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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…
To help us all avoid the black eye experience — AARGH! —
Please leave your feedback about your experience in this State.
Go to the Questions and Comments box below and post your feedback.
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NOTE: This website is not affiliated with, or endorsed by FMCSA or any government or state agency.
Maryellen says
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?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ 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.
Joe says
How old do you have to be to get a medical dot card
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Joe
It depends on the class license you carry. Check with your local drivers license department (DLD) for specifics.
Jason W says
If I haven’t driven a commercial vehicle for say, a year, and my med card expires, do I keep my cdl?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Jason W
Most states require a valid medical card to maintain a cdl. Best to confirm with your local DLD.
Gabe N says
What age can you get your health card?
Mike says
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
Trucker Docs™ says
@ 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.
Neno says
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?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Neno
DOT/FMCSA request a 30 day readout demonstrating a 70% compliance. You want to be as close to that as possible.
Kathleen S says
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.
Trucker Docs™ says
@ 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 says
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
Troy A says
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?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ 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.
Jason Mc says
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?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ 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.
Michael says
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?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ 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.
Jamie says
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?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Jamie
You will need to contact your local drivers license department for guidance. They should guide you through their process for situations like this.
Debra K says
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?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ 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.
Mike n says
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!
Jerry says
If I have a class A CDL but for intrastate only, do I need to have a medical exam like the interstate guys do?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Jerry
In most states, yes. But confirm with your local drivers license department.
Keith says
Welcome to America where the only people liable for their actions is the working class.
Judy M says
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.
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Judy M
Your state drivers license department should be able to guide you in the right direction with this inquiry.
Howard L L says
How can I register my DOT physical with the secretary of states office in the state of Michigan. This is for interstate driving.
Trucker Docs™ says
@ 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.
JEFFREY S B says
As the owner of my company in Michigan, do I have to maintain my CDL license to drive my truck?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ 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.
David D says
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?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ 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.
Ruth E J says
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?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ 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.
Al says
What if you have a defibrillator a s-icd implant can you still get a medical card
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Al
It will depend on the class of the license you carry.
Moore J says
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???
Trucker Docs™ says
@ 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.
Paul V says
I have type 2 diabetes and on insulin. Can I get a class B license to drive a bus
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Paul V
Best answer will come from your states DLD. You do not fall under the FMCSA guidelines and regulations, but your states variances.
Justin says
In the state of MI, do you need to carry your Med Card?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Justin
Most states require a class A driver to have a copy of his medical card available at all times.
tim p says
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
Trucker Docs™ says
@ 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.