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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…
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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