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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’ve been reading most of the comments in this thread and am at a loss for words. My problem was just the opposite from most of the individuals that posted. I had an injury October 2012 and had have surgery December 2012. Due to the injury and the surgery I was unable to return to work at driving a School Bus. I was turned down for any other positions, they needed drivers in Texas. Well, it was clear to me that I would have to resign and in August 2013 I did so. I did not have a renewed Medical Certification that year nor the new two years. I received a ticket the end of July 2015 and guess what? My CDL was still active, no downgrade as informed. I knew about the extensions but I just thought by June 2015 I would be receiving my new downgraded license as that stated. I have tried everything and everybody to get it back dated so that I can go to Defensive Driving School, no such luck.
I had a couple friends that are still doing Transportation driving and the downgrade problem happened to them too. So, as I feel for you guys because you have had to pay in some way. I have had to pay in a big way and will still be paying when the insurance company gets the info. I tried to fight it but the city of Helotes just didn’t give a care. I wonder how long I would have been overlooked, if I hadn’t got the ticket.
My med.card is up for renewal ..how can I send my new card to dps if I’m never able to make it before 5 ….does the email process work, and what other documents or info. Do I need to provide dps when sending the email?
Email does work, you get an automated reply stating that they have received (not processed, just received) your paperwork. Fax works as well. In any case, be sure you get proof that you sent it whether by email or a fax receipt so if your state screws up and downgrades your license you should be able to get it reinstated for free. The forms required may vary by state. Generally you only need your medical card which contains the Registry Number of all certified medical examiner and whatever form your state requires. Hope that helps.
I am currently residing in Germany because of Military Orders and I don’t want to loose my Class A CDL, however my Medical certificate expires on Sept. 5, 2015 and already got the mail from Texas DPS that my license will be downgraded if I can not update my Medical Certificate. The problem is there is no DOT Physical Doctors in Germany. How can I retain my class A in my situation? Can I self certify to a category that does not require a medical certificate and then go back to a category (1) again when I go back to Texas in 2016.
@Norman
I believe, and you want to confirm this, that there is military service related exemption.
So you keep your cdl in your state as long as the state knows that you are overseas and in the military.
But check with your state drivers license department.
I am thinking of getting my CDL but I have only one good eye with corrective glasses the best I can do is 20/50 I have a drivers license for day time only is there any such thing like that for a CDL?
@Mo
Check with your local drivers license department and see what the requirements are as an intra-state only commercial driver. That will be your only option unless you apply for a vision waiver through the FMCSA, which is a long drawn out process. So check intra-state only with your state.
I have been a insulin dependent diabetic for 10 years and im very stable. I want to obtain a cdl A license . Is there a waiver or something?
@Robert
Check with the FMCSA or the DOT to find out what the process is to attain the paperwork for a diabetes waiver.
Here is the link for the FMCSA diabetes exemption application
If your renewed health card is issued on the same day the old one expires you have 15 days to get the new card to them? Is that correct?
@Carl
Every state treats this process differently. If your card has expired you may receive a letter stating the grace period, if any.
If you’ve submitted your new card and you haven’t received a letter, you are probably good to go.
I am a Via Metro Bus Operator. I renewed my license at the beginning of 2013. It could not be renewed without filling out this form. Saturday I received a notice that said my license was being downgraded because I hadn’t turned it in. Obviously a mistake, but does anyone know how long it takes to get this straightened out. How long should I expect to not be able to drive thereby not get paid. This will have a terrible impact on my ability to pay my bills. 🙁
@ R H
Take your stuff in hand and walk it into your local driver license office and get it taken care of. That’s all it takes.
This happens very regularly. The state of TX is making this mistake with a very high percentage of drivers. It is so bad that I have created a FB page. Please check it out..
https://www.facebook.com/pages/TX-CDL-drivers-and-the-Medical-Card-issue/100542150293164
I was in an auto accident , my medical certificate expires 5/15 15,I cannot make the deadline to get recertified,what do I need to do to keep my cdl, from being downgraded what forms would I need to fill out in texas ?