This article has been updated a number of times as new information regarding Medical Examiner’s Certification has been published by FMCSA.
We have left the history of this blog post, and updated the latest information at the top of the page.
2025 Medical Certification Forms MCSA-5875 & MCSA-5876
New expiration date on the forms is 03/31/2028.
PDF Versions of the forms are available at these links on the FMCSA website:
- Medical Examination Report (MER) Form, MCSA-5875
- Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC), Form MCSA-5876
The date found on the top right corner of the Medical Examination Report Form, MCSA-5875 and Medical Examiner’s Certificate, MCSA-5876, is the date of expiration for the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved information collection 2126-0006, that includes the Medical Examination Report Form, MCSA-5875 and Medical Examiner’s Certificate, MCSA-5876
Previously the expiration date was 03/31/2025.
Previously the expiration date was 12/31/2024.
Previously the expiration date was 11/30/2021.
Previously the expiration date was 09/30/2019.
Previously the expiration date was 08/31/2018.
DOTPhysicalDOCTORS will update this website when new forms are available.
What does this mean to Drivers and Medical Examiners?
- Continue using the original paper Medical Examiner’s Certificate, Form MCSA-5876 for all qualified drivers including Commercial Learner’s Permit/Commercial Driver’s License applicants/holders.
- Continue submitting paper copies of Medical Examiner’s Certificates, Form MCSA-5876 to State Driver’s Licensing Agencies.
The Physical Qualifications Have Not Changed
The physical qualifications (FMCSA regulations and guidelines) to be applied by a medical examiner to qualify drivers for a medical card have not changed, even though the forms have changed since 2015.
The differences you’ll notice:
- The forms ask for more information than the previous forms, used before the changes in 2015.
- Medical examiners are being required to submit more information to support their qualifying decisions, especially where medical conditions exist. This means medical examiners are being more thorough than some used to be, regarding existing medical conditions.
What this means for drivers:
- Be well prepared before you get to your DOT physical appointment.
- Choose your medical examiner wisely!
Find a driver friendly DOT Physical Doctor near you.
- Find a DOT physical doctor who understands the big picture of commercial driving, and the lifestyle challenges you face.
- You want to be evaluated by an medical examiner who considers your overall health condition and fitness to drive.
- Just going to any examiner who may disqualify you on a checklist item on the form, may cost you lost time, lost money, or even your job.
Wiser Is Better.
Choose Your DOT Physical Doctor Wisely!
I’m a over the road trucker ..my DOT physical dr doesn’t handle forms in stock ..they said I must bring my own forms. Do I use 5875 or 5876 ….I can’t sum print out forms 5876
So can u tell me what forms I use plz thanks
@ Charles A E
What CME does not have the appropriate forms to do his/her job? Anyway, you can print 5875 and take it with you. But your medical examiner will have to find and complete a 5876. Don’t know where they are going to get one of those. You can also look at the bottom of our home page for forms and there should be what you need there.
Hello, we are a office in WI doing exams. We went to order more of the able -to- laminate fedmed cards —form MCSA- 5876. We were told that we are unable to order more of them. That we can just print off the DOT website and give the driver a paper copy. Are you aware of anywhere we can get the laminated type?
@ Cindy
JJ Keller was the place we used to order from. Not sure if the forms are still available.
i need to up date my medicard far job i have commimg up mi licenses in based out texsas
what do i do
@ carrol
It will depend on the class cdl you hold. Find a certified medical examiner and have your test done. Then make sure you get a copy of your new medical card to TX. drivers license department.
Is it still required to have a 6 MET for a stint ?
@ Debbie B
DOT/FMCSA still recommends a MET of 6. It’s helpful for the CME if you provide supporting medical documentation, if there is a discrepancy.
I was told that I could only get a six month certificate because I was 71 years old otherwise I passed my physical and should’ve been able to get a one year certificate. Is this true or is this only for bus drivers?
Thanks, Steve
@ Steven G K
This is not a law or ruling. It is up to the medial examiner, based on his findings and opinions. Next time try another medical examiner else where.
I was diagnosed with CHF in 2021. Have been taking Entresto and Jardiance. Currently I am not driving but do plan to keep my CDL in New York state for when I retire. I used to drive a School Bus, have a Class B license. Would this cardiac condition disqualify me?
@ Rowilson F
Your cdl is state governed and not under DOT/FMCSA, which is for class A, interstate drivers. Best to confirm with your local drivers license department for clarity on this issue.
Do i need a medical card in pa. To drive a class”C” truck under26,ooo lbs. I will be driving for a express comp. In pa. Only an non hazardous material hauling?
@ Brian C
Most states require a medical card for ANY vehicle which is being used to make money for someone. Best to confirm with your local drivers license department.
Is the MCSA-5875 Form in replacement to my driver’s license?
@ Erinn
NO
I WAS RECENTLY DENIED A CERTIFICATE TO WORK FOR AMAZON, DUE TO AN A-FIB. MY CARDIOLOGIST HAD A STRESS TEST PERFORMED ON ME AND I PASSED. Sorry for the capitals. He called her at Concentra to inform her that I was okay and she still turned me down. She also received a letter from my personal doctor about sleep apnea and the heart. Again she stated she made the determination by herself. Does this sound right to you guys? I called the DOT office here in Missouri and they said they can do nothing except to urge negotiations between my doctors and her. Does she really have this much power? System seems broke! Anyway I gave up. 2 different Cardiologists and my personal doctor couldn’t persuade a PA!
Strongly suggest you avoid Concerta! (Front st..) Ridiculous service.
@ Kenneth S
Go get a second opinion elsewhere with a driver friendly examiner. They understand the rules and regulation. Not just making $. When you go to this medical facility, all you leave with is a WTF. Not a ‘driver friendly’ place. Remember if you are a class A driver you have a higher rated standard than the state may require for a lesser class cdl.
NEVER go to Concerta seen so many people not pass then go to their regular Dr. and pass.
I recently had a surgery and the D.O.T. Examiner says I will need a “clearance” from my doctor that I can return to work without restrictions. Is a clearance a specific form or simply a letter from the physician?
@ Chris
A simple return to work slip, with no restrictions, will do.
Can I get my medical card scanned without going to the dps office
In Arizona is Form 5876 Medical Certificate considered my Medical Card?
If so is that the only form I need to carry or do I also need to carry Form 5875 Medical Report?
Thanks
@ Don
Medical card, not long form, is required when driving.
I have driver who had his CPAP machine recalled by phillips and he has not had it replaced. He has been given a 2nd 3 month cert to either get a new machine or repeat his sleep study as it’s 5 years since his last one and he’s lost considerable weight. I am organizing this ASAP. He has been told by a driver manager that he cannot drive as it is not legal in the state of Kentucky to have 2, back to back 3 month medical cards. This is the first I’ve heard of this and can’t find anything online. I thought it was at the discretion of the ME at his DOT whether or not he can drive. We don’t want to break the law but neither do we want to penalize him for something he may not still have. Please can you advise me on this?
@ AJ
3 month medical card for high blood pressure are a one time issue, by DOT/FMCSA. But a 3 month medical card for your drivers situation should be fine, if the examiner is aware of the complete situation and you / he are working to get things back under control.
i had my arm amputated i passed the physical the doctor came back says he needs one more thing done to complete physical its a strength test and he tells me once i have it done i can keep it for life and use it every time i need to renew my physical i have tried every where to get this done every one says they cant do it i need a location in anchorage for me to do this the dump truck i will be driving is push button shift its easy to drive please help me to finish my physical
@ Craig d n
If your medical examiner has requested this test, then he should be able to provide you with a contact to perform the test.
If I am talking heart medication entreso how many years on a medical card
@ Martin
One year at a time.
I am a school bus driver and my employer is stating that is the best practices for the district for drivers to use the district approved vendor. Which ia a chiropractor.
Can I use any chiropractor for my DOT?
@ Char
The chiropractor must be on the national registry. If your chiropractor is on the registry, then you can use them.
I just renewed my dot medical certification, but the doctors form expired on 11/30/2021 can they just reissue the certification or am I required to go through the physical exam again
Since DOT has come out with the new forms that have the 2024 expiration date on them, can you use the 2021 expiration date of the long forms with the new 2024 expiration date on the MEC?
Card expires March, sleep study performed, no chips for Cpap machines
3-4 months behind in production
Grace period for 90 days possible or will I loose cdl
@ Helen P
May be possible if CME understands situation, but don’t count on it as a yes. CDL is state issued, so unlikely you will lose without a valid medical card, if they know what is going on.
My employer asked for the copy of my Medical Card and I wasn’t given one at my exam. I was able to have it faxed in. Aren’t we required to keep the hard copy in our wallets anymore?
@ Denise W
You should have been given a hard copy of your medical certificate and a copy of your long form at the end od the examination. Yes, you should continue to carry a copy of your medical card at all times.
Illinois cdl
holder medical certification expires. Feb 11 22, Heart medical condition. Can’t get clearance letter from doc Do more test’s. Can’t get ahold of anybody from cdl facility, cdl medical card unit facility. Can loose cdl is there any waiver of relief due to pandemic or a extension.
@ Alan
DOT/FMCSA has extended your grace period until the end of February. Hopefully you can get your issues taken care of by then. Your states drivers license department should have a process to protect your cdl until you have a new medical card. No waiver from DOT/FMCSA for your situation.
Husband cannot get to a Dr. to get his renewed Medical Certificate due to knee infection and in rehab due to knee surgery. He has had his CDL for 30 years, will he lose his CDL in the state of Oklahoma, his license does not renew until 2024. Tried calling the Dept. of Public Safety, no answer due to COVID, need to know what do to, last day of the month is Monday, and January is his renew month?
@ Sherri S
He has until the end of February to get his medical card in. And your state has to have some process for consideration in situations like yours. You will need to ask them for guidance through their process.
My DOT medical card is set to expire in less than a month. Went to Workforce to renew my card. I was kicked out because i am not vaccinated for covid and that i refuse to wear a mask. Can they deny me service due to non vaccination and mask refusal? If so, where can i renew my medical card if i refuse to get vaccinated or wear a mask?
@ Brent
See above.
i mean if that’s what there business requires for them to service you yes they can…Better off finding another place that does physicals and dosent require vaccines but you gone have to wear a mask though buddy
Just recently had a DOT physical by local clinic listed on National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. I take blood pressure meds ,so I got my 1 year approval. It was a form MCSA-5876. Now I want to renew my CDL license coming up soon and the TX state DMV website says That I need a Medical Examination Report 649-F. So which form is the Legal, most up to date form ? I have T and X endorsements on my license. Is the 30 question Hazmat the only required exam besides an eye sight ?
Thanks
@ Tom W
649-F is your long form and MCSA-5876 is your medical card. Not sure if Texas really needs a copy of your long form if you have a valid medical card. Check with someone at Texas drivers license department for confirmation.
Does anyone know where I can find Form MCSA-5876 without the signature boxes “X” out? i can find the form 5876 but the signature
boxes are always crossed out.
@ Dawn
https://dotphysicaldoctor.com/new-dot-medical-certification-forms-mcsa-5875-mcsa-5876/
Hello everybody I have a medical certificate form MCSA-5876, this means I can work for fedex and UPS. Thank you! I live Washington state.
@ Dmitriy
Congratulations.
I am looking for information on how many med certs a driver may get that are of 90 days or less in duration. I thought you could get one 90 day card and that’s it, but I just saw a 2 week card issued after the previous 90 day card expired. What is the official rule and where can I find it?
@ Shawn
We don’t know the overriding circumstances for such a card. Usually one 90 day card to gets things worked out or corrected. None after that until you can pass the cert examination.
Came out of retirement to drive again after a few years. Got physical for two years. Need to know which copy of the new form to keep on my person. Was given a paper form that is attached to a manila carbon copy.Thank you
@ Bill S
Keep the copy with you and keep the originals safe somewhere.
How high can A1C be to pass physical in the state of Texas?
@ Henry
You would need to check with the Texas DLD for the answer.
I thought it was 10.0 nationwide but I could be wrong. That’s what I’m going by.
The link to the update does not work. When I look at FMCSA’s website, I don’t see where it says to continue using the same forms. Just that the electronic submission of data has been postponed.
Where is the info that states to continue using the same form?
I am an administrator for several CME’s who perform DOT PE’s. I received an email today from NRCMEsupport@dot.gov stating we can NOT use the old forms after today, Oct 4, 2018. You can go to https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/medical/driver-medical-requirements/medical-applications-and-forms to get the new forms.
@Kelley
Thank you for adding this information.
All CMEs should have received an email from NRCMEsupport on Oct 4.
The new forms are available in the links at the top of this page.
We hope this helps drivers too!
Question. Will DOT contact a former employer to have you do a DOT physical.
After they fired you.. even if your dot physical is still good for almost 12 months
@ Jenny I
it is highly unlikely.
I work at a doctor’s office and we are trying to find the new MCSA 5876 and 5875 forms since these state the expiration date is 8/31/2018, do you know where we can find them?
I am a doctors office and trying to find the updated MCSA forms 5875 and 5876 since the current ones expired on 08/31/18. Where can I find them?
I have a class A license in Massachusetts, however I no longer drive trucks and don’t plan to drive them in the future for an employer or pay.
I’d like to keep the license just to have it, for when I’m asked to move Class A vehicles for people
as a favor.
Do I still have to get a medical card every 2 yrs ?
@ Ian A
Most states are requiring a valid medical card to maintain a valid class A license. We would suggest you ask the same question in your local drivers license department.
Can you have a difibralator and still drive with CDL
@ Jacque
Not a class A cld, but maybe intra-state only or a lower class license. Depends on which state you are operating out of. Check with your local drivers license department for the states guidelines.
I am trying to apply for a job and they are saying my medical card has not been updated. Who can I call to get this resolved?
@ efren m c
Your local drivers license department.
I don’t know if this is a common occurrence or not, but I am working in WV but have a SC license. My med card is due to expire in April. I do not plan on being in SC prior to my med card expiring but if I have to I can. Since the CDL is a 50 state license now, can I get an exam by any doc in any state?
@ Sharon
Any CME in any state is qualified to do your medical certification examination.
However after getting your DOT Physical in WV you will still need to send it to the state that issued you your CDL (SC) or the issuing state can and will medically suspend your CDL.
Your medical can be done by any dot certified medical exiner just remember if you have medical issues, do you have the medical releases and documentation for a strange doc.
Iam type 2 diabetic not on insulin only on a eppy pen why cant i get a 2 yr card.
@Dennis
You can only get a 2 year card if you have no medical conditions. Any medical condition e.g. diabetes, will need to be monitored, so you will get a one year card, or less, depending on the severity and necessity to monitor a condition.
There is no longer a block for ‘Intrastate Only’ on the certificate. Is that no longer required?
@Earl
“Intrastate Only” is located on the State medical certificate not the Federal medical certificate. So use the State certificate for “Intrastate Only”.
Can you use either certificate? And what are the differences?
There is confusion on the new forms on what date is to be put in the Medical examiners certificate expiration date area. Is the examiner’s expiration on their registry or is the expiration of the driver’s card?
@Rhonda
There are 2 dates – 1. the date of the medical examination 2. the date that the card expires for the driver based on the length of card the examiner is issuing.
If you answer yes to the question, Have you ever failed a drug test or been dependent on
an illegal substance? However you only failed a drug test 12 years ago and attended a drug program to get return to duty status and you have never been dependent on an illegal substance can this cause you to not get certified and cause you to loss your CDL license?
@Susanne
We don’t believe so.
With the new forms when someone is disqualified for blood pressure and told to return after seeing provider do they have to have new physical form or can you ad to physical form and put date of determination as date blood pressure stable and date of expiration one year .
@Michelle
If you are disqualified then it’s a complete new physical when you go back.
I also failed because of elevated blood pressure. My doctor prescribed medication and I was told to come back in a month for a recheck. Keep in mind that I had been seeing this physician for many years and she was familiar with my health history. After listening to my heart and measuring my blood pressure in both arms, she issued me a two year certification. She did not perform a complete physical on me.
I think I should clarify something. When I said my blood pressure was elevated, it was above the 140/90 standard. I wasn’t watching my weight and not exercising enough so now I have to take the medication. I learned my lesson. I hope to get off of this stuff as soon as possible, but only if the doctor approves. I’m going to get a blood pressure monitor and see how I do. I read recently that the new blood pressure standard for the general public is 130/80. I suppose in time this will be the number drivers will have to meet.
@ Nancy K
Someone is in error here.
I live in Florida I have a current Fl cdl and current medical examiner card .i was told regardless if I am driving my personal 4 wheel vehicle or my motorcycle I still need to carry my medical card with me is this true??
What is the age that your physical is not good for two years?
@Edward
Qualification is based on medical fitness for duty – not an age restriction.
Im 69 & i was told i could only get the certification for 1 year since im over 65? Two years ago i was certified for two years at age 67? I was just wondering if the law was changed?
@Edward
There is no law related to age. It is up to the CME to certify for two years based on medical fitness, to restrict to a shorter period based on medical conditions that need monitoring, or to disqualify on medical issues that don’t meet medical fitness regulations.
According to this sight there are no locations in Austin, Tx to go for the physical for Self Certification. I know this can not be correct. Please see to it that all the various sites concerning elf certification and other required physicals coordinate / share their information and that there is at least one human being available 24 / 7 to answer questions and provide up to date information about the services required! For drivers working or sleeping, finding the time for this search can be difficult and infuriating. I have been trying to make an appointment for my husband and to confirm that a Dr. certified to do these physicals will be available…on a Sunday…the only day my husband is off…for almost a week. In addition, there has been no mention of the new forms on the reminder letters from TDPS!? This site is the first place I have seen them mentioned.
I just renewed my medical certification, but a wallet card was not given to me, I live in Florida and the Dr where I got my certification done told me “Now I need to carry the whole paper with me instead of the wallet card” Is this correct, or they are just lazy?
@Luis
That is correct. The new forms cannot be reduced to a wallet size card.
Some offices may reduce to a tri-fold, but no office is obliged to do this for you.
Why? And, why aren’t these exams covered on anyone’s insurance…especially considering that they are “required”? And, considering that they are an out of pocket and unreimbursed expense and more expensive every year, why aren’t the offices obliged to provide both a pocket sized and trip fold copy?
@Chris
Maybe if you keep reading you’ll see that the size is enforced by FMCSA.
Forgive me…reading…what…where? What size is “enforced” and WHY? I just want to encourage better coordination between all the “powers that be” to protect drivers and everyone on the road! Fortunately, my husband has me…however grudgingly…to try to take care of making sure he is able to comply…so he can sleep. It should not be so time consuming or frustrating.
FYI…for example…in Austin, TX there are Minute Clinics that supposedly offer DOT physicals. They are supposedly open 7 days a week, but they don’t answer the phone…so far…and their web site does not provide a way to confirm whether or not there are DOT certified Drs available during all working hours. Have all DOT certified Drs been made aware of the most recent form changes that went into affect in 2016?
@Chris
This is a private website, not affiliated with any federal or state agency.
The DOT doctors here do our best to answer drivers with medical questions to help them get through the medical requirements to get their medical card. We have been doing this for years, for FREE, as service to drivers.
As far as why FMCSA decides on what regulations, how the different states keep moving their goalposts as far as self-certification processes, timelines and processes for states to update their records, state variances for medical exceptions, insurance, disability qualifications, what employers should do or pay for, and who to sue for what ????? We can’t answer!
No, I think he meant the 8×11 page I got both from the center I went to by friends of mine have just got the piece of paper
Trucker docs,
Thank you! I appreciate your response. Is there a specific site you would recommend I try? Although I am more qualified than hubby to search for direction online…I was under the impression that this was an fmcsa site.
I am grateful for your service.
Is there a specific site for obtaining accurate and up to date info for the Texas DOT Self certification process?
No thoughts of suing anyone!? Just wanting to insure that my husband is able to keep his license and job. Thank you for your help. Just got excited that there was a human out there that seemed to have some answers.
Chris aka Yaya out!
My medical expires on the 30th of this month and i can’t get to a do till after july 6th is this going make my cdl invalid? Also im no longer driving can i keep my cdl without a medical card?
NO, IT WILL BE DOWN GRADED WITH AN EXPIRED MD CARD.
I want to obtain my CDL in Louisiana, what means of drug testing are used here?
@Mark
No drug testing for the DOT physical exam itself, (urinalysis to look for proper kidney function), but you will be drug tested to get hired.
If you are using drugs, don’t go into driving, it’s unsafe for everyone… and you will be randomly drug tested.
Where or how are the New DOT forms submitted?
@Lydia
The CME updates the results online to the FMCSA National Registry.
The driver is still responsible to update the medical certificate with their state/local drivers license department. This update process differs from state to state.
Why do different states have different laws? What types of differences are there? Now that it looks like I am not going to get to my own list of to dos any time soon…I am just curious and might as well ask while I wait. Can anyone one this site recommend a site that is kept up to date and provides phone numbers to call when someone needs an answer…now?
Who is authorized to correct this sites misinformation or add missing information concerning available and qualified providers in and around Austin, TX and in Texas in general? The majority of guys I know would have blown off looking after the first 2 or 3 or 5 sites.
The clinic tx med clinics does dot physicals in Austin tx you have to call to see what days someone will be there . The days and time varies from location to location.