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South Dakota CDL Requirements
- Effective July 1, 2011, all drivers issued a CDL must self-certify as to whether or not they are subject to the physical requirements. If they are subject to them, the driver must maintain a valid medical examiner’s certificate on file with the Driver Licensing Program.
- Effective January 1, 2014, all existing CDL holders issued a CDL prior to July 1, 2011 will be required to self-certify as to whether or not they are subject to the physical requirements. If they are subject to them, the driver must submit a valid medical examiner’s certificate to the Driver Licensing Program and must maintain a valid medical examiner’s certificate from that point forward.
Interstate Non-Excepted
You must meet the Federal DOT medical certificate requirements.
Intrastate Non-Excepted
You are subject to state driver qualification requirements. You must meet the Federal DOT medical certificate requirements if you drive a school bus.
Submit Your CDL Self-Certification Affidavit and Medical Certificate to South Dakota Department of Public Safety
Submit the following two documents:
- Commercial Driver Licensee Medical Self-Certification Affidavit – download the form here from South Dakota Department of Public Safety.
- Copy of your valid DOT medical card. Enlarge the copy to ensure that all information is legible.
By Mail:
Driver Licensing
118 West Capitol Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501
By Fax:
605-773-3018
By Email:
DPSCDLMedCert@state.sd.us
Keep Your Medical Certificate Current With South Dakota Driver Licensing Program
CDL drivers are required to submit a copy of their medical examiner’s certificate to the Driver Licensing Program each time a medical examiner’s certificate is issued.
Drivers will be notified by mail 60 days prior to their medical examiner’s certificate expiration date. This will allow you ample time to submit a valid medical certificate. You must send a copy of your new medical examiner’s certificate (medical card, not the long form) to the South Dakota Driver Licensing Program before your current certificate expires.
Send the copy (enlarge the copy to ensure that all information is legible) by mail, fax, or email as described above.
If you do not send in a new medical examiner’s certificate prior to the expiration date of your medical examiner’s certificate, your CDL will be downgraded 60 days from the medical examiner’s certificate expiration date.
Other Information:
South Dakota DPS – Commercial Driver’s License Info
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 have a intrastate CDL in South Dakota. Can I haul propane or diesel fuel if I acquire a hazmat? And, do I need a physical card or will just the CDL and hazmat do ok? And of course this is a question for local instate hauling only. Thanks for a reply.
@ Brad
Because you are intra-state only, you fall under the states guidelines and variances. Best to check with your local drivers license department for clarification.
Does a South Dakota bus driver need a medical card?
@ Jeannie
Most states require a valid medical card. Each state is different, so check with your local drivers license department for the correct answer.
I need to get another DOT physical as my current one is about to expire. I called the clinic today to set up an appointment and was told that they are not doing them at this time due to the covid19 pandemic. Is there going to be an extension?
@ Tom
US congress has proposals in progress regarding possible extensions for medical cards, but have not put the extensions in place at this time. DOT officers may still be operating on the present rules which means that a medical card expires at midnight of the expiration date. We would all expect that extensions will be allowed, but not as of this time.
Update March 24: FMCSA has issued a Notice and a Waiver allowing a grace period for expired medical cards during the COVID-19 national emergency.