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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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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.