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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:
- Texas Commercial Driver License Self-Certification Affidavit – Form CDL-4 or Form CDL-5.
- 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.
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…
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What blood pressure have they made it harder to pass and get the medical card have they chand the CPAP instead of 90 days now they want all year
@ Eric R
140/90, has not changed in years. CPAP for 90 days, not a year.
Do I still need to carry a physical copy of my medical card while driving a tractor trailer?
@ Noble
Yes
If I’m renewing or updating my med card, do I need to send in a Texas Commercial Drivers License Application Interstate Driver Certification that has been notarized?
@ Andre R C
Confirm that thought with your local drivers license department (DLD).
When does the new rule go into effect that the clinics/doctor’s must submit the medical card to the respective states? it was supposed to have been in effect this year, but i know it was pushed back
@ Sharon w
Last we heard was 2024 or 2025. It was supposed to have happened years ago and we are all still waiting.
Does tx have a grace period from the time your medical card expires
@ Joe
Not that we are aware of, but confirm with TX DLD.
if my medical card is put on hold do i need to inform the dmv. or is that something that Nova or Concentra takes care of, and lets say you are renewing it.
@ Dee
Who put the medical card on hold? If the medical examiner has ask for additional information before moving forward on a renewal, then it is up to you to provide the needed information. Otherwise we know of no process that holds a medical card.
I just redid my yearly DOT physical and passed, went to turn in my certification at my job and they are refusing it and saying I have to go to their doctor. Can they do this ? I’m on the state of Texas. Yes, the physician I used is allowed to do DOT physicals.
@ Sam C
If your medical examiner is on the national registry, then your medical card is valid. Company policy is another issue. It should be in writing in the HR department. If not, then you may want to consult legal council.
Does the CDL-4 form require notarization?
@ Chris
Looking at the cdl-4 form for Texas, it needs to be notarized.
My friend is 90 years old and he drives a small dump truck six days a week, he was refused a medical card because of his age,is that legal? What can he do?
@ LDw
There is not an age limit for drivers, according to the DOT/FMCSA. So what other reasons could he have failed the DOT medical cert examination? If all else was within normal limits, then go elsewhere for a second opinion.
My medical card expertise August 26,2023 I just got a bipap machine today august 17,2023 I do not want too lose my license will they give me a temporary medical card that way I can keep my cdl?
@ Oscar
You could explain your situation to the CME and he may work with you, but no promises.
If you get new dot card one day after expiration of old one and email it to Texas does anyone know how long it takes them to update the certification
@ Robert H L
Some states are taking up to 45 days to update the medical cards. Just keep a copy, either on your phone or a physical copy, and you should be fine while TX updates.
Mi medical car expire in October 04 2023.
Can I go get on August any day or is to early
@ Jose
You can go whenever you like. A little early is best, just be aware that the new medical over-rides the present medical cards date. So new card starts on the date of examination.
Must your Medical Card reflect the current state your CDL is from? I obtained a medical card in texas with a Colorado license and now I have a Texas CDL. The medical card shows the Colorado License number still. Am I still valid?
@ David
It is always best if the two documents match. You are probably still valid, but if it is at all possible get it changed. The less a DOT officer can ask the better.
How long do I have to update my DOT with the Department after it expires?
@ Donna
That depends your state. Check with your local DLD for the best answer.
In Texas?
https://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=R&app=9&p_dir=&p_rloc=&p_tloc=&p_ploc=&pg=1&p_tac=&ti=37&pt=1&ch=16&rl=23 that is the texas statue.
If my license Texas CDL got downgrade cause medical card. Can I update it in another state since am over the road ?
I have my medical card with me
@ Raul A
Medical cards done by a CME on the national registry is accepted by all states at all times.
No you have to return to Texas and show in person your updated medical certificate. If you you wait too long you will have to retake your CDL written and possibly drivers test.
@ DC
According to Texas: ‘Medical certification can be sent to: CDLMedcert@dps.texas.gov inbox or fax to 512-424-2002′.
You are correct: Too long before getting the certification in will cause you to lose the cdl and a need to retest.
one time that i sent by fax the medical card,Do they send me a new CDL renewed?
@ Maria
State related question, ask your DLD.
If my dot med card is expire and I get a new one before my 30 period.
Can I send it by email or fax?
@ Claudio
Since it is the state that you want to send it to, better to ask the state DLD for the correct answer
I have a cdl had it since the 80’s I do not drive commercially right now my wife had two strokes I stay home and care for her.my wuestion can I freeze my cdl so can let physical expire until I start driving again?
@ Richard d
That question will have to answered by your states drivers license department,
I work in Texas at a school district and I’m going for my second time to try to pass my medical physical and my blood sugar is high. Can I lose my job at this time
@ Rene
That will be up to your employer.
I work in Texas at a school district and I’m going for my second time to try to pass my medical physical and my blood sugar is high. Can I lose my job at this time he gave me 90 days and my C A-1 is high so I’m not gonna pass it would I get downgraded?
@ Rene
That would be up to the local DLD, if you can not maintain a valid medical card.
Yes, you could lose your job. Fast before going to take medical exam. Try different medical clinics until you pass. Then work to reduce your A1 C levels. Change your diet. Reduce sugars and carbs for minimum of 3 months. Then have your A1 C checked again.