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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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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.