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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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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.