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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
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…
To help us all avoid the black eye experience — AARGH! —
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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