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South Carolina CDL Requirements
Everyone in the State of South Carolina who wishes to obtain or who currently holds a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) are federally required to inform the DMV of the type of commerce they plan to operate.
Interstate Non-Excepted
You must meet the Federal DOT medical certificate requirements.
Intrastate Non-Excepted
You must meet the state driver qualification requirements.
Note: All current South Carolina Commercial Driver License and beginner’s permit holders will receive a letter notifying them of the requirement. Self-certification must be done before January 30, 2014. If you do not meet the January 30, 2014 deadline you will be in jeopardy of losing your Commercial Driver’s License.
Submit your Self-Certification and Medical Certificate to South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
Submit the following two documents:
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Holders Medical Certification Requirements – download the form DL-405A here from South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles.
- Copy of your valid DOT medical card. Enlarge the copy to ensure that all information is legible.
By Mail:
SCDMV-CDL Help Desk
PO Box 1498
Blythewood, SC 29016-0028
By Fax:
(803) 896-2676 to the CDL Help Desk.
By Email:
CDLHelpDesk@scdmv.net
For email submission, please scan the documents, preferably in PDF.
In Person:
To any local SCDMV Office
Please contact the CDL Help Desk at 803-896-2673 if you have any questions.
Keep Your Medical Certificate Current With South Carolina DMV
If you self-certify Non-Excepted Interstate and submit a medical certificate, you are required to keep a valid medical card on file with South Carolina DMV.
You may submit a legible copy of your medical certificate (medical card only, not the long form) to the DMV by mail, fax, email, or in person, as described above.
Other Information:
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles official website
CDL Help Desk: 803-896-2673
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…
To help us all avoid the black eye experience — AARGH! —
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My medical expired 7 days ago in SC. would I still be able to get a physical and provide that to the dmv or do I just lose my CDL?
@ Jacob
Most states are running a few days behind, so get the medical card done and get a copy to your local DLD ASAP. You will most likely be in time without losing your cdl.
Bit of a story here, but to give you a background: I’m young and healthy, but I suffer from a bit of social anxiety and that translates to Whitecoat Syndrome when I’m in a Doctor’s office. Normally my blood pressure is fine, but when I’m in a doctor’s office it runs high.
Now last year I received my first DOT card. I wasn’t driving CMV’s at that time, but needed it for a job. They took my BP once and I was fine, got my 2 year card. Well last month I started at a driving school to get my CDL. They gave me a 1 week window to get a new DOT card even though mine didn’t expire for another year.
Went to an Urgent Care and couldn’t get my nerves under control. BP read as stage 1 hypertension (153/88) and the nurse practitioner didn’t seem to know what she was talking about. From my understanding you still get a 1 year card for uncontrolled stage 1, but she said I could only have a 90 day card so that’s what I got.
After doing some research I’m seeing conflicting info – You are saying once you get a 90 day card for high BP, you have to measure under 140/90 the following visit and still only get a 1 year card.
Can I just go to a different facility and pretend like nothing happened. Pay out of pocket for another DOT physical and worst comes to worst I get a 1 year card if I still read stage 1. Would they even be able to see that a 90 day card was previously issued?
I’m literally thinking about taking xanax and viagra before going to the next physical because I’m not sure what to do. Nerves are my issue.
@ Ryan S
Once a 90 card has been issued it will be on the national registry, if you carry a class A cdl. So yes, it is visible on the National Registry, DOT/FMCSA. Once a 90 day card has been issued, it’s a one time issue only, you must have a bp of 140/90 or less. That’s DOT/FMCSA class A interstate driver. And it will stay a one year card, once you pass.
I hold a class A CDL but haven’t driven in abut 25 years can I keep my CDL Without having to keep wasting money on a medical card? I will probably go back to driving at my age but I want to keep my CDL status since I paid for the training in the mid 90’s.what form should I complete to make this happen if there isn’t one then they should be in order to keep my CDL in a non driving status….thanks for your time
@ Max B
Since your cdl is a state issued document and has to follow the states rules and requirements, your best answer will come from your local DLD.
Might be a silly question but…
I wear a cpap but my compliance is under 70%.
Can the medical examiner (i.e. Doctors Care) issue a temporary medical certificate until I’m compliant?
@ Reggie
Class A cdl, maybe, if you have been compliant in the past. Lesser class cdl will be under your states guidelines and variances.
I live in South Carolina and I am blind in one eye and have a regular drivers license what are the chance I can get a CDL
@ Austin P
Class A interstate will require a vision waiver. Lesser class cdl will fall under your states guidelines and variances. Best to seek information from your local drivers license department and follow their procedures.
Can you drive a commercial vehicle with a defibrillator?
@ Ellerbe
All depends on the class license you carry.
Ok l have my class b CDL l ain’t had it for that long l have a picture of my CDL l just don’t have the hard copy l was staying with someone and l just up and move and l left my document and certification behind I’m wondering how to l go by getting a hard copy of my CDL again
@ Nija
You will need to contact your local drivers license department and follow their procedures, since your drivers license is a state issued document.
My med card expired on may 10th and I updated it on may 6th but wasn’t aware that I had to take it to the dmv for renewal and it’s may 18th, what are the precautions of this? I am going to take it on Monday but is everything still ok with my Cdl or will it become suspended?
@ Rez D
Get it done ASAP. It’s easier to beg forgiveness than it is to ask permission. You should be fine though.
My husband medical card exp. in early Dec but at that time he was out on short term disability from 2 toe amputations and had a wound vac machine hooked to his foot until 2 weeks ago. He couldn’t go get the test with machine attached so how does he get a new medical card? Please help!! Thank you!
@ Amanda
Once he is released to return to work, go and get a new medical examination and medical card. Then take a copy down to the local drivers license department (DLD) and have it registered. If there are questions, his situation should be explained and they will most likely get him registered without down grading his cdl.
I self surrender or downgraded from my class a CDL to a regular driver’s license. I did so because, I wasn’t working for the company, who required me to have a CDL. I still wanted to keep it but I couldn’t afford to pay for the doctor’s office visit and medical card to get a replacement CDL. I had lost my wallet at the time and my CDL was in my wallet. What do I need to do to get my CDL back. Thank you for your time and help with this matter.
@ James P
Your cdl is a state issued document and they will have a process for you to follow. Touch base with your local DLD and ask.
Fla cdl vision test standards have changed for people with vision in only one eye if I get my cdl in fla can I transfer South Carolina will a dot dr strike me down or will it be accepted?
@ Flaboy2023
If you are a class A cdl holder, these changes were made nation wide, no big issues. Lesser class cdl, you would need to clarify with local drivers license departments (DLD).
Do non CDL drivers in South Carolina need to have medical cards if their truck has a DOT number on it?
@ Weston A T
You will need to confirm this with your local drivers license department. Most states require a valid medical card for ANY vehicle that is being used for commerce, making money for someone.
I have a CDL from South Carolina. If I get a regular license because I don’t have a medical card. If I decide later to get a medical card do have to take the written test and skill test over before I get my CDL back.
@ James S
Each state has a different deadline and process for cdl re-instatement. Best to check with SC for their process.
Yes you need to start the entire process again. I think the one workaround is going to the DMV and self-certifying as non-excepted to excepted. Then when you get your DOT card you can self-certify again as excepted
Am I allowed to drive a tire commercial service truck without a DOT medical card in South Carolina
@ Adrian M
You need to check with your local drivers license department for guidance.
If you are operating a Ford F750 truck with a 5 car hauler attached hauling cars for your self do you need a medical card to get your CDL.
@ Scott P
Most states require a medical card to acquire a cdl. Confirm with your local drivers license department.
My health card expired and I not driving a CDL truck can I hold off on my health card renewal
@ Robert C B
Most states require a valid medical card to maintain a cdl. You might want to confirm this with your local DLD before they down grade your license and make you start all over.
In South Carolina I was issued a 3 month med card now after the 3 months I went to a different place and got a 2 year again is that legal
@ Thomas R
Yes, because CME’s have to interpret the DOT/FMCSA guidelines. There are regulations and the rest are guidelines. One CME may have questions and give a 3 month card so you can continue to drive while you correct an issue. Another does not see the issue as a restriction.
Where is the best place to obtain a medical card in south Carolina
I failed for my medical card 3 months ago can I go back now and if I pass get my card back? and maintain my CDL
@ BILLY
Yes.
Is there a medical appeal process?
@ Kim
Besides a second opinion? You can try to contact FMCSA.
After cdl’s was suspended and all requirements met fines, SAP, eye exam and new medical card. Was told that my license were expired even though the expiration date is not until 2029 on the physical license. Was asked to surrender cdl’s just to get regular license. Would have to take written & tests for cdl’s all over again???????
@ Vanessa B
Go up the ladder to a supervisor at DLD and ask the same questions. This does not make any sense.
I work for municipality I left a few years ago and came back. I had my CDL and Health Card before leaving the first time. Before I decided to come back I had to get my Health Card renewed. They are telling me I have to go get another dot Health cars because I didn’t get it while I was employed with them. Is this correct? I’ve never heard of this
@ Michael
This is not correct, by DOT/FMCSA regulations. But it may be the company’s policy.
I got my DOT done in NC can i use it in SC
I just got my class b permit in sc though.
@ Tianavm
Yes.
My CDL expires on 7/04/22 and my medical card expires on 7/09/22. I went today (7/01) to get my CDL renewed and was told they could not renew my CDL because my medical card would be expiring within a few weeks. It is still valid for 8 more days! How can they not accept a valid medical card? My plan was to renew my CDL before they expired on the 4th then go get medically certified again before the 9th but SCDT said no. I have never heard of such a thing. Is there a law that says if your medical card is expiring soon you can not get your CDL’s renewed???
@ Tim H
You are dealing with the state and its bureaucracy. Their state, their rules.
It must be a made-up law because I can not find it anywhere when researching the CDL renewal requirements. It just says to have a valid medical card. I just don’t see how they can do that because it’s still good. Hopefully other drivers will read this and not run into this problem also.
You just said the reason why they wouldn’t. Why would a state issue your renewal knowing that if they did renew your CDL, not knowing for certain that you’d be able to pass a required physical? Let’s just say that you were able to renew just shy of your 8 days 9f physical card expiring and you failed your physical, but you decided to drive anyways and get in an accident that killed someone or yourself. How’s that gonna look for the state? Not very good.
I’m afraid the state is correct the reason being you can go get your medical card 30 days in advance. You can get your medical card 60 days in advance. You can get your medical card six months in advance. You do not have to wait to the last minute every year I get my two weeks in advance if it’s due on February 14 I will get it around February 1st. You can get your medical card anytime before it expires but it is a rule with the state of South Carolina. If your medical card expires within 30 days of your license renewing, you must get the medical card first.!
That’s just the way it is
I got a letter to renew my dot and send to dmv, but i misplace the letter.. How do i get this info
@ Kenneth J
Contact your local drivers license department. They should guide you through their process.
I have a CDL just retired a few months ago and my medical card is expiring soon just wondering can I keep the CDL without a medical card as long as I’m not driving a commercial vehicle.
@ Clarence McD
Each state has differing requirements. Most request a valid medical card to maintain a valid class A cdl. Check and confirm with your local dld.
At the south carolina dmv cant you check a box to where you dont have to keep getting a medical card and still drive a truck.But you just can’t drive the interstate
@ Tommy L W
That would be best answered by your local drivers license department, not DOT/FMCSA.
My health card ran out sept 17,And a doctors takeing his sweet time about getting back to office and signing it.Is there a grace period on my health card here in south carolina.
@ Tommy L W
DOT/FMCSA has extended, due to the covid issues, a grace period. That is for the federal registry. Not sure how the states will respond. Confirm the extension with your local drivers license department.
No DMV needs that on file. Get the physical keep the CDL till you absolutely know your done.
My medical card ran out sept,17.And my doc takeing his sweet time about signing it.That will be oct 4 is there a grace period in sc for that.Google says till nov.30 is that true.
Absolutely not. They will downgrade you to a class C license. I’ve actually been slated to have mine downgraded due to a paperwork mishap. When they first started this compliance measure, the information stream was lackluster at best. Now, they have everything on track. And, they won’t hesitate to downgrade your license. I think there is a grace period. But, I ce that period is up, you’re downgraded permanently until you can 9ass the CDL course requirements again. Yeah, the written and road test. Big hassle. Do try to keep it current!
If you change address but stayed in the same state do I need to get a new medical card
@ Joe
It probably makes life easier with a DOT officer having medical card and license match. Most times it isn’t a big issue, but each state is different and you need to confirm with your local drivers license department.
Hi my dot card expired 5/10/21. But I got new one on may 4 for may 4th 23. I emailed the paper work in. I got a letter today saying I had 10 day from the letter or I would be downgraded . Please help
@ Drew
You need to contact your local drivers license department and find out what the issue is. Probably just documents crossing in the mail.
My nonexempt interstate CDL has been disqualified due to peripheral neuropathy in my feet I need to know if I can run non-exempt intrastate in South Carolina. And what are the medical requirements for that.
I’m 62 years old as of 04/13/21
@ Steven M
If you run intra-state you fall under your states rules and regulations. Check with your South Carolina drivers license department for your best answer.
Hello, I’m moving down to SC from PA, living in temporary housing without any kind of utility bills or any fees for that matter. Obviously, I can’t change my address to SC yet until my permanent residence is built. I hold a current DOT card that expires in about a week. Can I renew my DOT card with my current PA license? Or do I have to go back to PA to renew it?
@ charles m
You can get your medical card any where in the USA, just use your PA license in SC.
Got the notice for my medical card renewal for my CDL, I will be giving the CDL up but am on a trip to disney with family and will return March 12th and go to DMV to have it down graded.
@ gregory J Z
OK.
If i do not renew my medical card in South Carolina would I have to do all testing over before I could drive commercially again? I currently don’t use it at my job but I don’t want to loose it.
@ Kevin
You will need to check with your local drivers license department for your best answer.
Is it possible to operate a commercial vehicle without a DOT medical card if you’re just driving in the state of South Carolina
@ Sheldy
You will need to ask your states drivers license department this question.
I recently moved to SC from IN. IN will not release my license which is a CDL-B saying I first need to get a valid medical card. I don’t plan on driving in SC. I just want to keep my CDL. What can I do to get it released to SC?
@ Kenneth M
Get a DOT medical examination and turn it in to IN. Then they will release your cdl as a valid cdl.
If You’re License Is Suspended Do To A Unpaid Ticket , Does That mean your CDL is revoked? or will you still have your CDL after you get everything cleared up ?
@ John D
Most states will return your cdl license.
If you only have sight in one eye, can you still get a CDL in the state of South Carolina. Where or how could I find this information?
Thank you.
@ Paul W
Best bet is to check with your local drivers license department for the answer.
I have a friend that fell and hit his head in July and was taken to the ER for seizure like activity. He was cleared by a Neurologist and said all of his test were normal and no abnormality was found. Will this pose an issue when he renews his medical card.
@ Dyanne
Just make sure he takes a medical release form from his doctors. If there are no other issues and with proper documentation, he should do fine.
I have been trying to verify the Driver Qualification file requirements for inTRAstate drivers (>10,000 lbs but less than 26,000 – non hazardous) for the state of South Carolina (and NC).
I believe it to similar to the interstate requirements, but have not been able to verify.
@ Judy
Check with your local DLD office for the answer.
I Had A CDL For Years And When I Moved To South Carolina From Texas I Transferred It Over. But When I Had To Move Back To Oklahoma I Did Not Drive So When I Went To Change My License Over To Oklahoma They Told Me South Carolina Deemed Me Ineligible But I could Get A Regular License. Never Told Me Why But I Assume It Was Because My Medical Card Expired.So If I Went Back To Get My CDL Would I Have To Go Back Through All The Testing And Crap.Just Asking.
@ Stephen G
You need to verify the requirements in the state you want to get your cdl in.
I currently have a CDL but my medical has expired.
My license is due for nerewal in November.
I would like to downgrade my license.
What do I need to do?
@ Robert
Just go down to the drivers license department before your cdl expires and have it down-graded, before they downgrade you.
I know someone who has been issued a SC CDL who has seizures and multiple brain tumors of which one is on the brain stem…how is this possible?
@ Jody L
Someone did not tell the whole truth on the intake information. They should have had to supply proper documentation from their treating physicians before they would have been considered otherwise.
I have a valid dot from North Carolina. Can I transfer it to South Carolina?
@ Kelly
Yes, your medical certification is federal.
I take ambien cr for sleeping, my dr informed me that it is on restricted list,what do you do in this case been on it for years, also use Cpap machine informed me I need to show study of this for one month . Have had spotless record no wrecks,violations of any kind, this is fist time I have been disqualified for taking a med that my Dr has prescribed.
@Roger
Ambien is on a restricted list, however since you’ve been on it for many years get a medical release from your prescribing doctor for the CME to make a better informed decision.
Yes, you need a 30-day report with 70% compliance for you CPAP usage.
Where can I get a total list of allowed and not allowed meds?
How do I go about getting a DOT physical card?
@Benny
See our free DOT Physical Exam Guidebook.
Where can I find a Doctor office to perform the physical
Dr. Joseph Russo
1605 Locust Hill Rd
Suite 101
Greer, SC 29651
864 848-4992 (call for appointment)
My CDL medical certificate expires July 1st. I went to get a physical and they told me since I have had a sleep study done in the past year I would need to show a printout of proof that I have worn a CPAP machine for 30 days and the readings. They said they could complete a physical on me with the stipulation pending that I bring in the printout that I have worn the device for 30 days. I am in the process of getting the device, but it will probably be August 10th before I can submit my these results. Will I lose my CDL?
@Ryan
You will not lose your CDL but your medical card will expire and you cannot drive on an expired medical card. You will not be able to get a new medical card until you can provide at least 30 days of compliant CPAP use.
In the state of South Carolina if you work for two different companies that requires a DOT physical do you need to have a physical for both companies, or could you work with both companies under one physical?
@JC
Your DOT medical card is connected with your driver’s license. That is how the regulation works. You need a medical card to be able to drive a vehicle for commercial purposes. So all you need is one medical card.
A new employer may have their own rules which are stricter than the FMCSA regulations, and may want you to have a DOT physical with a medical examiner of their choice. This is the only reason why you may need to take another DOT physical, even if you have a valid medical card.
if I have a cdl and just noticed my medical card has expired a month ago, will I loose my cdl prevelege if I go get a new medical card?
@Mandy
Each state has a different downgrade process. You’ll need to contact your local drivers license department about this.
If its been a month ago SC will suspend your cdl until you get your medical certificate. You may be driving on a suspended license.
I live in Myrtle Beach SC now, from New Jersey where I had a Disability Card, I want to know if SC has an application for me to fill out, so I can update and receive a new card here?
@ Vincent
Why not check with SC drivers license department and see what they have to say about this issue.
im in mass..im a usps “EX” driver in custodial who still wants to keep my cdl in good standing…can I just self certify without a DOT card?,im not driving anymore..thanx…
I have an ejection fraction of 38% can i get a class B school bus endorsement?
@Joe
You would not pass as an interstate driver, so check with your local drivers license department and see what their policy is.
I heard that you now have to have a current DOT physical or you lose your CDL…is there any truth to that?
Very Very true. SC will suspend your license until you get your new medical certificate
If we have an inspection team working for DOT (subcontractor) is there a medical requirement. They are not driving (no CLD licensed required tasking).
@Monica
Would need more information. Are you doing medical card for drivers or not?
Best to check with DOT.
I have had a sleep study done and have been diagnosed with sleep apnea. I don’t have high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol but was told by a doctor who was giving me my DOT physical that he would not sign off on my paper work so I could get a current DOT medical card because of my sleep study results. How can he ruin my career based on a sleep study? I use my sleep machine every evening. Please assist, help! I am at my wits end.
Thanks
@Dion
Did you ask what the issue was that the DOT examiner would not sign off on?
If the results are within normal limits and you have shown good compliance, then just get a medical release form completed by the sleep doctor and you should be good to go.
I had a mi in oct 8 2014 …recently I have a ejection fraction of 40% as of jan 16 2015..Do I need a release form from my cardiologist, and my primary Doctor??? for my dot physical..
@Allen
Yes, medical release forms from both will be needed in this case.
Can I get qualified to drive with a class b cdl in intrastate commerce while on insulin & low dose blood pressure medicine & getting cleared from a ischemic stroke?
@Ronald
You need to check with your state DLD and confirm whether you can qualify with this list of medical conditions and medications. Federal DOT would have some major questions that would require more information.
See also FAQ – Medications.
I am on pain medication for a bad back…norcotic….am I still allowed my dot card???
I am on pain medication for a bad back..norcotic…will that stop me from renewing my dot health card??
@Eddie
It might, depending on what drugs and their side effects.
Read FAQ – Medications
Is there a DOT Dr. That will examine someone that’s on dialysis . Have been driving for two years.
@Saundra
Any and all DOT examiners on the NRCME can do the examination.
The limitation will be your present condition and whether you are in possession of a insulin/diabetes waiver.
I’m 64 year old medically retired since 2008 but would like to keep my cdl. I went to classes to earn it, and it wasn’t cheap! the last two renewals has cost me close to 300.00 dollars for medical cards. as a driver I knew what the law required and most of the times the fine for a expired card was 25.00dollars. some drivers went for years or up to time for cdl renewal time and or never got caught or just keep paying the fine. when a few drivers mess up everyone else pays, if the fine would hit the wallet harder that would not happen but once. if I ever decided to go to commerical driving I know I’m requried to have a up dated medical card and would get it. why can’t the dot put a letter code on the licence to indicate that the cdl driver is not a active driver. I’m sure the DOT can come up with something. thanks
As a carrier, drivers lack of med card registration (or long form as required by some states)
we need to know the statues of each driver so we will know if their CDL priviliges are still intact. Some states have a website that allows us to put in the drivers license number and/or other identifying information to be sure we are not allowing someone to drive who has not properly updated their med certificate and or self-certification. This directly affects the carriers CSA scores in the Driver Fitness catagory. Each state should provide this website that could be accessed by the Carrier with the proper identification. We have had drivers tell us they faxed or mailed in the information only to find that it never got to its intended destination. We like to be compliant but it is made extremely difficult if we do not have a way of verifying the self-certification/med card update.