Key facts
| Longest card | 24 months (49 CFR 391.45) |
|---|---|
| 12-month cards | Insulin-treated diabetes, vision exemption or alternative standard, intracity-zone drivers |
| Shorter cards | The examiner can certify you for less, e.g. to monitor a condition |
| Who can examine you | Only a medical examiner on FMCSA's National Registry (49 CFR 391.43) |
| CDL and CLP holders | The examiner sends your result to your state through the National Registry |
| Non-CDL drivers | Get a paper certificate (MCSA-5876) and carry a copy |
| Expired card | You can't drive a commercial motor vehicle until you pass a new exam |
Step by step
Check your expiration date
Find the date on your Medical Examiner's Certificate. The free medical card calculator shows the days left and when to book.
Find a certified examiner
Search FMCSA's National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. An exam by a doctor who isn't on the Registry doesn't count.
Book well before the date
FMCSA suggests getting the exam well in advance so mistakes can be fixed before your card runs out. We suggest booking at least 30 days ahead.
Bring what the examiner needs
Bring your driver's license, glasses or hearing aids, a list of your medicines, and recent notes from any specialist who treats you.
Check your state record
For a CDL, make sure the new date shows on your driving record. If you get a downgrade letter, contact the examiner first, then your state.
Checklist
- Expiration date on your current card
- Examiner found on the National Registry
- Driver's license (name, date of birth and number must match your state record)
- Glasses, contacts or hearing aids
- List of medicines and doses
- Specialist notes or test results, if you have a condition
- New date confirmed on your state record after the exam
FAQ
Can I drive with an expired DOT medical card?
No. You need a current medical certification to drive a commercial motor vehicle. Stop driving commercially until you pass a new DOT physical with a certified examiner.
Do I still need to take my medical card to the DMV?
If you hold a CDL or CLP, the examiner now sends your result to your state licensing agency through the National Registry. Check that the new date shows on your record. Non-CDL drivers still get a paper certificate and must carry a copy.
Why did I get a 1-year card?
Insulin-treated diabetes and a vision exemption or alternative standard mean a new exam every 12 months under 49 CFR 391.45. An examiner can also certify you for a shorter time to keep an eye on a condition such as high blood pressure.
What if my state says I'm not medically certified after my exam?
FMCSA's guidance is to contact the medical examiner first, because the result only reaches your state when your name, date of birth, license state and license number match. Then contact your state licensing agency.
Want someone to handle it?
Tell us what you need and a Trucking Help Center specialist will reach out, free.
Official sources
- eCFR: 49 CFR 391.45, persons who must be medically examined
- eCFR: 49 CFR 391.43, medical examination
- FMCSA National Registry: Driver FAQs, National Registry II (PDF)
- FMCSA: National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm your exact situation with the agency linked above.