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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! —
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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.
I fell at work and could not do my dot medical exam. My card will expire in a few days. Can I get an extension for my medical exam until I am released by the doctor to return to work?
@ Char
There is no such thing as an extension on medical cards. The states are pretty lenient giving your particular circumstances. Once released to return to work, go get your medical certification and take a copy to the state DLD ASAP.
Do you have to use your company Dr for you Medical card or can you choose who you want to see.
@ Kim
In reality, you should be able to choose who you want to do your DOT/FMCSA physical, as long as they are on the national registry. AND some companies have arrangements with certain facilities and demand you use their examiner. Your choice.
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!
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?
@ 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.