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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
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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I have an active DOT card that expires early January had a heart attack in October. My heart doctor release me to be able to drive again with weight restrictions but my job require me to have another DOT physical while I have an active DOT physical is this allowed in the state of Ohio?
@ Michael B
Your company is correct, you have to have a new medical certification examination. Your existing medical card is void due to the heart attack.
I carry a Class A CDL, I no longer use it currently and I’m self employed. I don’t want to loose my CDL, but do I have to get a medical card to keep my CDL status(but not certified to drive commercial), Say in 3 years I want to drive, can I just get my medical card then?
@ Brian W
Most states will require a valid medical card to maintain a class A cdl. Best to confirm with your local DLD for guidance.
I currently hold a class-A CDL in Ohio and I am a self-employed farmer. Recently by the advice of my doctor, I was issued a medical marijuana card to help with chronic pain from arthritis. I did not know about any risk to my CDL because of possessing a marijuana card. Will this jeopardize my ability to renew my Ohio CDL class-A license? Can I let this card expire and then renew?
@ paul h
For a class A interstate driver, you will not be able to renew/pass your medical certification examination. As an intra-state only driver, you may fall under your states guidelines. Meaning you would fail your medical certification examination and then take your fail to your states drivers license department and they would place a ‘in our state’ a K restriction on your cdl. Best to check with your states DLD for confirmation and then follow their recommendations and procedures.
You can not posses a Marijuana card for a class A cdl interstate driver.
My company is about to post driver school for CDL training and truck training here in Ohio. After getting physical plus medical card, will the BMV still check for medical restrictions (other than B) on my driver’s license? Currently i possess a restriction has not ever disqualify me from driving a personal vehicle.
@ Jax S
Each state is different, so confirm with your local DLD. Depending on the class cdl you are striving for will determine restrictions. Class A interstate has the most strict qualifications and falls under federal DOT/FMCSA. Lesser class cdl’s fall under the state rules and regulations.