Federal DOT Medical Examiners Certification

A Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration physical is required when applying for a CDL unless exempted by FMCSA Part 390.3(f), 391.2, 391.68, and 398.3.  Information regarding this topic is available on the FMCSA website.  For more information on Driver Certification and its relationship to the Federal DOT Medical Examiners Certificate (MEC), please visit the Driver Certification page.  

Who needs a DOT Medical Certificate?

CDL holders, who certify to the "NI" or "NA" status on the commercial application.

Where can I get a DOT medical exam?

FMCSA Certified Medical Examiners in your area. The form must be the approved FMCSA form MCSA-5786 and only two minor alterations may be made to the MEC:

1. It may be reduced in size, as long as all the content is legible
2. It may be printed in black and white

Where do I submit my DOT medical certificate?

Effective January 1, 2026, Driver Services will no longer accept paper DOT medical certificates. They will be transmitted by your medical examiner using the FMCSA's National Registry (NRII) portal, and be electronically transmitted to your driving record to prove you have a current DOT medical certificate.

Your physician has until midnight of the next calendar day following the examination to enter the results into the National Registry, so if you plan on coming into Driver Services to renew or obtain a CLP or CDL before then, speak to your physician about getting the examination entered earlier. You will not be able to obtain a CLP or CDL prior to receipt of your DOT medical certificate through NRII.

For more information regarding NRII, please check the FMCSA website.

What happens if my DOT medical certificate expires?

You are no longer medically qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle, and your CDL is subject to be downgraded to a non-commercial driver license.  You must keep your DOT medical certificate up-to-date with the department. The certificate expires no more than two years from date issued.