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Virginia CDL Requirements
Federal regulations require all Virginia CDL holders to certify the type of commercial operation they’re engaged in.
You have until January 30, 2014 to provide DMV with your Commercial Driver’s License Self Certification form and if applicable, any medical documentation.
Existing CDL and CDL instruction permit holders will be notified by mail of the new CDL certification and medical requirements. Included in the letter is a FAQ sheet and a CDL Self Certification form.
Interstate Non-Excepted
You must meet the Federal DOT medical certificate requirements.
Intrastate Non-Excepted
You must meet the Federal DOT medical certificate requirements or have a state-approved Medical Waiver.
Submit Your Self-Certification and Medical Certificate to Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
Submit the following two documents:
- COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S LICENSE (CDL) SELF-CERTIFICATION – download the form (DL 8) here from Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.
- Copy of your valid DOT MEDICAL CARD or your state-approved medical variance/waiver letter. Enlarge the copy to ensure that all information is legible.
By Mail:
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
Driver Support
PO Box 27412
Richmond, VA 23269-0001
By Fax:
804-367-6692
Online:
Submit online at https://transfer.dmv.virginia.gov
Uploaded documents must be in a .pdf, .jpeg, .doc or .doc* format.
Instructions on how to submit online can be found here.
In Person:
Visit any Customer Service Center.
Keep Your Medical Certificate Current With Virginia DMV
Before your medical card expires you must have a new medical examination and obtain a new medical certificate. You are responsible for providing your valid medical certificate to Virginia DMV.
If you do not keep your medical card up to date with Virginia DMV you status will be changed to “not-certified”, your CDL will be canceled and your driver license will be downgraded.
You may submit your new medical certificate by mail, fax, or online, as described above.
Other Information:
Virginia CDL Self Certification Frequently Asked Questions
Special Information Updates Pertaining To ALL STATES
MEDICAL EXAMINERS MUST CONTINUE TO ISSUE MEDICAL CERTIFICATES TO ALL DRIVERS
The FMCSA has requested that all medical examiners continue providing drivers with a paper copy of the Medical Examiner’s Certificate – Form MCSA-5876, so that Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) holders can provide a copy to the State licensing agency, and the non-CDL drivers can provide the documentation to their employers and Federal and State enforcement officials.
The Agency is currently completing efforts to put into place an electronic system to enable medical examiners to transmit the medical certificate information from the National Registry system to the State licensing agencies.
Until that system is completed, which compliance date according FMCSA is June 23, 2025, medical examiners must continue to issue paper copies of the medical certificates to drivers who pass the medical exam.
ALL DRIVERS MUST CONTINUE TO CARRY A PAPER COPY OF THEIR MEDICAL CERTIFICATE
Commercial Drivers – You still need to carry a paper copy of your medical card, until FMCSA announces that this is no longer necessary.
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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Can I change my VA class A status to intrastate accepted and keep my CDL without having a medical card?
@ Thomas
That will be up to your states drivers license department (DLD). Best to check with them for the best answer.
What information needs to be on the letter or note from my doctor to notify of an exemption for treatment with a controlled substance? I can’t find this information or a form anywhere and my psychiatrist is unsure what to give me. Or will simply showing a current prescription bottle suffice?
@ Trash Man
All depends on the class cdl you hold.
Hello, so I was driving and found out my CDL was downgraded some how…DMV says its no records from 2019-2021 but have them for the years before and the years after…what’s my best options on getting my CLASS A CDL back? Thanks for the help:)
@ Delonta P
Takes copies of your valid medical cards down to your local DLD and then follow their process for re-instatement.
can i get extension on medical card if i just had back surgery
@ Kevin L S
There’s no extension for a medical card. Your state may have a process for you regarding your out of date medical card due to injury/health related issues.
If I do not hold a CDL does my med card need to be documented in the state of VA? It is showing as expired, but I have a current med card.
@ Pamela
Not all states require proof of medical cards for non cdl holder, and some do. Best to get a copy to your state and have it updated to their records.
If your CDL License doesn’t expire for 2 years, and you don’t take a physical for 6 months. Can you go take your physical exam and keep your CDL.
@ Thomas J
You will need to confirm with your local drivers license department.
I obtained my Class A CDL 2 years ago but haven’t been using it and I have no plans of using it in the near future . Can I apply for an Excepted Interstate license to avoid losing my CDL and not having to keep my medical card updated?
@ MJC
You will need to check with your local drivers license department for your best answer in this situation.
What did you figure out on that
Can a 16 year old hold a DOT physical and legally drive a vehicle 10000 lbs or more but under 26000 lbs?
@ Marcus C
This question will be best answered by your local drivers license department. Most states will not require a cdl, but a valid medical card. But confirm this with your DLD.
I am in workers comp and have a back injury my medical card expires in a day i know if i don’t show it my license will be downgraded but how would i get my cdl portion back once cleared for work?
@ Mannyl
Since your cdl is a state issued document, you will need to check with your local drivers license department. Given your situation, the state may not downgrade for quite some time. Maybe, all you would need to do is provide a valid medical card as soon as you are released to return to work. Check in to it at your DLD.
If my DOT physical expires before I get a new one how long do I have to complete the physical requirements
@ Beverly
Many states are allowing short grace periods before downgrading your cdl. With the war on Covid, even the fed has been more lenient. But why chance it? Go get a new medical asap and get it into your state. The CME should be putting his portion into the federal data base each day.
If I have two weeks before my physical card expires, and I fail my new physical, can I drive for the last two weeks on my old physical card.
@ Clarence
Class A examination findings are input daily following the examination. You might get away with driving and you might not.
Can you update your physical 3 days before it expires or do you need to do it sooner
@ Garrett
Mostly make sure you have time for the information to get into the system. Government bodies are not the most effective or efficient.
If my medical card expires how long do I have in Virginia before my license is downgraded
@ David
CDL’s are state issued and each state is different. Check with your local drivers license department for the best answer.
Does anyone know do I have to have my DOT physical to apply for a learner’s permit for CDL Class B or can I take the test and pass and then go get the DOT physical.
@ Delontae B
This question would be best answered by your local drivers license department.
How do I find out if my Physical has been registered
@ Timothy P
You will have to confirm with your local drivers license department. Most states require that you register your physical with the state.
Does a driver need a DOT Medical Card if operating a non-CDL box truck commercially?
@ Dave
Each state is different on their requirements for medical cards. Best to check and confirm with your local drivers license department. Most states require the medical card. Make sure you inform the medical examiner that you are not a class A CDL holder. You will fall under the states guidelines and variances, not DOT/FMCSA.
How can I get a dot medical card where do I have to go or do
@ Baron R
Click on Virginia DOT physical doctors and look for an examiner in your area.
If you have already taken your DOT physical and have your card . Where do you send your DOT card too. Because all the DMV request you must make an appointment.
Reply
@ Karen L
With the covid restrictions everything is different. Check with your local drivers license department and see if they have a way to fax, e-mail, or send by snail mail.
If your dot medical card expires how long do you have to get a new one before they cancel your cdl.
@ CI
Each state is different. Some states invalidate your cdl at midnight of the expiration date on the medical card. Others may have a narrow window to update the medical card before downgrading your cdl. Best bet is to get a new medical card asap and get a confirmed copy to the state the same day.
Update March 24: FMCSA has issued a Notice and a Waiver allowing a grace period for expired medical cards during the COVID-19 national emergency.
I forgot to turn my new va cdl medical card in when DMV requested it they never expired just forgot to turn it in what will happen will I have to take all the test over
@ Tim
Most likely, all you need to do is get a copy to VA DMV.
Had a fall which resulted in a crushed skull and small brain bleed made a full recovery no memory loss or seizures how long can it be before I hold a medical card my current one is good for 8 more months
@ Derrick
Your medical card is invalid as of the date of the accident. You will need a medical release form from your doctors. Depending on the extent of the brain injuries, you may have a waiting period. Your examining doctor will be able to guide you through the process.
Is a non CDL driver required to take a drug test for a DOT physical if your company doesn’t require it?
@ Otis
No drug testing during a DOT examination, just pee in a cup for blood, protein and sugar.
MEDICAL CARD EXPIRED 06/20/17 WHEN DOES CDL STATUS GET DOWN GRADED AND FOR HOW LONG ALSO WHAT MUST BE DONE TO REGAIN STATUS.
@William
You’ll need to check directly with your local drivers license department. Each state treats this process differently.
My medical card expired in Virginia how long do I have before they downgrade my CDL
i need to know too.. same here in Virginia…
Can a doctor revoke your dot car due to default..meaning my card don’t expire til April 2022…so I came in thinking it was this year…so he did the physical then said I need to do a sleep test cause of my neck being 18 inches…so he revoke my card for the whole ..year now I have til July to do this ..test..is that legal
@ Erwin B R
The DOT/FMCSA has no requirements for a sleep study testing unless the driver presents with a multitude of signs and symptoms. Go elsewhere for a new examination/second opinion. The doctor should have looked at your present medical card and informed you of your mistake on the date.
My CDL’S renewal is 9/8/17.
I am on the road. what is the time limit on that date for the renewal ?
@Vanessa
Check with your state DLD.
I have a box truck with 16′ box F450 and I use it for flea markets and such. Why do I need a medical card in Maryland? I keep getting tickets for not having one. Seems that it would be more for commercial drivers
I just moved from Florida to Virginia, I have a CDL, to get it transfered to VA do I need to get a DOT physical card first, or will they use my FL DOT physical card to transfer?
@ Icey
Your medical certificate is good in all 50 states, no need to shift until new card is required by the Fed.
I have a question ,what kind of hair drug test do most companies use these days?Is it just a 5 panel or what because I’m suppose to go to a company orentation soon and they do urine and hair for pre employment just wondering what’s the normal test.Any feedback would be greatly appriciated.
@ c.a.
Most companies use the basic 5 panel.
Do you have to have tour doc send a list of your meds or can you right them yourself and bring them in they said they cant go by what i said va cdl
@ Derek
You can bring in your list. If the CME has questions about what you are taking, then they will ask for a doctors release form from you prescribing physician. Or you could take that release form with you when you go for your medical certificate. That way you save time and frustration.
I am cdl class a driver in va If my dot card expires 1-31-16 and i am going to doctor on monday feb 1st is my cdl part of license suspended and will i be required to pay reinstatement fee to dmv
How long after you renew your physical card do you have to get it put on your lid ensue-Va.
@CBJones
You should update your medical card with DLD right away. At least before your old medical card expires.
I want to know how come someone that’s already been diagnosed with sleep apnea if they are not in compliance then they can’t renew their medical card but someone that is just diagnosed and still not in compliance can get their medical card it does not make any sense to me I can’t even get a temporary card to bring my stuff up so how my supposed to keep working especially when the last time I got my medical card I didn’t need any of this and now I do I would love to know why
@William
It appears that you are working with an CME who does not understand what you need to do so that he can do what he needs to do. You should be given a temporary card, so you can provide the needed information. And someone who has just been diagnosed with sleep apnea is supposed to go through a waiting period to show compliance. Somebody does not understand how this is supposed to work.
See this article on Sleep Apnea and Your CDL for more information on compliance and certification.
When I go to renew my health card at my Cdl physical will I be given a drug test. I am not working for any company or driving at all right now but want to keep my Cdl current. Please respond. Thank you. Have to have a updated medical card to DMV by April 2nd
@Josh
There is no drug testing during the DOT physical. The urine test done during the examination is to determine proper kidney function.
Drug testing is done separately from a DOT physical, and is an employer responsibility to get done.
I have Commercial Vehicle Drivers in VA, NC and SC. None of which are required to have a CDL meaning, all of our trucks are over 10,000lbs but below 26,001lbs. I understand our drivers involved in interstate travel (crossing state lines) need a Medical Examiners Certificate. What about our drivers who stay within their respective states (VA, NC, SC)?
Did you ever get an answer to your questions? I have the same question.
I have a class A cdl, my medical card ran out in may 2014. How long do I have to get another one, to be reinstated?
Every state is different.
You’ll need to ask VA DMV directly to find out your current status and what you need to do next.
Was just advised by a driver of this. Todays date is the 30th! And we have had a slight storm and the roads are not safe. What the heck needs to be done, I am not actively driving but would like to keep my cdl.