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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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Because of a change in meds, my blood pressure won’t be under control/under 140, until a few weeks after my DOT Medical cert expires (WA state).
Do I have to retake the CDL school for expired DOT med cert? Or can my new med cert apply, reinstating my CDL, even though it will be late?
I know this is similar to the below question, but I was told the same thing, about retaking school if you lose your CDL this way. Anyhow looking for definitive answer.
@ Erick
DOT/FMCSA has extended the grace period to the middle of October. In most states all you need do is renew your medical card and get a copy to your state drivers license department ASAP.
On my physical I had high blood pressure, 144/? Dr said he will sign for a temporary 90 CDL permit. I now need to be on high blood pressure meds. Will be rechecked in 90 days if Blood pressure at 140 or below Dr will sign for full permit, but he said I will have to take the CDL classes all over again? My Supervisor doesn’t think I should have to, what is the process?
@ Renee
Most likely he meant you will have to take a new medical certification examination, not your cdl classes.
Washington State CDL Medical certificate: BMI 35.14 Neck 43mm blood pressure meds… Doc gave 3month extension to get sleep study??? I suggested I lose a few pounds and retest..She states that would work?? I get home check last years certificate and my BMI and neck circumference was larger??? What the heck is going on here??
@ Greg
No changes in the DOT/FMCSA guidelines, just examiner interpretation of the same guidelines as last year. BMI and neck measurements are not a mandatory sleep study. OSA sleep studies request should have a multitude of signs and symptoms beyond BMI and neck size. One year for the BP meds, yes. Sleep study, No.
Do we still have to carry a copy of medical certificate in our wallet? I was reading in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations pocketbook and 391.41 Subpart E (2)(i)(A) and (B) seemed to indicate that drivers only needs a copy of medical certificate for 15 days after it was issued
@ Jesse
That’s what it says, but now you are depending on the government to have things in place for you. ???
Best bet, to cover all bases is to have a copy available to you at all times, like take a picture on you phone or carry a hard copy.
For Intrastate CDL do I need to submit a copy of current Medical Certification every time it is renewed or just when License is renewed? what’s the process I’m confused with the extensions due to Covid 19.
@ Carlton P
Every time you get a new medical card, it should be submitted to the state.
Can I let my medical card expire and still keep my cdl current if not planning on driving?
@ Leonard T
Each state has different rule and you will need to confirm with your state drivers license department for the correct answer.
How long does it take for my suspended license to be renewed after I have paid my tickets and done my medical exam
@ Mnajit K
This is a state related question and your best answer will come from your local drivers license department.
What is the maximum size of an ascending aortic dilation allowed by WA state. The examiner didn’t know if it was 3.5 cm or 5.0 cm.
Thanks, Ann
@ Ann R
FMCSA changed the upper limit for the thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) diameter below which an asymptomatic individual may be certified from 3.0 cm to 5.0 cm.