid
With a mass dot class D can I have marijuana in my system (it is legal in mass now, but not federally)
@ Kyle
You would need to check with your local drivers license department.
Oh yeah you can have marijuana cocaine heroin LSD hash uppers downers you can even be drunk while driving a commercial vehicle does this answer sound ridiculous and stupid if it does believe me it doesn’t sound as ridiculous and stupid as the question you asked
Jeff her must be an old tool-bag trolling to make dumb comments like this. To everyone else, keep pushing prohibition down!! I’m sure you like your booze too Jeffrey and could still operate a vehicle if you had a drink the night before or on the weekends. Get with the times, he’s not asking to drive a commercial vehicle stoned, he’s asking because unlike alcohol (way more dangerous mind you) it doesn’t leave your system quick and no-one should be penalized for smoking a plant. If you enjoyed a good home-made pasta sauce and the basil stayed in your system for a month and you lost your cdl because of it you would be irate too no? All the drugs besides marijuana you listed are synthetic chemicals and not even in the same chapter of the story as cannabis. Keep your old school mentality to yourself. You are that way because of the propoganda and bullshit you were fed as a child so i’m not blaming you but your way of thinking is warped and a big reason this is an issue to begin with. Out with the old and in with the new! Trucker Docs, to answer your question like an adult, unfortunately until the prohibition laws catch up with the times, I’d steer clear or take your risks, but at days end you will not win in a court of law. Hope this helps.
what is the grace period on cdl mine was down graded in ma. from class a to class d a little over a year ago can I still up grade what is the time limmit
@ gary m
You need to check with your local DLD for the best answer.
The grace period is for medical DOT cards because of Covid duh. Not for License
I drive a commercial vehicle in MA, but I’m only required to carry the medical exam card with me while I drive. My 2-year card expires in a few days. however, I lost the paper card. will I be able to renew it without showing the examiner the original card?
@ A Gee
Yes
if my med card expires before my license, and I receive a new med card
do I have to go to the registry and renew my license again or can I show
my new med card when my license expires
@ ISR
Just the medical card is needed for the state.
If my class A license expires before my medical card, why can’t I renew my license, was told I have to recertify. My medical card is good for another 3 months.
My friend has asked me to drive a rented 26′ non-cdl Budget truck from MA. to FL. It will be full of restaurant supply equipment as he is moving his business south aND wI’ll be renter in the cimpa my name. I have a class D MA. license and am not being compensated for this favor. Will I need a DOT physical card? Thinking of moving myself also. If I rent a truck to move my own household goods do I need a card?
@ John
Typically, for rented vehicles, there is no need for a medical card, but confirm this with the truck rental facility.
My boss is dragging his feet getting his portion filled out iso I can mail my application into DOT for my new certificate that expires on my birthday , any advice
@ Nancy
FMCSA does not ever mail a new DOT medical certificate. It requires that you go to a certified medical examiner from FMCSA and have an examination done. All medical examiners have all the forms that are needed.
The DOT certificate is good for two years from the date of the physical.
If you get the physical on your birthday it would expire on your birthday.
@ oldbigt
Usually if you had it done on your birthday, then your card would expire at midnight of the day before your birthday. Usually, but…
my first self certificate was on the 29th of the month.in order to get the next years in on time I made my appointment for the 15th.next year the 9th.now I am going on the 3rd because there is no set expiration date .the day of exam is it..next time I will back into the previous month .why the hell don’t they make the expiration day on your birthday.im in mass is it that way everywhere?
Is there a Grace period after expiration date of medical card ?
5 day grace period at my job. But I would check with the DMV
I have a regular license and drive a pick up truck from work with comercial plate, I was told I need a medical card , my question is : should the company pay for it once I just need for work or I have to pay myself?
I am a heavy truck mechanic require a CDL even to move vehicles around the yard is there a waiver for a sleep apnea I do not have it but I am overweight and local doctor refuses to give me a Dot card because of it
@Richard
Explain the type of driving that you do. You could probably go “intra-state only” as a driver. That puts you under the states variances and not FMCSA, interstate.
I use marijuana, never at work. I need to get a Medical card for a non cdl required vehicle. Will I be drug tested for marijuana, even though it is legal in Mass?
@Ron
DOT medical examintions do not include drug testing.
Jobs require pre-employment drug screening and random drug testing. It will be up to the employer and company’s policy.
Hi i have an IL dl class C 26000 or less i moved in MA and i need to renew my medical card which have expired in april this year im trying to find out what are the requirements of getting one what do i need to bring with me do they do drug testing and is it possible to get a medical in MA with IL dl? Thanks in advance
@WPH
Medical card is valid nationwide if it’s for interstate driving, and you can get your medical card from any certified medical examiner in any state.
Here’s a link to our free DOT Physical Guidebook.
I was drug tested @ the medical exam for my med. card in Mass.
For what reason?
medical examiners do not drug test. They do a urinalysis checking for blood, protein, and glucose in your urine
I drive a small box truck 3 or 4 times a week. I have a regular drivers license. My company sends me for a physical once a year. Is this necessary?
@Kenneth
If the truck you drive is being used for commercial purposes, then your state, more than likely, wants you to have a valid medical card. You should check with your local drivers license department to confirm the facts.
I have a class A license in Massachusetts, however I no longer drive trucks and don’t plan to in the future. I’d like to keep the license just to have it. Do I still have to get a medical card every 2 years or is there a way to make my CDL inactive?
@Eric
Yes you need a current medical certificate to keep your CDL.
Best is to call your local drivers license department about downgrading your license. They may have a process where you can reinstate your CDL within a specific period if you need it.
I am a CDL Class B truck driver. I received a 3 wire IUD pacemaker last week. Am I still able to drive.
@Lance
You want to have your medical release form from your doctor before you go for the certification examination. Since you are a class B driver, you want to make sure that the examiner knows what type of driving you do. If he holds you to a class A standard, then you won’t pass.
But if your state drivers license department allows a defib unit for a class B license, then you fall into the states variances. So check with your local DVD before going in for the examination. That way you may be helping the examiner with his decision making process.
My friend went to get renewal of DOT card and told he could not get it since he was on Vivitrol (naltrexone). Why would that be since laws are concerned with controlled substance and this is NOT a control substance. Friend has been on it 9 months.
@Iris
There are lots of questions about this one.
“Why is it being used?” would be the CME’s first question. If it is being used to curb opiate addiction, then you already know the answer to your question.
Your friend could start with a medical release form from the counselor that he is working with. Have the counselor explain the needs and what his working prognosis is for your friend’s condition.
That information would be vital to the CME to make his final decision.
is there a grace period for D.O.T. self certification in Ma.
@Roger
Call your local drivers license department and ask!
In Ma. when I reach 70 years of age.
I have a cdl,and drive a tour bus.
I have a medical cert.
at 70 years old would I have to get a 6 month med card?
is there a law saying the med card has to be issued for 6 months?
@Doug
No, as long as you can continue to do your job without any restrictions, you should be good to go.
As you get older, if the examiner feels that he wanted to keep a closer eye on you, then he may reduce your card to one year at the time.
In Ma. at age 70
Do I need to get a med card issued to me for 6 months?
If I already have a med. card for 2 years that hasn’t expired?
@Doug
Why are you asking this question? More information would be very helpful.
I self certified 2 years. I no longer work and haven’t since 2005..However I want to keep my Class B- CDL. Why do I need a medical card?
I drive a small pick up truck (Toyota Tacoma) for the company I work for. We are a Utility Construction company in Massachusetts. Am I required to get a DOT Certificate?
@Alex
Most likely yes.
Check with your local drivers license department or ask a state trooper.
I just did drud test ,blood pressure portion ,eye test,hearing test,and weight test(50lbs)The company wants me to drive box truck do i need to redo evertything again. Non CDL with air brakes.
@Nicholas
Did the first test provide you with a medical certificate? If not then you need the medical certificate examination to receive a valid medical card to operate a commercial motor vehicle.
I work in Boston as a MBTA bus driver and recently failed hearing test by a small margin I have to hearing aids will I be disqualified from my driving job
@William
You are allowed to pass the medical requirements with hearing aids.
I recently failed the blood pressure portion of the test. I was told to get three passing readings by my own doctor and I would receive my card. They gave me a three month card for the time being. I spent over $200 dollars in copays to get my blood pressure under control and sent the readings back to the dot Doctor. I was then told the regulations have changed and they can’t take the last physical report even though it hasn’t expired. So I did what they told me to do and I still got screwed. Now I have to pay another $85 for a new physical. I believe the state and the doctors are in cahoots to rip people off
Can you get a CDL in MA if you only have one good eye? Other eye is totally blind, original eye is fine.
@Tony
It will require a special waiver, so check with your local drivers license department for more information.
Is there a list of medications that are not allowed to be prescribed to CDL holders?
If so where can it be found?
@David
49 CFR 391.41(b)(12) identifies driver use of Schedule I drugs as medically disqualifying.
There is no other list of allowed/disallowed medications.
FMCSA regulations and guidelines address medical conditions, and the implications of treatment on driver safety.
It’s up to the medical examiner to make the final qualifying decision, based on information from the treating physician.
Hello, I had recently heard that if you self-certify for your dot card they skip out on the drug test part of it. Is that true?
@Jordan.
No.
All three – 1. Self-certification 2. DOT physical exam 3. drug and alcohol testing are separate, and required.
I am a board certified family physician in Massachusetts and have performed DOT examinations for years. I have decided not to obtain federal certification to perform DOT/CDL examinations for various reasons. It is my understanding that I can still perform examinations for the Non-Excepted Intrastate (NA) applicants. Some of my patients in the NA category have not had their CDL approved despite not specifically requiring the Non-Excepted Interstate (NI) designation. Can you clarify this issue? Thank you. SDM
I live In Massachusetts and i am a class D driver with type 2 diabetes who is on insulin, my question is can I get a medical card.The company I work for requires that an employee who drives the company viechles rather it’s a van or box truck have a medical card.Thanks
@Joe
Yes, you should be able to acquire a medical card. But you want to check with your state drivers license department and ask what their criteria will be for you to get the card. Your situation is going to require specific information and it will be specific to your state.
Our company locatedin Springfield, Mass. recently had one of our driver renew their medical card. They submitted all of the proper requirements. The bill for the procedure came in, as the trainer for our company I informed the driver to submitt the bill to our management team. They enclosed the bill for this service in the driver’s paycheck envelope. Indicating this is the driver’s responsibility for paying the bill. Based on the Mass DOT provision who is responsible for the bill?
@Robert
That will function on the company’s policy.
I work at a company who’s drivers get the d.o.t. exams. We are paying a company to keep track of all the license info including expirations on the drivers. This company also has the drivers participate in a pool for random drug testing. Is this a MA law that they need to be in this pool?
I am new to the company, and have been hired to help with costs among other things. Someone here at the company seems to think that the pool is the law. My old company never participated in a pool with their drivers. Please advise.
@Tess
50% of all commercial drivers must be drug tested every year and 10% of the drivers must be alcohol tested. The pool is a simpler way for a small company to stay compliant with federal regulations.
I am awaiting a waiver from the mass DOT. I have diabetes and have sent in all required paperwork via priority mail last Tuesday ….how long before i hear back from the office in Haymarket square? I.can not drive until this gets done….ugggghhhh. Also i think they need to find a faster way to get these waivers done as it severely impacts on a persons ability to make a living. Thank you
I just was downgraded to a regular drivers license because my dot medical cad expired in March 2015.im getting a dot physical this week.can i be upgraded back to my cdl after I get a new medical card
@Joe
This is a CDL question rather than a medical card question.
You’ll need to check with your local state drivers license department to be sure.
Every state treats their CDL process differently.
Will you be disqualified if you are treated for epilepsy but haven’t had a seizure for 3 years?
@Sarah
That will have to be determined by the examining doctor. It will be the medication in question now, not so much the non-seizures. FMCSA is pretty set on this one. You could check with the FMCSA and ask about the possibility of getting a seizure waiver.
I obtained my CDL and when I applied for the license I also filled out the self-certification. I have a medical cqrd which was submitted to the RMV. Is there another DOT card I need? I recently applied for a new job and after presenting mu med-card I was told I needed to produ e my DOT card. Can someone tell. E what that card is and where I would obtain it?
@Lucia
A certified medical examiner does a DOT medical examination. He then gives you copies of the long form (the medical examination) and a medical certificate to put in your wallet. The medical certificate is your medical card. To the best of my knowledge there is no other form needed.
will prescibed methadone prevent someone from obtaining a dot card?
@Jay
Yes. Methadone is pretty much an instant disqualifier.
You might try getting your prescribing doctor to either change meds or fill out your medical release form stating the needs and usage of this medication.
you are wrong a dot physical has no drug test,if you pay for it yourself,if a company sends you our are random selected thats it.walk in pay for it yourself no drug test, but when, not if you have a drug test ,your company will prob terminate you,there suppose to no meds your on, thats why companys pay for test and do a drug screen.its late and this post is old,sorry for misspellings . i do medical cards at my office,fyi.youll pass if in good health, vision blood psi,we take uern for sugar only and a few bending exercises,oh and hearing is a BASIC test…But the road is a dangerous place so i would talk to your Dr and ween off fast if you like working.killing yourself is one thing but killing a family in a car in front of you because of a drug you shouldn’t drive on(could you live with yourself,hard enough if you weren’t on the drugs,) and a new hire will have a drug screen…hope this helps not trying to step on anyone’s toes,facts are facts . you will get it but at what cost??????????????
When you are getting examined for your medical certification card you are asked about medications you are on. At this point you would have to disclose that you are on methadone. Nothing you mentioned about drug testing is relevant unless you are telling him to lie to the attending physician.
If everyone is federally required to have a medical card to safely operate CDL vehicels, why do Town of Yarmouth Highway Dept CDL drivers all have waivers and do not have to obtain medical cards. I cannot think of anything more hypocritical, unfair, and should be dealt with with a class action lawsuit. It really shoots holes in the stated safety concerns of the state, towns, and federal govt.
They are not exempt. That’s somebody in that dept saying that. Ask a state trooper
Bernie The Town of Yarmouth as the Town of Barnstable as most Municipalities were given the option of staying with the Medical certificate or using the Foley Drug and Alcohol testing. Yarmouth and Barnstable elected to go with the Foley testing program, Harwich I believe stayed with the Medical Card. The problem they are running into now is the Dept of Public Safety requires you to have the Medical Card to have a hoisting license to operate equipment.
Municipal drivers in the state of MA who drive for DPWs that have elected to use the Foley testing system are exempt from carrying a DOT medical card. AS LONG AS THEY DRIVE WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES of their municipalities and they obtain an EA self verification. If they work for a Solid Waste division and haul the waste to an off site location outside the boundaries of the municipalities they will need to have a intrastate selfcertifucation and have the Medical Card
If a person is on Suboxone or Vivitrol does this disqualify them for passing the DOT exam?
@Susan
Until this person is off the medications, they would have difficulty getting through the DOT examination.
Both of these meds are going to throw up major red flags. So once off the meds they may be OK.
See FAQ – Medications.
I have a cdl license in ma my medical card is going to expire currently got one for 3 months have be told have sleep disorder go tested and just got machine which having trouble with I have trouble breathing through nose going to see dr if my med card expires is there a grace period before I would have to take the cdl exam again Thanks
@Joe
Once the test is done you would need to be on the unit for a period of 90 days before you can get another medical card.
You could talk with the examiner and explain your situation and they may be able to give you an extension based on the fact that you are using the unit and need time to adjust.
What is the weight of a truck that determines if u need a dot card. Thanks for your help.