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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, LIC103_0118, download the form here from MassDOT.
- Copy of your valid DOT medical card (Medical Examiner’s Certificate only, not the long form). Enlarge the copy to ensure that all information is legible.
Online:
Go to myRMV Online Service Center
By Mail:
MassDOT, RMV Division
Driver Licensing
PO Box 55889
Boston, MA 02205
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.
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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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