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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! —
Please leave your feedback about your experience in this State.
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Amanda says
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!
Trucker Docs™ says
@ 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.
James P says
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.
Trucker Docs™ says
@ 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.
Flaboy2023 says
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?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ 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).
Weston A T says
Do non CDL drivers in South Carolina need to have medical cards if their truck has a DOT number on it?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ 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.
James S says
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.
Trucker Docs™ says
@ James S
Each state has a different deadline and process for cdl re-instatement. Best to check with SC for their process.
Adrian M says
Am I allowed to drive a tire commercial service truck without a DOT medical card in South Carolina
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Adrian M
You need to check with your local drivers license department for guidance.
Scott P says
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.
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Scott P
Most states require a medical card to acquire a cdl. Confirm with your local drivers license department.
Robert C B says
My health card expired and I not driving a CDL truck can I hold off on my health card renewal
Trucker Docs™ says
@ 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.
Thomas R says
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
Trucker Docs™ says
@ 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.