While getting your DOT Medical card is not a difficult task, registering your DOT card is probably the most time-consuming part of the entire process. Overall, it takes 1-2 trips to the DMV or an online or mail-in service depending on what state you are in, and then a waiting period for approval and receiving your license.
Now, there are always exceptions and grace periods for everything depending on what state you live in. If you are unsure how a certain state handles DOT cards, or what they require from you, you can simply go to the Federal Motor Safety Regulation website or FMCSA. They break down the DOT Medical card requirements and processes for each individual state.
Registering With The DMV
Since the DOT medical card is a requirement for CDL holders, the DMV must be involved with knowing, confirming, and approving your Medical Examiners certificate from your DOT physical. Without the DMV knowing you have a DOT certificate, you are not legally allowed to hold a CDL in most states.
To register your DOT medical card, you have to turn in your certificate to your local DMV so they can approve it and link it to your CDL. If you do not turn in your certificate, it will expire and you will not be able to receive your DOT card or a CDL.
State Requirements for DOT Medical Card Holders
Some states have different requirements for different vehicles and you are required to specify which classification of commercial vehicles you intend to drive if you are not required to get a DOT card for a specific vehicle.
However, if you want to drive more than one classification, or there may be a chance you need to, it is recommended that you obtain a DOT card out of precaution.
What Happens If You’re Pulled Over without Your DOT Card?
Now, each state also has different requirements and expectations of CDL holders and DOT medical cards. If you are traveling through more than a few states, it’s always recommended that you research or contact the local SDLA to ensure you will follow the rules in their state should you get pulled over.
If you are caught without the proper certifications, DOT medical card, or driving without an approved DOT or CDL you risk losing your ability to hold a license at all or a minimum, a license suspension until all infractions are fixed.
Registering For Interstate CDL Travel
Since many different states have so many different requirements and expectations from CDL drivers, you can register with certain federal requirements that prepare you for interstate travel across as many states as you need.
You would either classify as excepted or non-excepted from certain federal or state level requirements depending on your type of travel:
- If you are traveling or driving as a Federal, state, or local government employee, you will be considered exempt due to the federal certificate you are already required to hold when using your CDL.
- If you are only traveling in-state, you would be considered an intrastate driver, and would only be required to meet the requirements for the state you drive in, unless you are an excepted driver.
So, for intrastate drivers, you will either register as an intrastate excepted, or non-excepted. The only difference is whether you are required to meet the state’s medical requirements or not.
If you are traveling through two or more states, you will be considered an interstate driver and could be required to meet federal requirements for a CDL or Medical DOT card depending on if you are accepted or not. If you are a non-excepted interstate driver, you will be required to meet the federal requirements for your CDL and DOT Medical Card.
How Can I Find Out What Driver Classification I Am?
It is important to be classified correctly so you aren’t violating any federal or state regulations since this is not only unsafe but can result in a loss of license.
If you aren’t sure what you would be considered, most likely your employer or your local licensing agency will be able to help fit you into which class you belong in.
Final Thoughts
Registering your DOT Medical card is an easy process with the hardest part being the time it takes to complete the process. Since your DOT card has to be connected to your CDL, the DMV must be involved and that can slow things down.
The quickest way to register your DOT card is to leave your DOT physical appointment and take the certificate straight to the DMV. The quicker you get the process started, the sooner you will receive your completed license.