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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
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! —
Please leave your feedback about your experience in this State.
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I have had my cal license since 1992. My job and the practice stated that they sent in my renewal I’d my CME card. I renewed my license on line 2 weeks before my bday. My license was downgraded and I didn’t find out until they sent my renewal in the mail. However my DOT card does not expire for 8 months. Do I have to retake all my test over again ir please advise what other options I have.
@ Derrick
Most likely you just need to present your valid medical card to the drivers license department. But, confirm this with your local DLD. It is unlikely you will need to redo all the testing.
Where do I take my paper work to my physical ..to renew my cdl license
@ Brandon k
Check with your local drivers license department. In most cases all you need is a copy of your new medical card.
Is there any kind of grace period for dot physical’s in Texas
@ Randy
You will need to check with TX. DLD for the correct answer to your question.
Hello .. I sent my medical card in by email, got a confirmation email stating that they got it . Today I received a letter stating that my Cdl had been downgraded because they haven’t gotten it . I have all the emails and the medical card that is current and up to date. Also if they weren’t able to update I never received an email stating that they didn’t update it. What do I do? This Cdl is how I provide, I did everything right .. I need help
@ Ernest D
Since your cdl is a state issued license, you will need to go to the drivers license department, with copies of your supporting documentation, to clear up this issue.
Is there any way I can keep my CDL without using it and without losing it without having to get my medical card every year?
@ Bridget
Since your cdl is a state issued license, you will need to check with your local drivers license department for the best answer.
Can you keep cdl A without a physical if your not using it for work!?
@ Richard A B
Not that we are aware of. But, your cdl is state issued, it would be confirmed with your local drivers license department.
Medical card was dropped to 1yr because of high blood pressure. If it is shown that blood pressure is user control can it be upgraded back to 2yrs
@ Kelly
DOT/FMCSA ask the question “a history of high blood pressure” that most CME’s will hold you to one year medical card. Mostly so they can continue to monitor your condition and make sure you are maintaining.
We have employees that operate pickup trucks (1500/2500) that from time to time pull flatbed trailers with a GVWR of less than 10,000 lbs. They will haul their tools or tool boxes on them and the ocassional small generator or like equipment. Are these employees required to have a CDL and/or do they need a medical card for this?
@ Chris
They are not required to have a cdl. But your state may require a valid medical card since they are using their vehicles for commerce/making money. It is not about the weight, but about usage. Confirm with your local drivers license department for the most concrete answer.
Hello,
I noticed that the National Registry Certified Medical Examiners page is no longer available. Has it been moved somewhere else or is it no longer available at all?
@ Daisy
It is still available, but you have to look for it on the FMCSA website.
Are the steps different? If I’m in the right spot, It only lets you search a 50 mile radius
@ Monique K
We will forward you to one of our ‘Driver Friendly’ doctors and he will help you out. Please be respectful of his time. Thanks
I am moving to Texas and Just had my DOT physical in Iowa. Will that physical be enough for Texas or do I have to have another physical?
@ Paul L
The medical certification is federal and nation wide, so it will be good in Texas.