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Ohio CDL Requirements
Effective January 30, 2012, new federal regulations require all Commercial Driver License holders to self-certify their type of commercial driving. All CDL holders must submit a self-certification in order to be issued and maintain their CDL.
All Ohio CDL holders are required to certify the type of commercial operation they’re engaged in.
Interstate Non-Excepted
You must meet the Federal DOT medical certificate requirements.
Intrastate Non-Excepted
You must meet the State DOT medical requirements.
Self-Certifying and Submitting your Medical Certificate to Ohio BMV
All CDL drivers must self-certify in one of four categories no later than January 30, 2014.
A description of the categories can be found by viewing form BMV2159.
If you self-certify Interstate Non-Excepted, you must also submit your Medical Certificate.
Submit the following two documents:
- Commercial Driver License Self Certification Authorization Form – download the form here from Ohio Department of Public Safety Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
- Copy of your valid DOT medical card (medical card only, not the long form). Enlarge the copy to ensure that all information is legible.
Note: Please include a cover page with your contact information: Name, address and telephone number.
By Mail:
Ohio BMV
CDL/Out of State Processing
P.O. Box 16784
Columbus, OH 43216-6784
By Fax:
614-308-5181
By Email:
cdl@dps.ohio.gov
In Person:
To a Regional Reinstatement Office or a Deputy Registrar. Locations can be found here.
Keep your Medical Certificate current with Ohio BMV
If you self-certify Non-Excepted Interstate and submit a medical certificate, you are required to keep a valid medical card on file with Ohio BMV.
Ohio BMV will send you a notice approximately 60 days prior to your medical card expiration. If you do not provide a new medical card, Ohio BMV will mail a notice to you, indicating your medical certificate is expired. Once your medical card expires, you are no longer eligible to operate a commercial motor vehicle.
Submit a legible copy of your medical certificate (medical card only, not the long form) to the Ohio BMV:
By Mail:
Ohio BMV
CDL/Out of State Processing
P.O. Box 16784
Columbus, OH 43216-6784
By Fax:
614-308-5181
By Email:
cdl@dps.ohio.gov
Note: Allow up to 5 business days for processing of forms submitted by mail, fax, or e-mail.
In Person: For same day service
Submit completed forms to a Regional Service Center:
Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Other Information:
Website: Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles official website
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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NOTE: This website is not affiliated with, or endorsed by FMCSA or any government or state agency.
I have been trying to get in touch with DMV about my medical card but I can`t get through on the telephone.
If l have a cdl license but I think I will be retiring real soon my card is soon yo expire. Can I still update my D.O.T. card and not drive.
@Kurt.
Yes, you can update your DOT medical card and not drive.
I just passed my DOT Physical exam and recieved two years. I only got long medical Examiner’s certificate. Am I suppose to have Card too? The medical examiner said they don’t make card anymore. Is that true?
@ken
Unless you are in a state that has already made the transition to cardless, you should have received a a medical card. As far as we know, that full transition is not in effect until the end of 2018 sometime. And if you travel interstate, you really want to have a medical card. We suspect the DOT will want to see one for right now. The form the medical examiner should use for the medical card is MCSA-5876.
The new “card” is a full sheet of paper, the last full page of the paper work you were handed. It’s no longer a card, but is still form mcsa-5876
My husband failed his odot physical because he was unable to rock between his toes and heels without stepping back. What does this test and is this a requirement for the odot medical cards?
My husband was hospitalized about a year ago for DVT. He was prescribed anticoagulants to take for several months but he only took meds for two months. He did not return to his doctor for follow up nor does he know if his DVT is resolved. He will be coming due for his DOT physical soon. Does DOT have access to medical records from hospitals? If so will this prevent him from being able to drive (over the road doubles and hazmat)? He should report his DVT history to the examiner. I’m concerned that he won’t.
@Desi
The new DOT physicals will be asking questions like have you ever had any type of surgery. So if he lies on the form, he is then liable to lose his driving privileges. So to not pass on the needed information about the DVT is a direct lie when he signs the form stating that all of the information is correct and true. No one will have access to his hospital records unless they want additional information. And if the FMCSA wants to know, they will find it.
I have been under Doctors care and prescribed pain meds for several years (10+) due to 3 back surgeries. I own (2) 52 gvw straight trucks and only drive approx. 30 hrs a week. Now my doctor seems to have bailed on me stating that he has problem with saying its ok to drive on the medicine although its been ok for 10 years. I feel he needs to back me on this issue because of my medical history and fill out the Medical Release Opinion so I can pass onto the DOT Medical Examiner. I have squeaky clean record w no violations or accidents. What to do?
@Joe
The doctor is over-reading the guideline and does not want to assume any risk that would cost him his medical license. Ask him to read a bit further in the guidelines and he will find that if he can support his decision-making process with his ongoing medical support/records for the past ten years, then he may feel more inclined to be more supportive in your case.
Hi there
So my cdl license is a ny state issue but jut bought a house in Ohio and will be moving..
I just did my medical like a month ago would I need to redo a medical again for Ohio??? If I move
And can I just keep seeing my doctor in NYC for my medical? I’ve been with him for years
@Jc
Your medical card is good anywhere, so no you do not need to redo it just for Ohio. Yes you can keep you medical examiner as long as he is on the NRCME.
if you get a new job in ohio. im sure they will make you retake your physical. i had to. when i switched jobs. and i live and work in ohio. and make sure you go to the BMV and have your new card added to your cdl. it will cost $3.50.and make sure you carry the receipt.
cdl@dps.ohio.gov
This is the correct address. The other one does NOT work.
Thanks! 🙂
@Amy
Thank you so much Amy for this helpful information. We have corrected the reference above.
My A1c was just reported as higher than normal levels and the medical examiner will not issue my CDL license. He told me I have to have written info from family physician that I am under medical care and taking appropriate meds for this and a new med to help the A1c come down. The family doctor emailed this info to the medical examiner and the medical examiner still will not issue my license renewal for 3 months. In the state of Ohio I understood that as long as I am under a physician’s care for diabetes control that I can drive but the medical examiner says I cannot. What is true? I am running out of time for renewal.
@John
Not just under a medical doctors care but also having your diabetes under control. Your medical card allows you to operate the truck, but you must have your diabetes under control to be considered safe and fit for duty. Don’t know why the CME would hold you for another three month, when you should be able to get this condition under control in a few weeks.
Perhaps because the A1c is a 3 month average?
what is the aceptable a1c level for a diabetic to pass physical
@Phillip
There must be no glucose in the urine. If you are taking some of the newer medications that bind with the sugar and you expel them through your urine, you need a recent A1c from your doctor, not from some CME. That is not the CME’s department to be evaluating.
Your doctor should have your condition under control and he should be happy with your A1c’s. You do want to take a medical release form from your doctor to the examination, but you should not be being tested for your blood sugar levels, only for sugar in your urine, which there should be none.
I emailed copy of my medical card on May 6, 2015. Why did I just receive notice of my cdl suspended for not providing a copy of my medical card. I just emailed it again. I need a response!
@John
You are requesting the wrong party. We cannot help you.
This is a private website helping drivers with information related to getting your medical card. We are not affiliated with any state or federal agency and cannot help you with license information.
What we know from talking with many drivers, and a few DMVs, is that state departments may be one or more weeks behind in updating drivers license records. In the meantime their computer systems send out warning letters so you don’t forget to update your information.
You need to contact your local drivers license department directly to find out your status.
I stopped driving about 8 months ago and just realized I forgot to renew my med card in time. It expired about a week ago from the date of this msg. Does this mean I have to completely start over to get a new cdl???
@Steve
Most likely not.
Each state treats this process differently. Contact your local driver’s license department to find out the status of your CDL, and what you need to do next.
in ohio. you take your med card to a BMV. they add it right there on your cdl. im not sure where you live. but call a local BMV where you live.
I was recently pulled over and found out my restriction card had expired. Now have a court date, car was towed and not allowed to be released until after court date. Any idea on the punishment and or costs and fines??
@Scott
I would check with your local driver license department for this answer. It is not in the federal regulations.
I have class a cdl do I need a medical card if not driving
@Jerry
Yes. You need a current medical card on file with your state drivers license department. Otherwise they will downgrade your license.
I have a driver that has a Restricted CDL for Farm Related Service Industries. He self certified Cat. 4 and does not have a Medical. But after reading the definitions of a Cat. 4, I’m not sure that is the correct one. And also, I’m trying to figure out if we actually do need him to get a medical?? If you can shine any light on this it would be a huge help.
@Megan
Check with your local/state DLD for the best explanation regarding your states requirements and restrictions, if any.
i retired 2 27 14 i would like to maintain my cdl without a dot card thanks john j
@John
1. We are a private website and are not affiliated with any federal or state agency. You’ll need to contact your state drivers license department.
2. Your state may not allow you to keep your CDL status without a medical card. We published an article, FMCSA Medical Certification Requirements, which may help answer your question.
in ohio. if you have a cdl. you have to mantain a med card.and have it added to your license at the bmv..
I had a heart attack on 10-2-2014 and was in the hospital for 3 days and had 1 stent put in can you tell me how long i will need to be out of the truck? just kinda of curious, at home now feeling so much better I have my 1st app with the cardiologist on the 20th
@Calvin
Fully healed and a medical release form completed by your cardiologist. The medical release needs to explain to your cardiologist what your job entails.
It will be a few months before he will release you to go back to driving.
And you will need some specific test results with you when you do go for your DOT medical exam. Good Luck
I was disqualified by a O.D.O.T medical examiner because I take the medication SUBOXONE that is prescribed by my doctor. What should I do to be RE-qualified
@Scott
Get a medical release form completed by your prescribing doctor. That may help. You were placed on suboxone to get you free from an opiate dependency, I assume, and as quick as you can get off the suboxone the easier it will be to pass your medical certification.
I have recently moved to Texas from Ohio. I now have a Texas CDL instead of Ohio. My medical card is through Texas. Therefore I wish to stop receiving letters about my Ohio Drivers License
@Richard
We are not affiliated with any state agency.
Please contact Ohio BMV with your request.
I resently heard that I don’t need a medical card from a PA highway patrol during an inspection. I just finished reading your information on what a CDL Truck Driver needs to do. I never knew that I had to regester and self certify. As far as I know, I have never filed a self sertify form. What do I do now ? I never knew about this until JUST NOW !
@Ed
If you are a Class A driver, you need a DOT medical examination and medical certificate.
Once you have that done, you will need to check with your state to determine what your self certification form is and how it should be filled in. Most class A drivers who travel interstate are classed as “non-excepted interstate”. Just check with your state to confirm that’s correct for you. See info about self-certification here.
What does a medical restriction form look like? .. when someone has a medical issue (blood pressure/diabetic., etc) but doctor states they can still drive?
@Mariea
There is no such thing as a medical restriction form. Certain medical conditions restrict the length of time a medical card can be valid. A driver who has medical conditions being treated must have a medical release form from their primary care physician. See our blog post on Medical Release for more information.
My doctor filled out the medical statement but I have been told I need the medical card. Where can I get a medical card for my doctor to fill out. I’ve searched your site and do not find it and the doctors don’t have them. What is a person suppose to do. Maybe the thing to do is to send all of the necessary forms to the drivers so that a person doesn’t loose a job and the family income/support. Do you think Ohio could be help in that way?
@Lippencott
You can find the forms on the FMCSA website.
Medical Examination Report http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/documents/safetyprograms/Medical-Report.pdf
Medical Examiners Certificate http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/documents/safetyprograms/Medical-Examiners-Certificate.pdf
Note: After May 21, 2014 you will only be able to go to an FMCSA National Registry certified medical examiner to get your DOT physical done.