If you have a CDL or employ CDL drivers you know that it is important to keep the DOT Medical Card updated. Still, you might wonder what the consequences are if the DOT Medical Card Does expire.
If a DOT Medical Card expires the driver will have their USDOT number revoked and may face penalties costing up to $1,000 per day, but no more than $10,000 total. It is free and simple to update the DOT medical certificate.
Are you wondering what will happen if your DOT Medical Card expires? Is there a grace period after your medical card expires? How long is a DOT Medical Card valid for? We’re here to help. In this post, we will discuss the importance of keeping your DOT Card current.
What Happens When a DOT Medical Card Expires?
If you operate a large vehicle like a semi truck, you’d know you need a DOT medical card to make sure you’re in good enough shape to be doing this line of business. But what you may be wondering about is, what happens when a DOT medical card expires?
DOT Cards are valid for two years after they are issued to a CDL driver. If the driver does not renew the DOT certificate within a certain time frame they risk losing their CDL and will need to retake the tests to reinstate their driver’s license. They will also need to obtain a new DOT card.
Is There a Grace Period for Expired DOT Medical Cards?
With your driver’s license, there’s usually a grace period after it expires for you to get around to renewing it. But is this the same with DOT medical cards?
There is no grace period. CDL holders with DOT medical cards must renew their card within the month it was issued. So, if the card was issued on May tenth, 2020, the holder has until May 31st to renew the card.
You may have a little wiggle room depending on when your card was issued, but completing your DOT renewal should be done as quickly as possible. In most cases, it is not difficult to have your DOT Medical card renewed.
How Do I Renew My DOT Medical Card?
If your DOT medical card has expired, you may be wondering how to renew it.
In many states, you will have the option between the following:
- Fax
- Online filing
While other states often offer at least one of these venues to renew the DOT medical certificate, other states require different means of renewal.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association gives renewal instructions by state. This list has the requirements of every state for renewing the DOT medical certificate. They also provide contact information so that you are able to have the help you need.
What States Don’t Allow Me to Renew My DOT Medical Card Online?
Now that you know you can renew your DOT medical card online easily in most states, you may be wondering what states don’t offer these options.
While most states are easy and forward about their expectations on how to renew, there are some, such as Missouri, that do not offer renewal DOT certificates through:
- Fax
Missouri doesn’t offer any other instructions either. They do have a contact phone number and email. So, if you are licensed in a state like this, be sure to start communications with them as soon as possible to ensure you file your renewal correctly and in a timely manner.
Will I Need Another Physical Examination to Renew My CDL DOT?
Everyone who has a DOT medical card knows the annoying medical examinations you have to go through. Once yours needs to be renewed, will you have to go through this all over again?
You will need a physical examination. This examination must be performed by a medical doctor that is certified by the FMCSA. A certified doctor can be found through the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.
Since you have been a CDL driver for almost 2 years, you may not be close to your original medical examiner at this time. That’s okay. So long as you visit an FMCSA certified doctor, you can get your exam done in any state that you happen to be in.
To find a certified physician you will need to visit the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners or NRCME. If you need more help you can call their Technical Support Desk at 617-494-3003 or email them at FMCTECHSUP@dot.gov.
Why Do I Need A DOT Medical Card?
You know all about what happens if your DOT medical card expires, but why do you need one?
The DOT Medical Card is issued to CDL holders who:
- Drive a vehicle weighing more than 10,000 pounds.
- Transport hazardous materials.
- Drive transportation that can seat over fourteen passengers.
- Receive immediate payment for transporting more than seven passengers.
It is a required certificate from the Federal Motor Carrier Association. As a holder of this medical certificate, you and your medical provider have determined that you are capable of safely driving large vehicles on roads occupied by all other drivers.
It Is Important to Renew Your DOT Medical Card Yearly
Renewing your DOT certification will enable you to retain your CDL and avoid costly fines. You will need an examination by an FMCSA certified examiner, and you will need to follow the instructions given by the state you are licensed to drive in.
Be sure to plan a little bit ahead of your DOT renewal month. This will help you in getting all necessary documents into your state and avoid any marks against your driving record.