DOT Physical Doctors

Driver Friendly™ DOT Physical Locations

  • Home
  • Start Here
  • Driver Q&A
  • Blog
  • Doctors Only
  • Contact
  • Find a DOT Doctor
You are here: Home / Texas CDL and DOT Medical Card Requirements

Texas CDL and DOT Medical Card Requirements

Find Driver Friendly™ locations to get your medical card.
Click to find DOT physical locations in  TEXAS
Click to find DOT physical locations in OTHER STATES

Texas CDL Requirements

All Texas CDL holders are required to certify the type of commercial operation they’re engaged in.  CDL holders operating in non-excepted interstate and non-excepted intrastate are required to submit a current medical examiner’s certificate and any variance they may have to the Department.

Non-Excepted-Interstate Commerce (Form CDL-4)
You must meet the Federal DOT medical certificate requirements.

Non-Excepted-Intrastate Commerce (Form CDL-5 part B)
You must meet the Texas medical certificate requirements.

 

Submit Your Self-Certification Affidavit and Medical Certificate to Texas Department of Public Safety

Submit the following two documents:

  1. Texas Commercial Driver License Self-Certification Affidavit –  Form CDL-4 or Form CDL-5.
  2. Copy of your valid DOT medical card (not the long form) and any variance you may have.  Enlarge the copy to ensure that all information is legible.

By Mail:
Texas Department of Public Safety
License and Record Service
Attention: CDL Section
P.O. Box 4087
Austin, Texas 78773-0320

By Fax:
512-424-2002  Attn: CDL Section

By Email:
CDLMedCert@dps.texas.gov
Documents must be in PDF format

 

Keep Your Medical Card Current With Texas Department of Public Safety

Drivers are required to keep a current medical variance or medical examiners certificate on file with DPS, and failure to do so will result in the downgrade of the individual’s CDL.

You must provide a copy of each new DOT medical card to the Department prior to the expiration of the current DOT medical card.

To prevent your commercial driver license from being downgraded, you will need to send a copy of your new DOT medical certificate to the Department within 15 days of the DOT medical certificate issuance date.

You may submit your new medical certificate by mail, fax, or email, as described above.

You can review a driver’s current CDL medical certification status by accessing driver eligibility.

 

Other Information:

Texas DPS official website: Driver License

Texas CDL Medical Certification Requirement

Texas DPS/CVE – Locate a commercial vehicle office – address and phone number

 

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.

driver feedbackYour 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.
Go to the Questions and Comments box below and post your feedback.

! To save us all from zombie spammers, your feedback will not appear on this page until it has been approved. Visit this page again soon to see your comment, and others too.
P.S. Your email address will not be published.

NOTE: This website is not affiliated with, or endorsed by FMCSA or any government or state agency.

Comments

  1. Jason L. says

    March 15, 2023 at 5:52 pm

    When did this self submission for the state of Texas go into effect. Up until this year I could get my physical done and take the paperwork to my company and they did whatever was necessary and I never had to wait for an update on my MVR. I was dispatched immediately.

    This year I get a physical out of state, email pictures of the documents to my company as requested but told that I have to send in this self certification and honestly for a truck driver it’s pretty damned inconvenient. Documents must be in PDF format if you email them?! No one to call and discuss the issue with and now I’m just playing a waiting game with no pay as I have to wait for a response from the state on not only if they got my forms but if they were submitted properly. This is ridiculous! Make it easy for the driver so we can make a living!

    Reply
  2. Antonio says

    March 14, 2023 at 10:14 am

    Do I need a dot card if I do not have a cdl, driving intrastate with 26ft box truck moving general freight in Texas?

    And also do I need dot decals on a term lease box truck?

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      March 15, 2023 at 8:55 am

      @ Antonio
      Most states require a valid medical card for any vehicle that is being used for commerce, (making $). Best to confirm with your local DLD.

      Reply
  3. Robert B says

    March 7, 2023 at 7:29 am

    Do have to get a sleep study to keep my Heath card

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      March 8, 2023 at 9:50 am

      @ Robert B
      No, unless you present with a multitude of signs and symptoms of OSA. DOT/FMCSA never made a sleep study mandatory based on any ONE thing.

      Reply
  4. Sheila V says

    February 9, 2023 at 9:46 pm

    In the state of Texas, if your driver’s license is downgraded to a class c from my class a CDL due to failing to take your physical Will you be able to get the CDL back or do you have to go to school to get your CDL now?

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      February 10, 2023 at 8:37 am

      @ Sheila V
      Only Texas DLD can answer this question best for you.

      Reply
      • James A Mcm says

        February 16, 2023 at 2:55 pm

        Sheila I went through this same thing about a year ago with them. mine had downgraded to class c from an A. Many of the DLD office locations are uneducated to the new protocol but if you were a past licensed holder you do not need schooling again. I fought that very same question with many branch offices and Austin Texas had to call and straighten the branch offices out. All you have to do is go do your general knowledge over again pay your fees and then take your road exam and pay your fees. But be aware the old licensing that we used to go through some of the questions are different and for sure the pre-trip post trip is much more difficult. make sure you study.

        Reply
  5. ctx says

    February 3, 2023 at 2:44 pm

    I do not have cdl.. just doing hot shot loads .. where do i send my medical card after getting it done?

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      February 5, 2023 at 11:35 am

      @ ctx
      Check with your state DLD. Some states do not require any notification, but confirm this with your drivers license department.

      Reply
  6. Manuel S says

    January 24, 2023 at 5:51 pm

    Hello, I have a CDL in Texas and I recently renewed my medical card out of state. I’ve faxed over the new one to Texas DPS but they have not updated it on my status. If the one in file expires, do I lose my driving privileges until the new one is scanned in? Or Is there a grace period to turn it in while still having driving privileges and staying DOT-compliant? Thank!

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      January 25, 2023 at 9:07 am

      @ Manuel S
      This will be best answered by TX. drivers license department. Best if you can take a hard copy to the local DLD and make sure they got it in the system.

      Reply
  7. Chriss F says

    January 24, 2023 at 8:15 am

    Hello my question is both my CDL and med card expired but it only a few weeks past expiration on both. And in Texas there a two year grace on DL so can I go renew my med card even though my CDL is expired it just needs renewed

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      January 24, 2023 at 3:12 pm

      @ Chriss F
      For a class A, it will be difficult to get the medical certification examination without a valid cdl.

      Reply
  8. Gary D R says

    January 4, 2023 at 6:23 pm

    I am 70 years old and have CDL Interstate since CDL was introduced . I have a medical card . My question is I only drive about 100 miles a year helping farmer get crops from field to farm storage or local grain elevator, both less than 10 miles each way. Do I need to renew my med. card when I change my status to intrastate

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      January 5, 2023 at 9:53 am

      @ Gary D R
      This is a state license related question and will be best answered by your drivers license department (DLD).

      Reply
  9. Mark says

    December 1, 2022 at 1:28 pm

    How do you prove driving “regularly “ before Aug 1989 to be eligible for CDL-5 part A ?

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      December 2, 2022 at 2:30 pm

      @ Mark
      Your questions will be best answered by your local DLD.

      Reply
  10. Jeffrey J says

    November 30, 2022 at 10:21 am

    Is there a website where I can check to see if my medical card is valid.

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      December 2, 2022 at 3:01 pm

      @ Jeffrey J
      Check with your local drivers license department (DLD).

      Reply
  11. Patrick says

    November 14, 2022 at 10:21 am

    How much dose it cost to update you medical card.

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      November 14, 2022 at 4:06 pm

      @ Patrick
      Different facilities, different prices.

      Reply
  12. Rudy says

    November 8, 2022 at 9:34 am

    What are the penalties if you let your medical card expire? Is there a grace period to get it?

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      November 14, 2022 at 1:04 pm

      Every state is different, they’ll downgrade you typically in 30-45 days after you let it expire or if you don’t submit it within that time. To reinstate they’ll require you to go in, present the med cert, and pay the fee to renew your license (the fee varies by state). So there’s a grace period, but not much of one!!!

      Reply
  13. Joshua P says

    October 24, 2022 at 7:44 pm

    How do I get reinstated ? How much are the fees for the downgrade for no medical card renewal ?

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      October 25, 2022 at 7:31 am

      @ Joshua P
      Both of these questions will be best answered by your local drivers license department (DLD).

      Reply
  14. Carl says

    October 6, 2022 at 1:42 am

    Can I get my medical card in any city or does it have to be in the same city that I’ll be getting my cdl?

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      October 6, 2022 at 3:06 pm

      @ Carl
      You can get your physical done by any CME in any state/city, as longs they are on the national registry.

      Reply
  15. Carey says

    September 27, 2022 at 6:39 pm

    I’m not finding a definitive answer on this. Is Texas offering a grace period on turning in the medical card for CDL?

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      September 28, 2022 at 6:17 am

      @ Carey
      The fed extended the grace period to mid October, but you will need to confirm with your states DLD in Texas.

      Reply
    • Anonymous says

      November 1, 2022 at 4:37 pm

      Is there a way to get an extension since you cannot obtain the med cert on time

      Reply
      • Trucker Docs™ says

        November 2, 2022 at 7:42 pm

        @ Anonymous
        Most states have a small grace period, but do not count on them. Get your medical done ASAP and get it registered with your states DLD.

        Reply
  16. Charles S says

    September 6, 2022 at 4:45 pm

    I retired 9 months ago and I just got my medical certification renewal notice.My question is can I keep my CDL without the certification and then get one if I decide to drive again?

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      September 7, 2022 at 6:42 am

      @ Charles S
      Most states require a valid medical card to keep your cdl active. Best to confirm with your local DLD.

      Reply
  17. Michael D P says

    September 2, 2022 at 6:23 pm

    Texas med certificate expiring because of medical health issues/surgery recovery time.Is there a grace period in Texas to get the medical certificate to them after expiration.

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      September 3, 2022 at 6:32 am

      @ Michael D P
      Not sure if Texas is following DOT/FMCSA. FMCSA has extended the grace period to the middle of October. Check with your local DLD.

      Reply
  18. Daniel M says

    August 16, 2022 at 7:18 pm

    Tried to renew my CDL online and mistakenly renewed to Class C .Now they tell me I have to retest written and road for a CDL after having a CDL for over 30 years.Is there anyway I can get around this because no one at DPS wants to help.

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      August 17, 2022 at 7:13 am

      @ Daniel M
      This is a state related issue and will have to be resolved at the state level. See if you can get an appointment with a supervisor, they should be able to help or at least guide you from here.

      Reply
    • Terence says

      September 6, 2022 at 6:59 pm

      I swear I just had this happen today what is going on

      Reply
« Older Comments

Comments and Questions Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

find DOT physical location

DOT Physical Without Hassles

Guidebook cover - 30

What you need to know about getting your Medical Card.
Get the GUIDEBOOK here

Driver Q&A Categories

BP and Hypertension
Breathing
Cardiovascular
Extremities and Trunk
FMCSA Regulations
Hearing
Medications
Neurologic and Mental
Sleep Disorders
Vision
Other Questions

Blog Categories

  • Ask Trucker Docs (1)
  • DOT Medical Card (5)
  • DOT Medical Requirements (10)
  • FMCSA Regulations (11)
  • Medical Conditions (7)
  • Sleep Apnea (6)
  • Trucker Stories (1)
  • Uncategorized (2)

DOT Physical DOCTORS by State

   

Alabama     Alaska     Arizona     Arkansas     California     Colorado     Connecticut     Delaware     Florida     Georgia     Hawaii     Idaho     Illinois     Indiana     Iowa     Kansas     Kentucky     Louisiana     Maine     Maryland     Massachusetts    Michigan     Minnesota     Mississippi     Missouri     Montana    Nebraska     Nevada     New Hampshire     New Jersey     New Mexico     New York     North Carolina     North Dakota    Ohio     Oklahoma     Oregon     Pennsylvania     Rhode Island     South Carolina     South Dakota     Tennessee     Texas     Utah     Vermont     Virginia    Washington     West Virginia     Wisconsin     Wyoming

(click on State name)

Search DOTPhysicalDOCTOR.com

The information provided on this website should not serve as a substitute for professional medical care. Please see a qualified medical provider if you have any concerns about your state of health.

Privacy Policy, Terms and Conditions

About | Contact | Sitemap

DOCTORS ONLY

CME Marketing

CME Premier Plan

MEMBER Login

MEMBER Resources / Cancel

Copyright ©2010-2023 Emiton LLC All Rights Reserved.
Unauthorized duplication or publication of any materials from this site is expressly prohibited.