Anyone who’s ever driven a semi knows the number of certifications and special licenses you need can be a little overwhelming to keep up with. For example, if you have a DOT medical card that is about to expire, how exactly do you go about updating it? Does it vary based on where you live or is it the same everywhere?
To update your DOT medical card, follow these steps:
- Get a DOT physical with your local physician
- Apply to the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) for your variance waiver
- Follow any other steps that may be specific to your state
If you’re having trouble updating your DOT medical card and would like to know where to begin, we’ve got you covered. In the sections below we’ll break down everything from how long a DOT medical card is good for to what happens if they expire. Then we’ll dive into our step-by-step guide on how to update a DOT medical card. So come along and let’s dive right in!
When Does a DOT Medical Card Expire?
Depending on when you got your DOT medical card, you may not yet need to update it. Dot medical cards are typically valid for two years. Every two years, therefore, you will need to take the proper steps to update it.
To find out when your own card expires, simply look at the bottom of the certificate. It should give you a specific date. You’ll want to plan ahead and look into getting it updated when you can so you don’t run the risk of not updating it in time.
What Happens if a DOT Medical Card Expires?
If your DOT medical card does happen to expire you will lose the medical qualifications you need for your CDL license. That’s why it’s so important that you update your DOT medical card in a timely manner.
Steps to Update DOT Medical Card
Now that you know how to find out when your DOT medical card expires, you should learn how to renew it to prevent it from expiring and potentially losing your credentials for trucking.
Here are the steps to update your DOT medical card:
- Check the Department of Revenue site for your state: The easiest way to do this is simply to google “Update DOT medical card’, followed by your state and “Department of Revenue.” There you will be able to see if there are any extra steps you need to take specific to your state. The rest of our guide consists of what you’ll generally need.
- Schedule a DOT Physical: These often aren’t too expensive. For example, in Missouri, a DOT physical is only about $65 in many places. Wherever you live, you will need one to be able to recertify your DOT medical card. Remember the card is supposed to reflect that you are currently in good health sufficient to do the job.
- Apply to the FMCSA to renew your variance: You’ll need to apply to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety administration on your variance waiver.
- Follow any other guidelines for your state: Just ensure that if your state requires anything else you take care of it as well.
You should be all set from here. Once everything is turned in and processed you should receive your updated DOT medical card. Remember, your new card should be good for at least two years!
Where Can You Get a DOT Physical?
You’ll notice from our guide above that you need to get a DOT physical before you can update your card. While it’s obvious that you can get one through your doctor, there are actually some other options you might consider as you shop around.
Below we’ve listed some of the most common sources that provide DOT physicals:
- Family doctor
- Any doctor of medicine or osteopathy
- Certified nurses
- Chiropractors
- Physicians assistants
Any of the professionals on this list will be able to help you get your DOT medical card updated. You may want to check multiple sources to see where the best deal is.
Conclusion
Every two years or so, you need to make sure that you update your DOT medical card. This not only ensures that your medical card won’t expire but also allows you to continue to use your CDL license because it is known that you are still physically capable. Fortunately, updating your DOT medical card is a fairly straightforward and simple process.
The primary action you must take to update your DOT medical card is to get a DOT physical. This is usually inexpensive and can be done by anyone from your family doctor to a chiropractor. The physical should show that you are in good health and allow you to finally get that card renewed!
