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 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.