How to obtain a DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate
Click to find DOT physical locations in NEW YORK
Click to find DOT physical locations in OTHER STATES
Once you have a current Medical Examiner’s Certificate you must ensure that DMV receives the updated information to record on your file, or you will lose your commercial driving privileges.
Keep your Medical Certificate (MCSA-5876) current with NYS DMV
You must renew your medical card before the expiration date.
If your DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate indicates “must be accompanied by a Diabetic, Hearing, Seizure or Vision waiver exemption or an SPE Certificate,” you must have a Medical Variance issued by FMCSA.
Your renewed Medical Examiner’s Certificate, and Variance if applicable, must be received and processed by DMV prior to the expiration of the Medical Examiner’s Certificate on file to avoid loss of your commercial driving privilege. You should allow at least two weeks for processing your updated certificate.
Send a copy of your new, valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MCSA-5876), and Variance if applicable, to NYS DMV.
By Mail:
NYS Department of Motor Vehicles
Medical Certification Unit
PO Box 2601
Albany, NY 12228-0601
By Fax:
Fax number 518-486-4421 or 518-486-3260
By Email:
dmv.sm.cdlmedcertunit@dmv.ny.gov
The DMV will not remind you when your DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate or Medical Variance is about to expire unless you are enrolled in the Electronic Reminders program. Sign up with NYS DMV to get email and/or text reminders.
What happens if your Medical Examiner’s Certificate expires?
DMV will change your CDL medical certification status to “Not Certified”.
DMV will send you a “Notice of Non-Compliance and License Downgrade”.
DMV will cancel your CDL if you do not submit an updated Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MCSA-5876) within 55 days.
New York CDL Medical Certification Requirements
NYS DMV .gov website
NYS DMV Medical Certification Requirements
1. Medical Certification
All New York CDL holders are required to be medically qualified to drive a CMV by the means of a valid USDOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MCSA-5876), unless the type of commerce you drive qualifies as ‘Excepted’.
2. Driving Types
In addition, if you have a CDL, Class A, B or C, you must certify the type of driving you do.
The 4 Federal Driving Types are described on the NYS DMV official website.
You must keep a current Medical Examiner’s Certificate on file with DMV if you self-certify to a Non-Excepted Driving type (NI or NA).
Interstate Non-Excepted (NI)
You must meet the Federal DOT medical certificate requirements.
Intrastate Non-Excepted (NA)
You must meet the Federal DOT medical certificate requirements.
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.
Your 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…
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how long can i allow my cdl medical card to be expired and then get my phyical and up grade back to my class A in NY
@ kevin w
Only as long as it takes your local drivers license department to realize it and then downgrade you.
Can I renew my cdl without getting a dot card? What does “excepted” mean in reference to having a cdl with needing a dot card?
@ Dave
Most states require a valid medical card to maintain a cdl. Best to check with your local DLD for confirmation.
Also, ask them about the ‘excepted’ question.
I’m in Upstate N.Y. do I take dot physical first or can I do written test first for cdl class a license to drive interstate
@ Charles
We suspect, physical first and then testing for cdl, class A. Best to confirm with your local drivers license department (DLD) first.
What goes first, the physical card or the written test for CDL.. dmv ask for the medical examination first?
@ Pascual
Medical examination first.
If you get intestate what that mean
@ Martin S
Try again, no such thing as intestate.
Interstate – all states
IntrAstate – within one state only
@ Lily
And if they are really picky, intrastate is not supposed to carry any freight that has crossed state lines.
Can you get a CDL PERMIT in NY before getting medically certified? I know you need it for the CDL, but wondering if I will get a permit for passing the test without the medical certificate.
@ Tommy
This will be a state related question and best answered by your states drivers license department.
Can I have 2 dot cards ?
@ Frances W
You may have two in your pocket, but the last one done is the only valid medical card on record with the federal DOT/FMCSA
How often they do the medical and screening
@ Mac
Depends on your status.
How long does the medical certificate lost for
@ Mac
All depends on your status.
I have a class A cdl if I get a “k” restriction do I still need a medical certificate?
@ Penny
We believe that your question will be best answered by your local drivers license department.
Can you have marijuana in your system and pass your medical exam?
@ Shavonne A
Medical examination, yes, drug screen, no.
I have an A3 restriction on CDL…..can I still just go to Connecticut and New Jersey without a medical card ?
@ Charles
This is a question for your state drivers license department.