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…
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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