A DOT card is the common name for the Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC), Form MCSA-5876, a federally required document that proves a commercial motor vehicle driver is physically qualified to operate on public roads. Issued after passing a DOT physical exam, this card is your proof of medical fitness and a legal requirement for most commercial drivers in the United States.
What the DOT Card Actually Is
The DOT card is issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) system through a certified medical examiner. When a doctor determines you meet the physical qualification standards for driving a commercial vehicle, they complete the Medical Examiner’s Certificate and give you a copy. The examiner also keeps a copy on file for at least three years and, as of June 23, 2025, is required to transmit the exam results electronically to FMCSA.
You’ll sometimes hear it called a “med card,” “DOT medical card,” or simply “medical certificate.” They all refer to the same document.
Who Needs a DOT Card
All commercial drivers operating vehicles in interstate commerce with a maximum gross vehicle weight rating over 10,000 pounds are required to obtain and maintain a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate. That covers a wide range of drivers, from long-haul truckers operating 80,000-pound rigs to delivery drivers in medium-duty box trucks.
If you hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL), you also need to self-certify with your state’s driver licensing agency in one of four categories. Two of those categories, “non-excepted interstate” and “non-excepted intrastate,” require you to keep a current med card on file with the state. The other two categories cover drivers who qualify for medical certification exemptions, typically those in specific government or farm-related operations.
What the DOT Physical Exam Covers
To get a DOT card, you need to pass a DOT physical performed by a medical examiner listed on the FMCSA’s National Registry. This is not the same as a routine checkup with your primary care doctor. The exam evaluates whether you can safely operate a large vehicle for extended periods and typically includes:
- Vision test: You need at least 20/40 acuity in each eye (with or without correction) and a 70-degree field of vision in each eye.
- Hearing test: You must perceive a forced whisper at five feet or pass an audiometric test.
- Blood pressure and pulse check: High blood pressure can result in a shorter certification period or disqualification depending on severity.
- Urinalysis: Screens for underlying conditions like diabetes, not for drugs (that’s a separate test).
- General physical assessment: The examiner checks your musculoskeletal system, neurological function, heart and lungs, and overall physical condition.
Certain medical conditions can disqualify you or require additional documentation. Insulin-treated diabetes, epilepsy, and certain cardiovascular conditions are among the most common issues that complicate certification. Drivers with some of these conditions may still qualify through federal exemption programs, but the process requires extra steps and medical evidence.
How Long a DOT Card Lasts
A standard DOT card is valid for up to 24 months. However, the medical examiner can issue a certificate for a shorter period if you have a condition that needs more frequent monitoring. High blood pressure that’s controlled with medication, for example, might result in a one-year certificate instead of the full two years.
When your card expires, you cannot legally drive a commercial vehicle until you pass a new DOT physical and receive a new certificate. There’s no grace period, so most drivers schedule their renewal exam a few weeks before expiration.
Do You Still Need to Carry the Card
Since the electronic reporting requirement took effect in June 2025, medical examiners submit your DOT physical results directly to FMCSA. Once that electronic submission is processed, you are technically not required to carry a physical copy of the card. That said, it’s smart to keep your card with you for at least 15 days after the exam to allow time for your driver record to update. Many drivers keep it in their wallet or with their CDL regardless, since law enforcement officers during roadside inspections may ask to see it.
Your state licensing agency also needs the certificate on file. In most cases, the electronic transmission handles this automatically, but you should confirm your state has received it, especially around renewal time. If your state’s records show an expired or missing medical certificate, your CDL can be downgraded, meaning you lose your commercial driving privileges until the issue is resolved.
What It Costs
The DOT physical itself is not covered by most health insurance plans because it’s considered an occupational exam. Prices vary by provider and location, but most drivers pay between $75 and $200 out of pocket. Some trucking companies cover the cost for their employed drivers. Clinics specializing in DOT physicals, urgent care centers, and some chiropractors on the National Registry all offer the exam. The certificate itself has no separate government fee.
Where to Get a DOT Physical
You can only receive a valid DOT card from a medical examiner listed on the FMCSA National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. The FMCSA website has a search tool where you can enter your zip code and find registered examiners nearby. Using a provider who is not on the registry means your certificate will not be valid, and you’ll have to redo the exam.
The exam typically takes 30 to 45 minutes. Bring a list of your current medications, any relevant medical records (especially for conditions like sleep apnea, diabetes, or heart issues), and corrective lenses or hearing aids if you use them. Having documentation ready can prevent delays or follow-up visits.