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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
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…
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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.