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Michigan CDL Requirements
All Michigan CDL holders are required to certify the type of commercial operation they’re engaged in.
Interstate Non-Excepted
You must meet the Federal DOT medical certificate requirements.
Intrastate Non-Excepted
You must meet the Federal DOT medical certificate requirements. However, your medical certification does not need to be provided to the Department of State.
If you fail to comply you will be disqualified from operating a CMV. If the updated information is not received, your CDL will be downgraded to a Class D license within 60 days. Failure to restore your CDL within 12 months will require retesting.
Submitting your Self Certification and Medical Certificate to Michigan Department of State
Submit the following two documents:
- Michigan Department of State CDL Self-Certification Form – download the form here from Michigan Department of State.
- Copy of your valid DOT medical card (Medical card only, not the long form). Enlarge the copy to ensure that all information is legible.
Submit Online
CDL Self and Medical Certification
Note: You will need to scan and upload your medical certification document in a PDF (preferred) or TIF format.
By Mail:
Michigan Department of State
CDL Help Desk
7064 Crowner Drive
Lansing, MI 48918
By Fax:
517-636-4359
In Person:
Visit any Secretary of State Office.
Other Information:
CDL Self Certification Frequently Asked Questions.
For additional information call 517-636-7474.
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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can someone who has had a stroke or quadruple bypass surgery get a MI med card?
@ Sean W
With proper medical documentation, it may be possible.
Question I heard that if we don’t renew our dot that it will downgrade to a chauffeurs license so my question is , if I decide to work for a job where I’m not using my cdl how can I get a dot certification without a job authorizing me to for it? I’m in Michigan
@ Tony A
Anyone can get a medical examination to drive. You do not need any type of authorization to do so.
Off on work related injuries. Not sure how long I’ll be off. Dot card expired. What can I do so I don’t lose my CDL?
@ Rober McC
Speak with your local drivers license department. They will have a process to follow until you are released to return to work and have a new medical card.
I have a Michigan F endorsement drive semi hauling grain do I need a medical card ?
@ Dave
Your best answer will come from your local drivers license department.
When I took my exam I received a valid med card when I was in CDL school,so now that I have earned my class A do I need to self certify my Dot card ?
@ Patrick
Confirm that thought with your local drivers license department.
Does my physical have to be done in michigan if my CDL is from michigan
@ Jamie
For a class A cdl, your physical can be done any where in the United States, if done by a CME on the national registry.
Is the information still current that commercial drivers need to carry a physical copy of their medical card? Is digital accepted?
@ Hunter
Still need to carry a copy in the truck, you might get away with a picture on your phone, but have a hard copy if needed.
Why, in the State of Michigan, if you decide to not renew a CDL as it is no longer needed are you required to retest for a regular license to maintain your regular license?
Can I get a doctors slip to get my medical card if my A1C is above 10
@ Manuel
Not for a class A cdl. Lesser class maybe, since it will fall under the states guidelines and regulation.
I have been on medical leave for a work related injury. My medical card has expired and I have not been released yet to return to work. I received a letter today stating that if I don’t provide a new medical card by 10/31/23 my cdl will be downgraded. Is there a way to pause this process until I am cleared and can recieve a new medical card?
@ Julie
That will be a question for your local DLD. They should have a process for situations like yours.
Do you have to be 18 to get a DOT physical? My son is applying to lineman college but won’t be 18 for another couple months and we cannot move forward in the application process until he gets this physical.
@ Ivy
If he was going for a cdl, then there is an age limit. Normal drivers license for a medical card to work, should not have an age limit. Confirm with your local DLD.
For chauffeur license do I need one
A family member has a CDL and passed the DOT physical but the doctor won’t give him his Med Card, can he go to a different doctor for it?
@ Belle B
First question would be, why is the card being held? And yes, you can go for a second opinion/different CME for another physical.
I know that an implanted defibrillator disqualifies CDL-A drivers from driving Interstate, BUT, does it still allow to drive Intrastate in Michigan? (Asking because i know some states allow it, not sure if Michigan is one of them)
If so, can you please reference the MDOT regulations to validate the answer?
@ Maryellen
You need to check with your states DLD on this issue. Most states will allow you to drive intra-state only for a class A. We work with federal for class A, not individual states.
How old do you have to be to get a medical dot card
@ Joe
It depends on the class license you carry. Check with your local drivers license department (DLD) for specifics.
If I haven’t driven a commercial vehicle for say, a year, and my med card expires, do I keep my cdl?
@ Jason W
Most states require a valid medical card to maintain a cdl. Best to confirm with your local DLD.
What age can you get your health card?
Hello
So why is it when I go to have my med card updated they always want me to get a A1c report and, my CPAP reading which I don’t have anymore, my doctor office stopped reporting it
@ Mike
Your CME is following DOT/FMCSA requirements. Diabetics and persons with OSA are a risk and your CME needs this information for support in his decision making process.
I have a Class A CDL, and I’m required to wear a CPAP mask for at least four hours when I sleep. If I don’t wear it all the time due to circumstances like if my fleet doesn’t have outlets or apu in/on their trucks, or I have a 7 month old that wakes me up, will that disqualify me from renewing my med card?
@ Neno
DOT/FMCSA request a 30 day readout demonstrating a 70% compliance. You want to be as close to that as possible.
I am a female with a class A CDL in Michigan I do not drive class A anymore I drive B School bus. I have a medical condition since 1997 multiple sclerosis. All these years I have driven all these endorsed vehicles with no issues from myself or the neurologist. I went in for my physical and now she’s telling me she will not pass it until I get signed notification from my neurologist, and then get checked every 6 months. It sounds like I have to drop my class A to B. I fought hard for my A class. I am 63 want to drive bus for two more years then retire. My husband is a class A CDL driver.
@ Kathleen S
Your class A falls under federal regulations and guidelines. Class B falls under the states guidelines and variances, which are more lenient. If you want to drive bus for a couple more years and retire, go class B. If you intend to drive class A, then get a second opinion.
Michael f
So I recently needed to get my M.DOT for this job and the sent me to concentra because of the medicine I am I was dropped 4x I did 2 physical and went to 3 different concentra I was told by different doctors to get my documentation so for one the doctors I did expected to get my stuff then was Denied And so I don’t give up too easy and anyways it was a horrible experience because I you know it was bullshit the way they treated me and me and I hope to never have to deal with them then people ever again I don’t like to cacentra and I think I think you know I think you know what they did was was rude was rude and bullshit and judgmental Let them stop me I got it my question is is they only gave it to me for a year now now is that their choice because I did everything and I jumped through every hoop and what to 3 different ones and now after all that fighting for what i deserved for 2 months I get to have my license for 10 months and I have to renew it? Why don’t I get to have my I’m done for 2 years like everyone else I followed the rules I complied with everything they wanted
If you have a medical card given to you by a doctor that is qualified and able to do dot physical can it be denied by an employer because you didn’t receive it from the employer’s doctor?
@ Troy A
That is a company policy issue. If it is the company policy, then they can demand a new physical from their ‘paid for’ doctor.
I had brain surgery just over 20 years ago and 25 years ago. Yes the doctor had to cut into the dura but I have not had any issues since.dura, which is the lining around your brain. I have not had any issues since my surgery 20 years ago. Can I get my CDL?
@ Jason Mc
For a class A cdl you may need some supporting documentation to help the CME in his decision making process. Lesser class cdl puts you under the states guidelines and variances, which are not as strict.
Hi I was wondering I complied with everything that concentra had me do so I could get my mdot I just have a chauffeur license but they gave it to me for a year 1? thought they give you those for 2?
@ Michael
Looks like they have some issue with a medication or condition you have. Unless you are a class A driver, you should not be held to a class A standard. If you are a lesser class cdl holder, then you fall under the states guidelines. Be aware that certain conditions and medications will hold you to a one year card.
I am on a medical from back surgery and my medical card expired while on medical My ID needs renewed can I keep my CDL?
@ Jamie
You will need to contact your local drivers license department for guidance. They should guide you through their process for situations like this.
My husband owns an audio / lighting business, for which he will, if necessary, use a 15′ box truck to transport equipment. He drives the truck mostly in Michigan, but sometimes to other states. The transportation of said equipment is NOT the purpose of his business.
He just received a ticket in Illinois for not having a medical DOT card. As a non-CDL driver, with a Chauffer’s endorsement to haul audio equipment, does he need to have the medical card?
@ Debra K
This is a question for your local drivers license department. Some states require a medical card for non cdl holders while operating any vehicle that may be used for commerce, ex. auto parts delivery, yard maintenance vehicles, taxi, etc.
If you are a trucker, be careful in Michigan. These lowlife swine do NOT go by their little laws. They will do whatever they feel like doing! I had a Mexican dot cop open up my ups trailer and started opening peoples packages. They’ll do whatever they want and no one can stop these pigs. I know this will not get published. But it’s the TRUTH!
If I have a class A CDL but for intrastate only, do I need to have a medical exam like the interstate guys do?
@ Jerry
In most states, yes. But confirm with your local drivers license department.
Welcome to America where the only people liable for their actions is the working class.
I no longer drive long haul commercially, but I need to use my semi tractor and trailer to haul fire wood back to my shop in Michigan for heating. All I wanted was a farm plate so I could pick up the wood within a 150 mile radius, how do I go about doing that and what do I need to do? Is there a business in the UP that helps individuals or businesses with getting the right credentials, if so could you send me the names.
@ Judy M
Your state drivers license department should be able to guide you in the right direction with this inquiry.
How can I register my DOT physical with the secretary of states office in the state of Michigan. This is for interstate driving.
@ Howard L L
Your state drivers license department has a means to contact them and register your new medical examination findings/card. Check with the state that issued your cdl for appropriate guidance.
As the owner of my company in Michigan, do I have to maintain my CDL license to drive my truck?
@ Jefferey S B
CDL’s are state issued and fall under the states requirements. If your cdl is a class A it may require a valid medical card. Check with your state drivers license department for your best answer.
I currently have a CDL and medical card that expire in 7 days. We are on the covid-19 shutdown and I don’t know if I can get a medical examiner to recertify me and I cannot get the paperwork from my work to do that. How long do I have to renew my medical certificate after it expires?
@ David D
With the shutdown caused by the covid 19 situation, every state has been ask to allow for extensions. You will need to check with your state for their extension cutoff.
My husband has a CDL. He had stents 8 years ago and his last stress test was 6 years ago. He has never been asked about either issue when going for a DOT physical. This year, the doctor doing the physical said that he has to have a stress test every year, within 3 months of his DOT physical. His cardiologist sees him every year and said that he doesn’t need stress tests anymore and that it is medically unnecessary, which means insurance isn’t going to pay for it. Why should we have to pay for medically unnecessary testing?
@ Ruth E J
FMCSA request a stress test every two years following any cardiac surgery. Your husband will need a medical release form from his cardiologist and stress test results done within the past two years. It’s a DOT/FMCSA guideline request for a cdl class A operator.
What if you have a defibrillator a s-icd implant can you still get a medical card
@ Al
It will depend on the class of the license you carry.
I’m a female school bus driver in Michigan, I’m in the middle of switching jobs to another company…..they’ve sent me for a DOT physical along with fingerprinting…. the doc ordered a sleep apnea study due to my weight and my neck measuring 17 inches instead of 16 inches… I took the 24 hr free study and low and behold I scored an 8 on the test which in turn put me in the mild category…
My question is; can the doctor that gave me my physical keep me from driving???
@ Moore J
You are a school bus driver. The examiner is holding you to a class A drivers standards. You fall under your states variances and not Federal DOT. You may want a second opinion from an examiner that understands the differences.
I have type 2 diabetes and on insulin. Can I get a class B license to drive a bus
@ Paul V
Best answer will come from your states DLD. You do not fall under the FMCSA guidelines and regulations, but your states variances.
In the state of MI, do you need to carry your Med Card?
@ Justin
Most states require a class A driver to have a copy of his medical card available at all times.
I have heard this both ways, that you DO have to carry it and that you DO NOT. The thing is now a full page of paper, gets prety thick in a wallet
@ Tim P
You will be ask for your medical card, so best be prepared to show it. Take a picture of the card and leave it on your phone. Put the hard copy in a safe place where you can produce it if needed.
I want to know if I will lose my CDL-A if I go for a sleep study and fail in the state of Michigan.
@ Amanda
Most likely not.
I currently have a CDL-A with a N endorsement, however I have not operated any CMV interstate or intrastate since Feb 2009. I just wish to hold on to the CDL-A license, in case I ever decide to go back to the trucking industry. Do I need to have a DOT medical card or is there a waiver of some sort in the state of Michigan?
@ Suchet
In most states a valid medical certificate is required to maintain a valid CDL. Check with your local drivers license department to confirm.
I drive a bus in Michigan , work 8 hours a day with a 30 minute break. Is there any law that will allow me to get out my seat to stretch?
Hi, what I remember of DOT rules (they probably have changed a few) you have a 10 hr drive time, a 14 hr work time. Totaling 14 hrs. A 10 hour sleeper berth time totaling 24 hrs. But you can stretch the drive time a tad if you go on a 2 hrs rest/sleeper berth time in the 10 hrs. So if you say drove for 4 hrs, and went on a 2 hr sleeper berth break, you gain hours back and can drive for 6 hrs.
I am sorry however I don’t know about busses. Hopefully someone does here and will answer you soon. All the best driver!!
There is No Law that compels you to stay in your seat the whole time you can get up and Stretch. any time you Stop and park the Bus.
Can you maintain your CDL with an artificial knee
@Ken
As long as you can perform the duties required of a cmv operator, you will do fine.
Some of our drivers seem to be in a state of confusion on the medical card registration requirements.
We just went thru a US DOT audit and 3 drivers were pulled off the road for not having registered there medical cards with the SOS.
We drive in 3 states–
We drive just in Michigan–
What are the requirements for these conditions above?
Just need to clear the air and rail this issue quickly.
@Doug
Looking like one of those cases where the answer depends on who you ask – so…
Best bet is to contact your local drivers license department and get the answer from “the horse’s mouth” since they are the ones maintaining the drivers records.
Second best, is to just register everyone to be safe and if MI SOS doesn’t want the intrastate certificates, they can deal with it.
MI SOS has a Self Certification Program. you need to self certify your Medical Certificate with the SOS every time you renew your Medical Certificate. Interstate and Intrastate drives have to do this every time.
I’ve been driving school bus for 13 years and two years ago I was told I needed a sleep screening for apnea because of my bmi. Here we are two years later, I am going to the same hospital affiliated me, (just a different location) and they are now telling he that because of my bmi, ( mind you I have NO OTHER RISK FACTORS for sleep apnea) that I need another screening done. This nurse practitioner is making her own numbers to use as a guideline….. nothing was set in place by my employer either…… so many people are failing their exams because of this very issue. I think that this is all a ploy for the clinic to gat more money from employers. I shouldn’t have to re take the screening again, I passed with flying colors last time.
@Busdriver
You are going to the wrong place for your medical card!
1. You are a school bus driver, not an OTR driver, completely different standards.
2. There were no new rules or rulings coming from FMCSA that allows a CME to make this request based on BMI or neck measurement alone. Unless there are a lot of other issues present, you are being scammed.
Go somewhere else and make sure the examiner knows the type of work you do. That lets him evaluate you at a school bus driver standard.
I am going through the same thing I drive a transit bus and I have to go for a sleep apnea test because of the neck measurement
@ Brenda g
Go get a second opinion from a CME who understands the states variances, you do not fall under FMCSA guidelines.
My Michigan DOT physical card was expired for about 12 hrs. And Secretary of State was closed to register new physical card is it legal for me to drive???
I want to drive a school bus in michigan. In 2011 I had a heart attack as a result of a EF that is 38 I have a defibrillator but I’ve NEVER had Shock or even a arrhythmia. Will I be able to pass the mandatory DOT physical?
@Kevin
You are not a class A diver, and driving intrastate only – so your best bet is to confirm with you local drivers license department in Michigan to see if you can qualify under their state variances.
Same here ,
I’d like to reinstate my CDL but I don’t think I’d pass the DOT exam in Michigan because I had a mild heart attack a few months back
I have a medical condition of type 2 diabetes, which is controlled and currently on at home dyialosis/ my doctors have cleared me for driving so I can renewal my dot card. The persons at CONCENTRA keep having me get more information and without reviewing the doctors documentation is denying my card. I’m in good medical shape with no driving problems.what can I do to get my card back.
@ D. P
Try getting a second opinion from a CME who understands the guidelines and your states variances.
What if a person lied about not having sleep apnea to get their card. But their regular doctor has the evidence. There taking double the dose for metformin (diabetic) and refusing to get a current A1C because their blood sugars are high. Can they be reported?
@Gail
Sure, just inform any DOT officer about the situation or any highway patrolman.
Does Michigan require a medical card for any DOT numbered vehicle driven intrastate, like a pickup, van, small utility truck, not a CDL required vehicle?
Just got a ticket today, i was informed as long as the vehicle is not over 10,000 lbs u do not require one but if you are hauling something and it puts you over 10,000lbs you cant drive over 60 mph/ you are required to have your dot medical card/ also have to stop in at a weigh station as well.
I have a 2 year med card at one place,not there any more. I am at another they gave me a 6 month med card. Does my 2 yr med card over ride the 6 month med card. Need your help on this matter.
@James
If the last examination was the 6 months card, then you have a six month card. The two year card was canceled when the new card went in to the FMCSA and your state. So which ever one was last, that what you have.
I can not get a good blood pressure reading in dr. office. Previously my home testing results and
medication taken showing controlled b/p was adequate. Why is this no longer accepted and can
something from my personal dr be provided?
I have had a Chauferrs license for over 20 years and have never gotten a medical card even when I first got certified.
I just renewed my license and was not asked about the medical card.
do I need one?
@Dave
All depends on what type of driving you are doing. If the state didn’t ask for one, then guess you don’t need one. But check with your state DLD to confirm or deny that that is true.
You don’t need a dot card for a chauffeur’s license
I have a cdl but do not use it. Do I have to have a medical card to keep it? My license is about to expire.
@Devin
Most likely, yes!
To better understand the implications, see this article FMCSA Medical Certification Requirements.
I paid to much for my cdl Endorsement,now the state of Michigan downgraded them.how can get them back.do this mean i when to school for nothing.what life to stay in Detroit Michigan.don’t tell anyone to go and get a cdl Endorsement when Detroit,Michigan take them away for not useing them.what a future in Detroit,Michigan.
I have had my cdl-a for several years. I didn’t drive a commercial vehicle for 12 years and did not have a medical card during that time. I never had a problem getting another one when I went back to driving a commercial vehicle.
I am a school bus driver and have been driving for over 7 years. New regulations made it necessary for me to renew a sleep study. My original one was done in 2003 and they destroy the records after 7 years. There have been issues trying to get the study done from the local medical facility not having an opening until April to my finding somewhere else to get it done but it took 3 sleep studies to get it finalized. for this reason, I was given an extension on my physical card which expires Feb. 15. I am told that I have to wear the breathing machine for 2 weeks then turn in the results to the facility that did my physical. As of today Feb 11, I got the results and turned them into the office that did my DOT physical, I still need to get a machine which will take a couple of days and the physical facility says they cannot give me another extension to hold me until I can get the usage results to them. Is this true?
@Samuel
There is no ruling as such. It is up the the examiner to act in a reasonable manner. It would seem that, based on your report, that the examiner is not being very responsive to your issues or needs.
I used to drive a school bus and transit over a year ago. I no longer drive either but want to keep the cerifations I have on my drivers license in case I ever want to go back. Went to get my Med. card renewed and was told because I’m on depression meds I can only be renewed for 1 year not 2 years that I always had before. Why? I already see my Dr. Every 6 months for the depression . My regular Dr. Would know better than a one time A year Dr if I’m able to drive. Also a CARP 2week print out needed because of using the machine 8 years ago for a month has become a real problem. I was only given a 90 days dr. Med. card. And it will be costing me a lot more money for more tests I already had years back.
All this for a license I will not even be using. This seems very unfair to those of us that has never had any problems on the Road when we were driving.
@Beverly
It is understandable that you have been away from the industry for a short time and a lot has changed since your last DOT medical examination. The main thing to do now is decide if keeping your CDL is worth all the hassle that it will take to keep something that you may never use again.
How do you get your CDP reinstated after it has been downgraded. I have been trying to get med card waiver for sleep study but couldn’t get appointment before deadline
@Kevin
This is a question for your state driver’s license department.
Does a driver need a medical card to drive a chauffeur truck for a non-profit organization. He is strictly a volunteer and does not recieve a wage. Thank you.
@Steve
If the state requires a medical card to operate a vehicle of 10001 pounds, then yes he must demonstrate medical fitness for duty to operate a CMV. Check with your state Driver License Department.
I renewed my license and presented my valid medical card to the secretary of states office in January 2014 . I have since renewed my medical card . does this new card need to be submitted to you , or just carried with me anytime I am operating my commercial vehicle ?
Is this a new method of bleeding monies from cdl drivers? Are you aware the difficulties one go through to obtain a cdl ? Now you want to complicated driving more, to many rules and regulations already. what ever happened to the grandfather clause?