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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
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 heard the Secretary of State will no longer accept CDL medical cards by email or in their offices, only accepted through their online process.
Is this true? And if it is, when does this start?
@ Jeffery Wm P
If DOT/FMCSA and the National Registry get fully co-ordenated, then the entire process will go from the examiner office to the state and the state to the federal data base. Key word ‘IF’, we have been promised this for over a decade. Supposedly this will all happen, nation wide, within a couple months. Right now if you have questions, confirm with your local DLD for guidance. Also, keep an eye here for if and when the national thing happens.
when i retire, do i need to keep getting my med card to keep my cdl? or if and when i am needed to drive a cmv again can i just get my med card without having to retake my cdl test again. i don’t want to ever lose my CDL.
So, in other words, how long will i have my CDL if i don’t renew my med card?
@ michael I
Most states require a valid medical card to maintain your cdl. Best to confirm with your local DLD.
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.