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Pennsylvania CDL DOT Medical Card Requirements
The new Federal regulations also require commercial drivers to self-certify the type of driving in which they operate or expect to operate. Nearly every commercial driver, unless the type of commerce you drive qualifies as ‘Excepted’, is required to submit their valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate to PennDOT.
- Non-Excepted Interstate (NI)
You must meet the Federal DOT medical certificate requirements. - Non-Excepted Intrastate (NA)
You must meet Pennsylvania requirements under Title 67, Chapter 231.
If you are not currently working as a professional driver, and to avoid the loss of the commercial driving designation and the requirement to apply for a learner’s permit, you may self-certify as either “Excepted Interstate” or “Excepted Intrastate” transportation. Making this change to the driving record will automatically disqualify you from operating in any form of non-excepted transportation. If and when your driving type changes, you will be required to resubmit the Self-Certification Form and submit a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate.
CDL Self-Certification
Submit the following two documents:
- Self-Certification Form (DL-11CD) – download the form here from PennDOT.
- Copy of your valid DOT medical card. (Medical card only, not the long form.) Enlarge the copy to 5 inches by 7 inches, to ensure that all information is legible.
By Mail:
PennDOT
Bureau of Driver Licensing
P.O. Box 69008
Harrisburg, PA 17106-9008
By Fax:
717-783-5429
In Person:
At your local PennDOT Driver License Center.
PennDOT will mail you a receipt indicating that the Medical Examiner’s Certification and/or Self-Certification Form has been processed. You should keep this receipt.
Keep your Medical Card Current with PennDOT
If you self-certify “Non-Excepted” (NI or NA) you are required to keep a valid medical card on file with PennDOT. Check your medical card expiration date! If it expires within the next 60 days you should renew it, and get it updated with PennDOT before it expires.
Approximately 90 days prior to the expiration date of your medical certificate, PennDOT will mail you a reminder letter. Approximately 30 days prior to the expiration date of your medical certificate, PennDOT will mail you an official downgrade notice, which emphasizes the date the commercial designation will be removed from your driver license.
A new medical card can be processed at a PennDOT Driver’s License Center as late as the day the current certificate expires to avoid the downgrade process.
Submit a legible copy (enlarge the copy to 5 inches by 7 inches) of your Medical Certificate (medical card only, not the long form) to PennDOT:
By Mail: Only if you are submitting at least 30 days before the due date.
PennDOT
Bureau of Driver Licensing
P.O. Box 69008
Harrisburg, PA 17106-9008
By Fax: If you are submitting less than 30 days before the due date.
717-783-5429
In Person: For immediate processing.
At your local PennDOT Driver License Center.
Other Contact Information:
Website: www.dmv.state.pa.us
Commercial Driver’s Information Center
Commercial Driver Information Phone: 717-412-5300 or 800-932-4600
Notice To Medical Examiners
PennDOT notice to medical examiners regarding Medical Examiner’s Certificate
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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Does an Initial DOT need a urine drug screen?
@ BrigG
No, only a urine screen for blood, sugar and protein.
Can the Dot medical card renewal urine analysis in pa give false positives in the drug screening , I take ibuprofen n small dose of sertraline for depression it’s concerns me my card needs renewed soon
@ Mickey
DOT physical does not test for drugs. Only sugar, protein, and blood are recorded.
You shouldn’t be driving if you have to ask that question .
@ Steve
We agree.
Two years ago my company failed to send in my DOT physical card so I was driving without my CDL and I did not know that until I got pulled into a weigh station. I presented my card to the officer who did not fine me but put me out of service. Now I’m trying to get new employment and this is causing me to find it very hard to get a new job because of this on my PSP. Is there a way to get this removed?
@ Charles H
Not sure which direction to point you in. Start with your state and explain your situation, they may be of help.
I had a DOT CDL physical today and need a fax number in Pennsylvania to fax it to so I can renew my CDL so it doesn’t expire
@ BARB
You’ll need to contact Penn DLD for the fax #.
I see a lot of questions in reference to an expired medical card and whether or not the testing will need to be retaken but no clear answers. Just wondering, if my medical card expired 2 weeks ago in PA, will I need to retest for the CDL or can I just go get my Physical and submit my medical certificate to PennDOT and be done with it?
I’m in the same boat and cant find an answer. I believe we have to start over tho
@ Rob
Guys, you need to check with your local drivers license department for the best answer. Requirements vary from state to state. Some state only need a new medical card, other require, after a certain time period, you retake the cdl examination again. Your state drivers license department can answer your questions.
@ Matt
Check with your local drivers license department for the answer to your question. It’s a state driven question, not federal FMCSA.
I currently have a F-350 with a 13,100 GVW and tow a 7,000 GVW trailer so as of now I need my PA DOT Medical card (Which I do have for 14 more months)
If my future new F-350 is only rated at 10,000 GVW I will be exempt from needing to renew my PA medical card correct? (10k truck and 7k trailer = 17k,……under the 17,001 threshold)
Or will I still need one because my truck is still 10k alone? I believe the truck alone has to be over 10k (10,001 and above) but want to be sure.
And lastly, I never drive intrastate with my trailer unless going to my supplier/dealer, but I assume I will be in violation since I am over 10k,…either way, alone or with my trailer, correct?
CORRECTION!!!!!
I never drive interstate! Only stay in PA unless I go to my local parts supplier who is in NJ
@ CJ
Everything will depend on the class drivers license you carry. Each states cdl/medical card requirements are different. Start with information from the states drivers license department. They should be able to clarify the situation for you. Class A medical cards are state issued and federally regulated, unless it’s intra-state only.
I have a standard PA class C license, no CDL involved. My question basically is, is do I still need a medical card if my new truck only has a 10,000GVW rating?
I understand that I will be under the 170001k with my 7k trailer (truck 10K + trailer 7K = 17K) so in theory I will no longer be required to get the PA medical card,…
but I am more concerned with the truck alone since it is still 10k .
But if I am correct I still will not need it because my truck is under the 10,001k threshold at 10k even.
Or is it 10k threshold?
Long story short,…at what GVW do you need a PA medical card for truck only,….maybe that explains it better?!! LOL
Thanks!
@ CJ
Your question will be best answered by your states drivers license department. You fall under their variances not FMCSA/DOT.
It is possible to put your CDL on hold when renewing a license. I am retired and do not plan to drive, but don’t want to give it up. How do I do that?
@ Marvin M
Check with your state drivers license department to confirm, but most states require a valid medical card to maintain a valid cdl.
why was I not able to get my medical cert for my DOT while being on methadone?
I was issued my card last year 2018 and now no provider will renew it due to being on the methadone even though I passed the urine test and have document from my clinic stating I am able to preform the duties needed. is there any policies about methadone?
My husband needs to register his medial card with Penn Dot. Can I do for him in person at a dmv or does he have to be there?
@ eliza
Check with your local DLD for the best answer.
My employer provided a packet to be filled out for a non cdl dot certification in PA. Required questions were: How long have I lived at my address (years & months), and to list my employment for the last three years. Is this a requirement for a non cdl dot certification? Not sure what these questions have to do with a DOT Certification to pull a trailer….
@ David
Those are not DOT questions.
On the back of my license it say Class A. I used to have a Class A CDL. Niw I have an operators license. So, my question is what do I have to do to get my CDL back.
@ Jeffrey S G
Check with your states drivers license department for the best answer.
I was told to get a sleep Apnapa study for a non CDL med card. They said anyone Male over 42 with a neck size of 17 inches was required. Is this true?
@ andy c
No, someone just wants to make a lot of money off you. Go elsewhere and explain that your a non cdl driver and do not fall under the FMCSA guidelines.
What happens if I get a citation for not having my paper copy medical card on me when I get pulled over? Can I provide this to them at a later date or is there no way out of this citation?
@ Shawn R
Most states just need to see a copy of the paperwork. Check with your state DLD for the best answer.
Yes. I was wondering how much it will cost me to take a hazmat test. I do have my CDl class B license and eventually I would like to take the necessary exams and preinspection/driving tests to operate a class 26001 # truck. I was told at the local DMV office I could renew my current Class B license and take the initial general knowledge test for just $15 (+/-). That seems very inexpensive. Did I hear the licensing staff worker right?
Thanks
What medications will disqualify someone from receiving their med-card in pennsylvania?
i live in pa if i would need to drive a truck that does not need a cdl and i only drive in the state of pa. is a medical card needed also if i drive a truck that needs a cdl only in the state of pa is a medical card needed thanks don
@ donald w p
Most states have adopted the FMCSA guidelines and exam. But check with your local DLD for the best answer.
What can I do if I failed the PA dot physical for high blood pressure ?
@ Jennifer G
If you are class A driver, then the CME may provide a one time short term medical card for you to go and get your bp down. Either way it needs to come down. Set an appointment with your primary care physician to evaluate your situation and set a plan in motion.
I was going to ask the same question what does your blood pressure have to be for you to pass
@ Shawn c
Below 140 / 90.
is there an PA DOT PHYSICAL exsemption for a driver who only drives a vehicle gvw 10100 but less then 24000 IF they only drive vehicle 3 or 4 times a year
@ Mike K
You will need to check with your local drivers license department for the best answer here.
In Pennsylvania, do I have to carry my physical card to drive my car legally?
@ Robert S
Most states require you to, but check with your states DLD for the best answer.
I did not renew my DOT physical several years ago. My license, including my brand new one still says class AM driver standing for class A commercial driving and M motorcycle. I’m confused. Shouldn’t it say class CM now? The CDL stamp is gone but the class remains the same. Am I legal to drive commercial or could I be if I renewed my DOT physical?
@ Rebecca
In your case it looks like you could re-new your medical card and drive class A. Check it out with your local drivers license department.
My son just took a dot for pa and they asked if he has done any drugs in the last 3 years and being honest he is only 22 and he checked yes because he did smoke a little marijuana like 2 years ago and hasn’t smoked since so what happens know they want him to see a drug consoler can he still get his dot card
Thank you
Dumbfounded
@ Bill e
If your son is no longer a consumer of marijuana and has not done so for over two years, then the request for a drug abuse consoler intervention is a bit harsh. If the DOT examination is for a class A, OTR type driving, he will be drug tested by his employer and his information then is federal rules and regulations. If his examination is for a local job, the employer is still going to have him drug tested, but does not meet the same level federal standards.
So the DOT physical does not test for drugs? Only for cdl drivers?
@ Brandon S
All CDL drivers are drug tested by DOT and their employers. It is not a part of the DOT physical.
I have a implanted cardiac defibrillator. With NO history of black outs or any such thing. Is a cardiac device an automatic disqualification for a med card.
My brother-in-law has been a PA cdl licensed driver for many years. He went for his medical exam to renew his license which will expire on 10/8/17 this week. The medical examiner failed him because he listed Metformin in his drug list. He is pre-diabetic, and the drug (which he has been using for over 7 years) is to prevent diabetes, not to treat an existing condition. His doctor needs to complete a form to verify this information but so far he has not been able to find the time to handle it. My sister and brother-in-law are extremely anxious that he will not have sufficient time to get this taken care of and will not be able to work. Is there someone he should talk with in addition to prodding the doctor to complete the paperwork to verify that he is not diabetic?
Thank you
Do I just need to go to my PCP for a Non-CDL medical card? I have been told conflicting information. Does the physical exam vary from the CDL to Non-CDL or is it the same thing?
@Chris
A non CDL medical examination is the same as for a CDL driver, but the examiner should understand the type of driving you do and take that into consideration. Your state may allow you to get a medical card through your PCP. You want to be sure of this – ask your local DLD – or go to a certified medical examiner to be sure.
If I am on seizure medication and have been seizure free for over 18 months and I am cleared to drive my personal vehicle will I be able to get a PA ODT medical card?
@JJ
You’ll need to check with your local drivers license department to know what their time frame and guidelines are.