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
June 23, 2025: FMCSA electronic reporting requirements for DOT Medical Certificates will be fully enforced.
See detailed information at FMCSA Medical Examiner Certificate Reporting Requirements for CDL Drivers
CDL Drivers
The good news:
• You no longer have to go through the hassles of updating your medical card with your SDLA.
• You no longer have to carry your medical card with you.
Is there ‘not so good’ news?
Safeguard your CDL! How does the new DOT Medical Certificate reporting process affect your CDL?
Non-CDL Drivers
The electronic reporting requirements do not affect non-CDL drivers.
• The medical examiner must give you a physical MEC Form MCSA-5876.
• You should keep your medical certificate available at all times whilst driving a CMV.
• You will still need to provide a copy of the MEC to the companies you work for.
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…
To help us all avoid the black eye experience — AARGH! —
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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