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You are here: Home / Minnesota CDL and DOT Medical Card Requirements
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Minnesota CDL Requirements

Minnesota Statutes requires all CDL holders 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.

 

  • All commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders, Class A, B or C, must complete and submit the self-certification form for initial, renewal or change in class application.
  • All CDL holders with a school bus endorsement MUST submit a current medical examiner’s certificate.
  • If there is a change in your medical status or interstate/intrastate status you MUST provide a new self-certification form.

 

Submitting your Medical Certificate to Minnesota

Submit the following two documents:

  1. Commercial Driver License Medical Self-certification Form – download the form here Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services Division.
  2. Copy of your valid DOT medical card (Medical card only, not the long form.) Enlarge the copy to ensure that all information is legible.

By Mail:
Driver and Vehicle Services Division
445 Minnesota Street, Suite 180
St. Paul, MN 55101-5180

By Fax:
(651) 297-4447

In Person:
Any local Driver and Vehicle Services Offices

 

Other Information:

Website: Minnesota Department of Public Safety

For all other concerns you can call 651-297-5029.

 

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.

driver feedbackYour 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.

Comments

  1. Jeff says

    March 10, 2023 at 6:38 pm

    can you get a dot card with a probationary driver licence ?

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      March 12, 2023 at 7:33 am

      @ Jeff
      Check with your local driver license department for your best answer.

      Reply
  2. Dan K says

    October 26, 2022 at 12:00 pm

    Do I need a Health Card to keep my Minnesota Class A, CDL License even if I am not driving a Class A, CDL, Commercial Vehicle?

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      October 27, 2022 at 7:04 am

      @ Dan K
      Most state require a valid card to maintain the class A cdl. Check with your state DLD for the best answer.

      Reply
  3. Terri says

    October 15, 2022 at 12:23 am

    I am 62 and no accidents. I am going to drive a van for school. They are saying because I have good vision and only peripheral vision in other I may not get one. I do not have monocular the eye doc says. Will a vision waver have to be filled out or will I be denied?

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      October 17, 2022 at 10:44 am

      @ Terri
      If you driving a school bus and do not have have class A cdl, then you fall under your states guidelines and variances. Check with your local DLD for confirmation and if restrictions, what are they.

      Reply
  4. Brad says

    June 28, 2022 at 10:08 pm

    I went in to get a dot medical card for driving for my newest employer and the doctor turned me away because I have a mental health condition which I am currently on medication for it, and not having any issues, is there any exemption from that?

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      June 29, 2022 at 6:14 am

      @ Brad
      Lots will depend on the class cdl you are holding. The DOT/FMCSA medical certification examination was established for class A, long haul, interstate drivers, and is rather strict. If you carry a lesser cdl or only need a medical card to drive for someone else, then you fall under your states guidelines and variances, not DOT/FMCSA. The examiner should have request some additional information before even beginning. Get a second opinion, letting the office/examiner know what class license you are needing a medical card for.

      Reply
  5. Steve M says

    June 8, 2022 at 7:05 pm

    Is it possible to receive an exemption if I have an Implantable Defibrillator implanted?

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      June 9, 2022 at 6:45 am

      @ Steve M
      Depends on the class cdl you hold. Class A interstate, there is no exemption via DOT/FMCSA. Intra-state only and lesser class cdl’s fall under the states guidelines and variances. There may be a chance there.

      Reply
  6. David says

    February 1, 2022 at 1:48 pm

    What are diebtus requirements

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      February 2, 2022 at 6:27 am

      @ David
      Please, could you be a bit more specific with your question. This can be a large area of discussion.

      Reply
  7. nunyabidniss says

    April 16, 2020 at 10:50 am

    Can someone taking 10 mgs of methadone get an examiners cert to drive a NON cdl position?

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      April 16, 2020 at 11:56 am

      @ nunyabidniss
      The medical examiner will have questions and may ask for further documentation from your prescribing physician. But you fall under the states variances if you are not a class A driver, make sure the examiner understands your situation and position.

      Reply
  8. thompson says

    April 30, 2019 at 4:23 pm

    are there some parameters of diabetes that are acceptable for a cdl?

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      May 1, 2019 at 2:17 pm

      @ thompson
      FMCSA has created a new set of parameters for diabetes. Check with a local DOT examiner to determine the proper documentation requirements.

      Reply
  9. judy says

    May 14, 2018 at 10:48 am

    The MN DMV took my class A. No tickets accidents always passed drug tests I’m the driver you want behind the wheel–too bad so sad they don’t care. I didn’t get the information about the health card/registration. I moved overseas, gave them my new address in case anything changed, discussed at length with them about any new laws before I left. too bad so sad, they said they sent me two letters warning me that my A would be pulled. I did not get them. I did leave them my German address. They were too lazy to put it into their system. Thanks DMV. Thanks again. I am glad I don’t live in the U.S. anymore. My way of earning a living is gone oh but they said I could go back to school and earn another A CDL. Wasn’t that useful information? Thanks for nothing DMV and good bye U.S.A.

    Reply
    • shawn says

      September 25, 2018 at 5:54 pm

      the same thing happened to me, even though, i brought the medical certificate to the DMV in Prior lake, MN. When i called the commercial vehicle office, after being on hold for 27 minutes, they are smug and unhelpful. The driver shortage is going to get worse because i am not going through the steps to reinstate. (Thanks MN DMV). My driving record does not even have a parking ticket for the last 15 years +. Why do they need a copy when you must carry a valid copy…..job security for DMV?

      Reply
  10. Jeff F says

    April 26, 2018 at 6:15 pm

    My Health Card expires in about 3 weeks and I went in for my DOT physical in Minnesota and was told that because I have a broken ankle they will not even do a physical until I the ankle is completely healed and from what they said I can’t even get a 45 day extension, is this true?

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      April 29, 2018 at 11:44 am

      @ Jeff F
      Yes, you don’t pass the examination requirements, so the CME is saving you the hassle of failing you on the spot. Get healed up and then go for the examination. You might want to inform the state drivers license department of your situation so they don’t downgrade you before you can pass the certification process.

      Reply
  11. Aaron says

    November 16, 2017 at 10:39 am

    I just got my new medical card and my old one expires tomorrow and I can’t get to the dmv till after the expiration date. Do I lose my cdl?

    Reply
  12. arvid r says

    November 1, 2017 at 10:10 am

    do I need a dot physical to drive a type three van transporting less than to students with a class d liscense?

    Reply
    • Kaden G says

      June 28, 2020 at 9:53 pm

      Hello, I am a 16 year old new driver, I work during the summer for my dad, he owns a small electrical company. He has a Chevy 4500 Kodiak boom truck for light poles and etc. In MN, I need a DOT physical to drive this truck for him. I have been driving trucks around our property for years and this truck is a piece of cake. Question Is, can a 16 year old obtain a DOT physical? Or is there a restriction against it? Thanks!

      Reply
      • Trucker Docs™ says

        June 29, 2020 at 9:07 am

        @ Kaden G
        You should be able to obtain a valid medical card, if your state allows you to operate the truck you described. Make sure the CME understands that you are under the states variances and not DOT/FMCSA guidelines and regulations. Check with your state drivers license department for any restrictions that may apply.

        Reply
  13. Curt S says

    October 23, 2017 at 7:42 am

    I was diagnosed with epilepsy in 1986. I was on medication that stopped the seizures successfully. My doctor took me off of medication (dilantin) in 2005 and I have not been on medication since then and I have been seizure free for more that 20 years. Is it possible for me to pass a DOT physical? Or does this completely disqualify me?

    Reply
  14. Alkane says

    June 6, 2017 at 10:50 am

    I have scanned digital copy of my medical examiner’s certificate that is accessible from my phone or any device through the cloud in high definition. Is it acceptable to only have the digital copy in state of Minnesota?
    It has all the information about the examiner, signatures and related information. Moreover, digital copy does not wear out unlike paper copy. Although it’s not a digital record, it is a digital copy that resembles the original one to one.

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      June 6, 2017 at 1:33 pm

      @Alkane
      We focus on federal regulations, and cannot speak for MN state.
      However, a clear digital copy should suffice for any traffic officer, as long as you have submitted your current medical card to your local DMV to keep on file with your drivers license.

      Reply
  15. Kip R says

    April 17, 2017 at 8:28 pm

    Can I keep my CDL with out a ME if I’m not going to use until a later date?

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      April 18, 2017 at 3:26 pm

      @Kip
      No, if your local drivers license department does not have a current medical certificate on file they will downgrade or suspend your license.
      Each state treats this downgrade/upgrade process differently. Best to contact your local DLD directly to find out what you need to do if your medical card has already expired.

      Reply
  16. Ilene says

    March 31, 2017 at 7:48 pm

    My husband had his DOT examine ,he is on blood thinner but his blood count was abnormal when he went in for his pro-time check due to having to taking Tylenol for a headache, can the DOT legally pull his license with an abnormal blood test??

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      April 1, 2017 at 4:15 pm

      @Ilene

      The examiner cannot pull a drivers license, he can only control the medical card. You may want to go for a second opinion, now that his headache has subsided.

      Reply
  17. Jake says

    March 28, 2017 at 1:35 pm

    I took a dot physical in October 2016 and received a one year card. However I had to go to the hospital in February of 2017. Do I need to get a new physical now?

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      March 31, 2017 at 2:56 am

      @Jake
      FMCSA says yes, according to the guidelines and federal regs.

      Reply
  18. Brenda R says

    March 15, 2017 at 7:44 am

    I had heard that a DOT physical needed to be done by a different physican/NP other than your regular medical physician. Is that correct?

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      March 15, 2017 at 2:42 pm

      @Brenda
      A DOT medical certification should be done by an FMCSA certified medical examiner.
      Your regular medical physician cannot do the physical unless he/she is FMCSA certified to do this exam.

      Reply
  19. Wendy McC says

    July 23, 2016 at 8:08 pm

    My brother-in-law just failed his 2 year re-certification physical because he was considered over weight. The Dr. gave him a 3 month certificate and said he needed to loose 12 pounds in the next 3 months!
    I have never heard of the regultions being so strict before….if this is true a lot of truckers and school bus drivers will loose their job.
    Please let me know of any restrictions concerning weight and neck size!

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      July 25, 2016 at 6:12 pm

      @Wendy
      There is no such a thing in the federal regulations. So there must be something else that is getting the CME all excited. How does a 12 pound weight loss move you from over-weight to normal?

      Reply
  20. Liz says

    June 6, 2016 at 11:24 am

    If my DOT physical expires on 6/9, but I don’t get it done until the end of the month will my CDL be downgraded?

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      June 6, 2016 at 12:20 pm

      @Liz
      Each state treats this process differently. Check with your local drivers license department to be sure.

      Reply
    • Ray says

      February 26, 2017 at 4:15 pm

      Just can’t drive until you get your medical card in your hand don’t get caught with out it they will fine and pull your license.

      Reply
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