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!
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.