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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.