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!
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.