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Washington CDL Requirements
All CDL holders must self-certify in person between January 30, 2012 and January 30, 2014.
If you don’t self-certify before the deadline, Washington SDL will change your CDL record to show “not certified,” and you won’t legally be allowed to operate a commercial vehicle. You can return your status to normal by submitting a self-certification form and, if required, a copy of your medical certificate.
You must visit a driver licensing office to self-certify. Mailed in forms are not accepted.
The category you self-certify will determine whether you have to keep a medical certificate on file with Washington SDL, or not.
See WA State Licensing Official Site
Interstate Non-Excepted
You must meet the Federal DOT medical certificate requirements. You must keep a current copy of your medical certificate on file with WA SDL.
Intrastate Excepted
You must meet the Federal DOT medical certificate requirements. You do not have to keep your medical certificate on file with WA SDL but you must carry it with you when operating a CMV.
Intrastate
You must meet the Federal DOT medical certificate requirements. You do not have to keep your medical certificate on file with WA SDL but you must carry it with you when operating a CMV.
Per RCW 46.25.055 CDL drivers must carry Medical Examiners Card in Washington.
How to Self-Certify and File your Medical Certificate
- You must submit a completed self-certification form in person at a driver licensing office. Mailed in forms are not accepted.
- Non-excepted interstate drivers must also submit a valid medical examiner’s certificate with the self-certification form.
Keep Your Medical Certificate Current With Washington Department of Licensing
The first time you self-certify as a non-excepted interstate driver, you must submit your medical certificate in person.
After that, you may mail, or fax, or email your new medical certificate before the old one expires.
By Mail:
CDL Medical Program
Department of Licensing
PO Box 9030
Olympia, WA 98507-9030
By Fax:
360-570-4915
By Email: (please do not email questions to this email)
CDLMed@DOL.WA.GOV
Other Information:
Washington State Department of Licensing – Commercial Driver License (official website)
Self-Certification and Medical Certificate FAQ
Intrastate Medical Waiver:
Intrastate Medical Waivers
Contact: CDL Program DOL Tiffany Cooper 360-902-3819
Questions:
If you have questions about your medical certificate or self-certification, you may call WA SDL at 360.902.3900 or email drivers@dol.wa.gov
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…
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There are different levels of CDL driving conditions, mine is. I drive a work truck that qualifies CDL class B. I drive for 20 to 30 minutes, stop get out of truck and do my work, I repeat this over and over each and every day.
I recently did my CDL physical, had to do a sleep study, now have to use a machine that gives me less sleep than not using it.
I feel that there needs to be different classes of CDL physicals for different classes of driving conditions.
Just needed to put this out there..!!!!!!
@Brad
The CME should be taking all drivers into consideration with regards to the type of driving that they do. That being said, some CMEs seem to have forgotten what they’re required to do. You are correct and some CMEs need to be refreshed on what their requirements are.
If I have diagnosed sleep apnea and use an APAP machine, can I still maintain my CDL in the state of Washington? My friend is concerned he will lose his because of his SA aND neck size.
@Joe
Just have a medical release form filled out by your doctor and a copy of your compliance report off of your machine and you should be fine.
If I’m a smoker (tobacco) do I need to have a sleep test done to get a none cdl dot card in Washington.
@Jack
No, you do not need a sleep test because you are a smoker.
There may be other tests needed if you have difficulty breathing because you have been a smoker, but that will be determined at the tine of the medical examination.
very very frustrated, i have had my CDL suspended for over two weeks now, i keep sending in the paperwork and i keep getting a letter telling me its incorrect, very little direction on whats wrong. This is pathetic, i called the number on the DOL paperwork and they explained what was incorrect, i said can i expedite this in anyway, she said i’m sorry i can’t see it, its at a different location you will know in 7-10 business days. What do i do in the mean time, collect government aid??? So much of a racket, it’s all on the national website placed there by a doctor, why this second step, another step for mistakes to happen.
my husbands medical card just expired and we had misplaced the renewal notice until yesterday (it expired yesterday morning) and we are very concerned that he will lose the CDL. If he gets the physical asap will it be reinstated? the CDL is current. thank you
@Laura
Shouldn’t be a problem in a short window of time. Each state has a different process / time limit.
Just get a new medical card and then get a copy to your local drivers license department asap.
I don’t use my Washington state interstate cdl class B, but I keep it anyways, just in case I need it one day.
I need to go in and renew my license and cdl.
Do I need to have a medical card to do so?
@Rick
Intrastate: You must meet the Federal DOT medical certificate requirements. You do not have to keep your medical certificate on file with WA SDL but you must carry it with you when operating a CMV.
Check with your local drivers license department if they want a current medical card in order to renew your CDL.
You have the wrong fax for submitting CDL Medical. Keep Your Medical Certificate Current With Washington Department of Licensing
The first time you self-certify as a non-excepted interstate driver, you must submit your medical certificate in person.
After that, you may mail, or fax your new medical certificate before the old one expires.
By Mail:
CDL Medical Program
Department of Licensing
PO Box 9030
Olympia, WA 98507-9030
By Fax:
360-570-7893
Fax number should be 360-570-4915 and they can also email forms no questions to CDLMed@DOL.WA.GOV
Also Per RCW 46.25.055 must carry Med Examiners Card in Washington For Self Certification/Medical Certificates visit http://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/cdlmedicalcertificates.html
For an Intrastate Medical Waiver visit http://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/cdlmedicalwaivers.html
Contact me at 360-902-3819 CDL Program DOL Tiffany Cooper
@Tiffany
Thank you for taking the time and helping to keep our information updated.
It’s tough to keep up with changing info in 50 states, so we are grateful for everyone’s help.
We’ll correct the info above.
Hi I was diagnosed with a mild case of sleep apnea back in 2012 while I was in the army and my reccomendations were non invasive sleep techniques and given a old cpap machine no chip as a percaution …My AHI level is 8.9 and I read that moderate to severe cpap is required not mild…. Now I was given a 3 month medical card and to purchase a New machine…but before I spend 1200 bucks I wanted your opinion….oh and my blood work came back perfect with a blood pressure of 117 over 73…thank you
@Kevin
Most drivers that have sleep apnea will not leave home with out a unit. So my question would be, can and do you sleep normally without the unit? If you do not suffer from a multitude of other issues associated with sleep apnea, then you probably do not need a new unit. If you can’t sleep well without the unit, then it’s time to upgrade. And if you are service related, you might check with the VA along the way.
My husband who is 56 was diagnosed with Parkinson’s a year ago, and now needs to take his CDL Medical exam this Spring. He works for the WADOT. He is very nervous about if the doctor will fail him because of Parkinson’s. It doesn’t affect his driving….you can’t tell…he’s in the beginning stages of it…..he is on medication for it. He also, wears a CPAP, and is in compliance with the WADOT rules.
I’ve been on-line, looking for information about CDL liscence and Parkinson’s. I am making a notebook with all the doctors info…trying to help my husband out, so he won’t be nervous about this. He has worked for the DOT for 35 years. Can he get disability if he can’t pass his test?
A guy that I work with has the same problem, he failed the test where our company sends us, went to a different doctor and passed, it is still up in the air. He has another hoop to jump through. We’ll see.
I’m a type 2 diabetic and my med card expires tonight at midnight. I went yesterday and took the physical an they failed me saying that my blood sugar levels were supposed to be under 100. My question is what are the blood sugar levels for the state of Washington to pass the physical ?
@Robert
Why is anyone testing your blood sugar levels? If your condition is under control, with or without medications, and you do not pass sugar into your urine, then you should have passed.
There are a few new medications on the market that would cause you to have sugar in your urine and those new meds would require a recent A1c, but there is no requirements for any CME to be doing blood sugar levels, unless you do not have your diabetes under control. You might try a second opinion else where.
What i would know is why when you get a physical they turn away from you and wisper and then ask what did i say when you are in a big rig there is no one in there wispering to you so why does the dot requere them to do this test.
@Terry
It’s true that no one is going to be sitting in your truck whispering to you, but the FMCSA wants to make sure that you hear well enough to hear a siren or other emergency vehicle coming up from behind you, or any other issue around you. It’s a safety issue not a judgement call.
If I’ve had open heart surgery, am I required to do a Stress test before I can renew my CDL/DOT Medical Card?
What is required for the Medical Variance/Waiver?
@Don
Stress test need to be completed every two years for you to maintain your class A license. Also have your doctor complete a medical release form for you before you go for the examination with the DOT/CME. If you are ready to return to work, just be aware that your medical card will be limited to one year at the time from this point on.
I renewed my intrastate CDLON Dec 24 2014 in wa. St. Where I live by a DOT Doctor and I never sent my physical copy to anybody and I passed got a one year card. Now do I need to send it to someone? I haven’t been stopped or anything. Don’t know what to do.
.
@Bradley
Each state is requesting that you complete a self-certification as a driver and send a copy of your medical certificate and self-certification to the state Drivers License Department.
You’ll find WA information on this page.
The medical examiner submits the examiner’s required information to FMCSA, but it is the driver’s responsibility to submit a copy of the medical card and self-certification to their local DLD.
I have sleep apnea and currently use a c pap machine at night when I sleep. I see my sleep doc every year then go in for my cdl physical. In the past I have gotten a 2 year card. This year the PAC would only give me a one year card. I have a letter from my sleep doc that says I use my machine every night and will continue to do so. So my question is why did the PAC only give me a one year card?? Does anyone have an answer to this?
@Chris
Basically it all boils down to the FMCSA. They are requesting that all drivers be re-certified once a year and the CME needs to see both your letter from your doctor and a report showing your compliance with the unit. Thats all it is.
I want to make a formal complaint on how I was treated and classified by a docter at a Healthworks clinic at Painefield in Everett Washington, Dr. Stuart Austin. I was in their office on Monday Nov. 3, 2014 to renew my card as well as several other of my fellow employees, I work for a Company called Prologix West(TNG). I filled out all my paperwork as instructed, I have had some blood pressure issues but very minor at that, I take meds that my personel doctor prescrbes for me an d very much under control at this time. The Medical aide gave me a physical my blood pressure was okay as she told me, When the doctor checked me out he did not bother to check me blood pressure himself, so he inturn only gave me a one year card nor a two year. I later found out that he wrote a two year card to a fellow emploaee with a sleeping disorder. That is a totally upset about, So it is okay for the fellow employee to go out anbd kill a school bus full af kids if he were to fall asleep at the wheel? By the way I do not have a class A or B license I only drive a staraight axle/Automatc transmission. I think I need to be reissued a two year card. Could you look into it or let mee make a serious formal meeting with you and investegate the company I work for. You should…
@Robert
FMCSA has a portal on their website that allows you to enter into conflict. Once you can find it, they are very willing to listen to your situation.
The CME was correct to give you a one year card. When you are on blood pressure medication, the DOT deems this as a condition that needs to be monitored, so you have to re-certify annually. For more information see FAQ – BP & Hypertension.
What happens if blood sugar is elevated past 9 and the dot doctor says you need a letter from your doctor and your doctor tells you that he may not do that for you to get your card. Can you get a waiver still and just be off from work till they get back in control or will you lose your job? If you can not renew can you be on a medical leave and then get your Card back.
@Lisa
The medical examiner is simply requesting a medical release from your doctor. All that means to you is your doctor needs to confirm that his treatment has been effective, adequate and safe. You doctor is not being ask to do anything else. So go back to your primary with your medical release form in hand and have him fill it out.
No waiver in necessary for something so simple.
Can’t answer any of the questions regarding work or jobs or medical leave. Too many variables.
If I passed a dot physical and my b m I is over 35. Doc wants me to take a sleep apnea study. Can I go to another doc for the physical without taking that studyy. It’s expensive
I recently got on with a local parcel delivery company, it is a Non CDL driving job but I am still required to carry a medical card. This would be considered an “intrastate” possition. My question is why since it is “intra-state” not “inter-state” the clinic is trying to charge over $200.00 more for the SAME med card & test, with the Only differance is the Doc marks the “Intra-State” box instead of the “Inter-State” box????
@Woody
On average across the US the average fee for a DOT physical is $80 to $120.00.
I wouldn’t pay someone $200.00 for a DOT examination unless I had no other choice (and I would complain loudly too.)
Am I required to submit a copy of my medical certification to DOL every time it is renewed? Or does the doctors electronic copy take care of that?
@ConWatcher
The bottom line is that the responsibility falls on the CDL holder to make sure their driving record is updated or they risk their CDL being downgraded or suspended.
Since May 21, 2014, CMEs have to update the NRCME online system when doing DOT physicals. But I do not believe the State systems and the Federal systems are tied together yet.
Here at my office in Utah, we still do a courtesy service for Utah CDL holders, and fax a copy of their medical card to Utah DMV. Although we do DOT physicals for drivers from all states, we’re not able to handle submitting to other states because they are all different.
At this stage I recommend you submit a copy of your medical certificate to DOL every time it is renewed.
This may change in the future when the Commercial Driver’s License Information System (CDLIS) is fully operational.
If you live in the state of WA., and have an intrastate CDL, are you required to have a physical by a certified DOT medical examiner, or a regular doctor? Also, if you have a blood pressure reading of 138/86, will you be certified for two years?
@Bean
Until May 20, 2014, any qualified doctor can do your DOT physical. (Unless your company has a different policy). See our FAQ pages for more information.
If your blood pressure reading is as stated, and you are not on a high blood pressure medication, you should not have any issues with getting a 2 year card.