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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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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