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. However, until that system is completed, 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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I have a NY cdl license with a A3 restriction, can i drive for example in PA and have my physical certificates exam and drive for the school bus in PA and still carry my NY cdl with the A3 in PA plus there physical certificates exam or i have to change? because i’m not a resident in here what will be penalty if is any under this condition or what can i do?
@ Juan
Your question is a state related question and will be best answered by your states drivers license department.
I’ve been to the DMV twice .. I have a valid class B cdl license and an updated medical certification card .. and they’re telling me I now need a birth certificate ( I’m 58 years old )and while I do have an original.. I’m being told it’s no good because of some seal .. do I even need a birth certificate to get medically certified??
@ Frankie
Your question has to do with your states requirements for your license and nothing to do with getting a medical card. DOT/FMCSA does not require a birth certificate, only a valid drivers license.
I work for a company that owns their own sprinter vehicle regisitered gvw 11,000 they occasionally use the truck to deliver their own goods nit a cdl required vehicle and does not leave NY state. There is no designated driver just people and owners from company that use occasionally to make deliveries. do the drivers require a dot physical?
@ gia m g
In most states, a vehicle that is used in commerce/has the company name on it, requires a medical card holder to operate it. But each state is different, so confirm with your local drivers license department.
I have a NYS Non CDL class C license and drive a 26′ straight truck, 26,000 gvw. My medical card expired Friday, 6/4/2021. I’m not sure when I can get the new physical within the next week or so but have scheduled work. What are my penalties if I get DOT’d?
@ Jim G
Most cases the DOT simply shuts you down until you get a new medical card.
My NYS CDL was downgraded I sent in my medical card and it has been updated in the system. Now I need to go to DMV to have my cdl privleges reinstated. I can’t find anywhere what form I need to fill out in order to get the CDL reinstated.. Helppppp
@ Sean S
NYS should be able to guide you in the right direction, so check with them first. It will not be a federal form.
Hi period my name is James W (removed by admin for privacy). I’m trying to get hired at trucking company national Express. They said that my DOT card was not showing up in the DOT system. I just emailed my DOT card to dmv.sm.cdlmedcertunit .com. when will The Dot card that I emailed this morning, thursday, November 11th, 2020 be recognized in the dot system or New York DMV so national Express the company I’m trying to get hired on can see it? Thank you.
@ James E W
Check with NY DMV. They should have an idea how long it takes to get the information into the data base for you.
My husband’s medical card expired may 2018 and his CDL was downgraded. It’s 2 years later and he wants to start driving again. Does he just get dot physical to reinstate after 2 years or does he have to redo everything all over again?
@ Anna
His cdl is state issued and each states rules are different. Check with your local drivers license department of their requirements. He will need a DOT physical if he wants to get his CDL re-instated.
there is any way to submit my cdl medical certificat to nys DMV???
@soum
Yes, you can mail, email, or fax your form MCSA-5876 to NYS DMV. See contact details in the page above.
I’ve been retired since march of 2016. What need to know is that I want to keep my commercial drivers license with B,P endorsement .. just in case I want to work in the future.. as a retired employee. Do I still have to get my medical ??
@ Jesus n
Most states are requiring a valid medical card to maintain to valid CDL. You need to check with your local DLD to confirm whether this is true for your state.
my husbeen is truck driver and he want his 1 year ck up for DOT, want to see a dr thye said would pass him becuase got Muscular Dystrophy? other he had last year pass him thye knew he had it it right on his froms now thye wont they told him thye cant bye dot would not pass him
Can I get a medial card having a light stroke that did not show on any mris or CT scan or any other text nurse has said nothing to me
@Richard
Any stroke requires a one year waiting period before you could go for a medical certificate to drive commercially.
I had a similar situation back in 2003 (TIA) had it corrected. No symptoms to date. I go for a sonogram once a year to get checked out. So far the “Warranty” on my surgery is up to snuff. And this is 2017. Actually I’ve been told by the doctor not to have anyone touch my arteries…they are that good!
I recently obtained my C/P license in NYS. Also the B (Air brakes/ Pass/ School bus) interim endorsements. I also have my DOT current medical. The company I applied for has my original. Now this is where I get confused. I recently asked for the Original laminated copy of my DOT Medical card. However the company Xeroxed me a paper copy. I don’t know if that’s legal? Or do I need to carry my original DOT Medical card? Worried about getting an inspection and the copy won’t be viable to the State Police DOT inspection crew.
If you or anyone on this forum has an answer, I would appreciate it. Thanks and safe trucking. Ted
@Teddy
The copy should be fine. Most states are now attaching your DOT medical certification to your drivers license, so most states are not passing out the little medical certificates anymore.
[Name submitted has been removed by web admin] is certified to do physicals but not qualified. She won’t return my calls to notify me of my results. I haven’t worked in 3 months. She needs to be removed from list. HHHN sucks for this service. You should have to be a doctor, not a PA. Stay away truckers!
@Thomas
You are allowed to get a second opinion, and go elsewhere for your physical. Getting a second opinion, as long as you are being honest about your health history, is not the same as “doctor shopping” which is not allowed.
We removed the PA’s name you submitted. (To clarify for other readers- that was not one of our DOT Physical Doctors).
Even nameless, your comment still portrays a valuable caution to drivers.
We see the issues drivers face in the comments posted here every day. That’s why we make sure the doctors in our network understand the big picture of commercial driving, and consider the driver’s overall health condition, and apply regulations fairly and appropriately.
Our motto is “Wiser is Better. Choose Your DOT Physical Doctor Wisely!”
Avoid the pitfalls that could cost you lost time, lost money, or your job.
hi i drive a non cdl truck that is 25,999 in new york an longisland do i need a medical card to drive in new york now dot guys have never ask me in newyork for one
@Steve
Can’t speak specific about New York, each state is different.
e.g. Here in my state, Utah, you would need a class B drivers CDL and a valid medical card to operate an intra-state commercial vehicle. Check with your state to confirm or deny that is the case.
im going thur same b/s with my company . I drive a 10,001 bucket truck, company said this position is dot certified. with class d I drive up to 26,000 truck per dmv . company said they are following feds reg,………..BUT I can go back to last position with same bucket truck and need not dot card…..im a diabetic type 1 so getting card is not easy.
I’m 22 years old ever since a young boy I’ve always wanted to drive. But I was born with a weak right eye. So I just barely don’t meet the requirement for the vision part of the medical card. So if anyone knosw of someone that can help me it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
@Dan
If the weakness in the eye is not correctable, then you will need to apply for a medical vision waiver. Start with your state DLD and go from there. If you can pass the DOT medical examination, other than the visual portion, then you would apply to the FMCSA for the visual waiver. Good Luck
Hello,
My medical card has been expired for over a year now and my license of course was downgraded, my question is if I go and get a physical do I get my class A reinstated or do I have to take a road test and everything all over again ?
Thank you for any info you can give me .
@Matt
Each state is different. So you will need to check with your DLD to make that determination.
I live in New York state and have a class A ,but I don’t drive full time . I found a letter that Is months late I was injured away from home and convalesced away from home , I had submitted my original dot physical before the original dead line , it expired on aug 18 2014 , the letter I just got was dated 8/21 /14 regardless I was downgraded oct 15 2014 do I lose my cdl permanently now that i missed my due date
@ME
You’ll need to check with your state DLD to make that determination. Your class A is issued by your state not the Fed.
I live in nys and same thing happened to me no just get your dot physical card and pay a 18.00 fee to get reinstated.
Can I just fax off the updated certificate by itself, without the form MC11, when updating?
(That way I could just fax the certificate straight from the doctor’s office without fussing with additional forms)
@Les
Seems from the info on NY DMV’s website that the updated certificate is all they need.
i faxed my copy of medical to ny dmv anyone knows how long it takes to get updated in system
I heard that they are 3 weeks behind, but you can make sure it was received and follow its progress by registering with NY DMV.
Just realized that my medical card expired does that mean i have to do my driving test all over again ?
@Irving
Not necessarily, but your CDL will have been downgraded.
The time period and the process of downgrading, and what you need to do to get your CDL reinstated, differs from state to state.
You need to contact NY Drivers License Department to find out your status and what you need to do next.
Just bring your medical card to DMV with $17 and it should be upgraded.
Never!! Never!!! Never!!!! Mail anything to the DMV (unless there is no other way). Just head down to the DMV office and get in line to update your DOT med card on file. You find out then and there if there is any issue’s with your new card plus you have a receipt as proof.
Can you go to the local DMV office the web site Say’s no I have been trying to call for a week but the phone is busy from 9 to 1. Hmmm
after 39years no tickets no acciedents the dmv has proved to me that they should fire everyone and start over…..getting a physical at the va was bad enough cause those morons sent me into the hospital because my bp was 142 on the high end whoopee.dooits 150 now according to new rules on blood preasure..beside .thats just my operating preasure….to make matters worse in order to spend around $40000 tax dollars to find something wrong with my ticker that does not exist …they chemically induced a real life heartattack….right there on the table…..not doing that again….dmv must not read their own files….they have now suspended my cdl until i get a new medical card ..the one i have has not even been on file a year…..i can hardly wait to see what reason they have for their action…..my med card is current until october this year…..i hope that they ….the powers that be……realize how hopelessly encompident they appear to be..,respectfully submitted…..
I sent you a copy of my medical re-certification and a copy of my driver’s license more than 2 weeks ago and you have yet updated my driving record. Please I can fax you another copy for update. Thank you
Talikai Ayuba. (phone number deleted by admin for privacy)
Retired and just trying to keep my CDL but now trying to get results for sleep apnea and paying for my own physical and having to mail in copies of extended physical card and only getting things from the DMV on non-compliance and downgrade is redictulus.When your RETIRED I would think you could keep your license.You should be able to keep it and only need a physical when your working you think?
@Charlie
If you are not currently driving a CMV, and you want to maintain your CDL but are not in a position to certify for a medical certificate, or do not want to keep your medical certificate current, check with your SDLA.
Your SDLA may allow you to self-certify in a category that does not require a medical certificate, if you state allows it.
In NYS you can ask for an A3 restriction. Makes you exempt from a medical exam.
The first medical card copy I sent was rejected for not having an expiration date. With a new physical and medical card I visited the local DMV office. The new card has an expiration date. I completed the paperwork again and we faxed a copy of my new card along with the completed paperwork three weeks ago. Today I stopped in DMV to check on the status of the certification and it still says not current. Like every other business I have ever dealt with the lack of communication from department to department will cost people time, money and possibly jobs. I pull Tandems for a living that requires 5 years of continuous CMV License. If I am downgraded I will lose my job. The amount of time and money spent to obtain a CMV is ridiculous enough without having to worry about a lack of communication on DMV`s part. The Medical Certification Department needs to reside at DMV offices for people to communicate directly with. My license has not been downgraded yet. I have done everything I can.
What appears on my license is E -( P ) & R ( None ).
Does this mean I need a restriction change? Do I have to go to my local DMV & apply for a license amendment?
@Lucille
Can’t answer this question for you. Best is to check with your DMV for clarification.
Well, as soon as the new request came, I mailed out my husband’s paperwork, made copies and sent it return receipt requested. He had his paperwork and the physical was for 2 years. This was August of 2013 he was one of the first mailings, he just received a letter from the DMV that he was downgraded for failure to submit his medical card and paperwork. I have called, their hours are 9-1 mon – fri and the phone lines are always busy unless they are closed and then you can get through to get the message. So then I emailed copies of all the paperwork that had been sent as well as the receipts from the initial mailing. However, DMV does not respond to email, most professional places have customer service with 24 hour turnarounds on email, and this isn’t something that can be handled at the local DMV so how do you resolve this error in data entry? In the meantime my husband can no longer drive for his company because his license in no longer valid until this is cleared up. Who is going to pay our bills? What a horrendous mess this is.
fax information (fax number 518-486-4421) before 9 am you will get a accepted answer after 9 am they must take the phone off the hook tried to get thru for days
@Mike
Thank you for helping with this information. We’ve added it to the information above.
i just received a letter of non compliance and licence down grade saying i do not have a medical cert card. i received this same letter in september of 2013 at that time i got a physical and certification card and mailed it to the dmv med cert. unit they acknowledged receipt. my certification doesn’t expire until 10/2014 my client id # is 328652065. where do i go from here
I am a recently retired MTA bus operator for NYC. I have a class B with E: P, R: A3. My CDL license has been downgraded because of this new law. I’ve never had a Med. Cert. Card. I sent in my form, already. It appeared that I was exempt from Med. Cert. Card. Do I need a Med.Cert. card? How will I know when I’ll be upgraded?
@Kevin
I believe that most of the new changes coming about have more to do with class A drivers (over the road 18-wheelers) than to do with class B.
You’ll need to check with your state DMV for further explanation of the changes and how those changes effect your class B.
I am out on medical and having surgery, Not able to take a physical at this time. what do I do when I return back to work???
@Constance
Following any major illness or surgery, you need to redo your DOT medical examination.
So don’t worry about it until you are ready to go back to work. Then get a new medical certificate.
If the state you live in is asking for your new medical card and self certification, then just let them know you are out on sick leave and will get it to them as soon as you have it.
My name is Herman of New York State.
I am out on medical and having surgery, Not able to take a physical at this time. my Medical card is up for renewal end of Oct 1,2014, I need more time to recover what do I do when I return back to work??? I had my CDL since 1992 will be retiring in 2018. I did want to keep my CDL for the future and continue to support my family. Is there a way to keep my CDL untill I am able to recover from surgery and be able go for my new medical card by self certification,
@Herman
Best to contact NY DMV and ask them the best way to go about this.
They may allow you to self-certify in an excepted category as long as you don’t drive, then change to a non-excepted category when you’re ready to drive again. Or they may have a way to put a hold in your file, until you are medically fit to get a new card.
totally inadequate and ridiculous! phone is always busy!! ive personally been trying to get through for over a week…..also i have sent my filled out and doctor documented forms to this address in november of 2013 and i am getting notices that i am not in compliance? what should a person do? ive emailed,ive called ive written on here? we are hard working individuals who dont have much free time to waste ..someone help!!!!!!
NO ANSWER PHONE BUSY ALL TIME
I MAIL IT IN REG MAIL ARTICLE NUMBER 70103090 0000 6389 8170 AND FAX IT. NO ANSWER ,PHONE ALWAYS BUSY.
This process does not make good business sense. CDL operators send there information in to one place and only a handful of personnel are there to process the information. I submitted my DOT medical over a month ago and it still hasn’t been processed. CDL carriers should be able to log into a website and upload there medical into a database and receive a confirmation that it has been received. Or go to there local DMV to have it processed. I know you are outsourcing this process as well. So help create jobs. have each local DMV outsource it to a local business. so instead of one vendor processing 100’s of thousands of medicals, you have hundreds of vendors processing the medicals from local DMV’s. would be a smoother process and at the same time NY would be helping the economy with jobs.
I am tired of dot I am turning my license in I have had enough with all the laws
@ Mark
I guess if you don’t like the rules of the game, then it’s time to leave. Good Luck in any new endeavors.
My dot medical expired jan 15 2014. As of now im downgraded. Can I still take the exam without paying a fine
These are two different things. Yes you can take a DOT physical examination, no fines. But you may have to pay to have your cdl reinstated.
Who, as in what class vehicles are required to have a medical card. For example a company service truck licensed for 16,000lbs.
Thanks Mike
I went for a dot phisical and at the DR. Said looks good then said I failed because my neck is larger then 17 inches and said I have to take a sleep apnea test to see if I have this disorder witch cost a lot of money is this a new Law??
@Clayton
No. There are examining doctors that have not watched the rules closely.
If you have high blood pressure, and are on medications and are a diabetic and you’re fat and out of shape, then maybe. But if everything else is normal, then your examiner is behind the times on a ruling that has been overturned.
Where can I get a full list of the requirements for dot physical I failed because of my neck size being a 20.5 and a bmi over 35 I am in good health and go to the gym regularly jus a big boy weighing in at 315 , 6 ft 2
@Tim
There is no DOT BMI or Neck Measurement chart/requirement issued by the FMCSA or DOT.
Download our DOT Physical Exam Guidebook for an overview of the requirements.
See FAQ on sleep disorders – to get more answers about BMI, neck size, etc.
Take your business to another doctor.
I miss placed my letter is there a way to get another copy?
How do I know the DMV received my returned signed letter and mailed medical examiners certificate? Is there a way to check to see if it in fact has been received and processed?
I also have the same question as Ron. The self certification letter indicated that an enclosed envelope was sent along with it, but I didn’t get that envelope for some reason. Any of you happen to know to which exact address it’s supposed to be mailed to? Thanks for the help.
is a copy good to keep with me how do iknow iam all good and everything is correct with my licence and i need to get a copy of a blank certificate to give my doctor for new a cert