How to obtain a DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate
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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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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.