We big rig drivers know that, in addition to training and skill, our job requires keeping the necessary documentation up-to-date. Next to a CDL, or Commercial Driver’s License, one of the most important certifications is the DOT medical card. It’s essential to be aware of how to submit your medical card to your state agency.
DOT medical cards can be submitted to a state licensing agency in five different ways:
- U.S. mail
- Fax
- Online
- In-person
Whether you’re submitting your DOT medical card for the first time or the hundredth, you need to know the procedure for your specific location. Read on to find out the steps you need to take to get it done.
The Process of Submitting a DOT Medical Card
A DOT Medical card is officially referred to as a Medical Examiner’s Certificate. Whatever you call it, it’s a critical component of a big rig driver’s ability to stay behind the wheel.
The Federal Motor Safety Carrier Association (FMCSA) requires every commercial vehicle driver that runs across state lines with a max gross weight of over 10,000 pounds to hold a valid and current medical certificate.
Complete the DOT Physical Exam
The first step in getting the DOT medical card is a physical examination at a certified DOT medical location. Passing this examination ensures that a driver is physically able to operate a big rig.
Submit Your SDLA
Once the driver has passed the medical exam and received the Medical Examiner’s Certificate, the next step is to submit a copy of the certificate to the SDLA (State Driver Licensing Agency) in his specific state.
Self-Certify Your Driving Category
In addition, since 2014, every CDL driver has to also self-certify that “they only operate or expect to operate commercially in 1 of 4 possible categories with their CDL.” Drivers who drive a rig outside their self-certified area are subject to having their CDL suspended or revoked.
How to Submit a DOT Medical Card
Submitting a Medical Examiner’s Certificate varies by state. Some states offer multiple options; others allow only one type of delivery method.
There are five ways that states may choose to accept this important item:
- Postal mail
- Fax
- Online via the agency website
- Hand-delivered to the designated facility
Check with your specific state for detailed information about postal and email addresses, fax numbers, and who to contact. For electronic submissions, make sure your Medical Examiner’s Certificate is saved in the correct format, such as jpg, pdf, gif or png, and an acceptable file size
What States Have What Options for Submitting DOT Card?
Not every state offers all options. A driver should check with his licensing state to determine the best method to submit in that state.
Here is a list of states and their available methods for submitting DOT cards:
| State | Fax | Online | In-Person | ||
| Alabama | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Alaska | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Arizona | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Arkansas | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| California | ✔ | ||||
| Colorado | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Connecticut | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Delaware | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| District of Columbia | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Florida | ✔ | ||||
| Georgia | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Hawaii | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Idaho | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Illinois | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Indiana | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Iowa | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Kansas | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Kentucky | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Louisiana | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Maine | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Maryland | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Massachusetts | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Michigan | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Minnesota | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Mississippi | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Missouri | ✔ | ||||
| Montana | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Nebraska | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Nevada | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| New Hampshire | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| New Jersey | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| New Mexico | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| New York | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| North Carolina | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| North Dakota | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Ohio | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Oklahoma | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Oregon | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Pennsylvania | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Rhode Island | ✔ | ||||
| South Carolina | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| South Dakota | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Tennessee | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Texas | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Utah | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Vermont | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Virginia | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Washington | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| West Virginia | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Wisconsin | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Wyoming | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Now, let’s see what happens if you don’t submit your DOT card.
What Happens If You Don’t Submit the DOT Medical Card?
Now that you know how to submit your DOT medical card, you may be wondering what will happen if you don’t.
Big rig drivers who do not keep an up-to-date DOT medical card on file with their state run the risk of losing their eligibility to drive vehicles that require a CDL. Their license may be suspended until the medical component is met, or it may be revoked completely.
Final Thoughts
To keep your truck rolling down the highway, you should comply with the FMSCA’s requirements and submit your current DOT Medical Card to your state’s licensing agency in a timely manner. If you’re still not exactly sure how to do this, contact the agency to find out.