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Federal regulations require all Virginia CDL holders to certify the type of commercial operation they’re engaged in.
You have until January 30, 2014 to provide DMV with your Commercial Driver’s License Self Certification form and if applicable, any medical documentation.
Existing CDL and CDL instruction permit holders will be notified by mail of the new CDL certification and medical requirements. Included in the letter is a FAQ sheet and a CDL Self Certification form.
Interstate Non-Excepted
You must meet the Federal DOT medical certificate requirements.
Intrastate Non-Excepted
You must meet the Federal DOT medical certificate requirements or have a state-approved Medical Waiver.
Submit the following two documents:
By Mail:
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
Driver Support
PO Box 27412
Richmond, VA 23269-0001
By Fax:
804-367-6692
Uploaded documents must be in a .pdf, .jpeg, .doc or .doc* format.
Instructions on how to submit online can be found here.
In Person:
Visit any Customer Service Center.
Before your medical card expires you must have a new medical examination and obtain a new medical certificate. You are responsible for providing your valid medical certificate to Virginia DMV.
If you do not keep your medical card up to date with Virginia DMV you status will be changed to “not-certified”, your CDL will be canceled and your driver license will be downgraded.
You may submit your new medical certificate by mail, fax, or online, as described above.
Other Information:
Virginia CDL Self Certification Frequently Asked Questions
MEDICAL EXAMINERS MUST CONTINUE TO ISSUE MEDICAL CERTIFICATES TO ALL DRIVERS
The FMCSA has requested that all medical examiners continue providing drivers with a paper copy of the Medical Examiner’s Certificate – Form MCSA-5876, so that Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) holders can provide a copy to the State licensing agency, and the non-CDL drivers can provide the documentation to their employers and Federal and State enforcement officials.
The Agency is currently completing efforts to put into place an electronic system to enable medical examiners to transmit the medical certificate information from the National Registry system to the State licensing agencies.
Until that system is completed, which compliance date according FMCSA is June 23, 2025, medical examiners must continue to issue paper copies of the medical certificates to drivers who pass the medical exam.
ALL DRIVERS MUST CONTINUE TO CARRY A PAPER COPY OF THEIR MEDICAL CERTIFICATE
Commercial Drivers – You still need to carry a paper copy of your medical card, until FMCSA announces that this is no longer necessary.
Your Feedback Is WelcomeDealing with Federal DOT Regulations across the board is tough enough!
But when it comes to State Regulations — There are 50 different sets of rules. Someone could move the goal posts at any time…
To help us all avoid the black eye experience — AARGH! —
Please leave your feedback about your experience in this State.
Go to the Questions and Comments box below and post your feedback.
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NOTE: This website is not affiliated with, or endorsed by FMCSA or any government or state agency.
Can I change my VA class A status to intrastate accepted and keep my CDL without having a medical card?
@ Thomas
That will be up to your states drivers license department (DLD). Best to check with them for the best answer.
What information needs to be on the letter or note from my doctor to notify of an exemption for treatment with a controlled substance? I can’t find this information or a form anywhere and my psychiatrist is unsure what to give me. Or will simply showing a current prescription bottle suffice?
Hello, so I was driving and found out my CDL was downgraded some how…DMV says its no records from 2019-2021 but have them for the years before and the years after…what’s my best options on getting my CLASS A CDL back? Thanks for the help:)
@ Delonta P
Takes copies of your valid medical cards down to your local DLD and then follow their process for re-instatement.
@ Kevin L S
There’s no extension for a medical card. Your state may have a process for you regarding your out of date medical card due to injury/health related issues.
If I do not hold a CDL does my med card need to be documented in the state of VA? It is showing as expired, but I have a current med card.
@ Pamela
Not all states require proof of medical cards for non cdl holder, and some do. Best to get a copy to your state and have it updated to their records.
If your CDL License doesn’t expire for 2 years, and you don’t take a physical for 6 months. Can you go take your physical exam and keep your CDL.
I obtained my Class A CDL 2 years ago but haven’t been using it and I have no plans of using it in the near future . Can I apply for an Excepted Interstate license to avoid losing my CDL and not having to keep my medical card updated?
@ MJC
You will need to check with your local drivers license department for your best answer in this situation.
Can a 16 year old hold a DOT physical and legally drive a vehicle 10000 lbs or more but under 26000 lbs?
@ Marcus C
This question will be best answered by your local drivers license department. Most states will not require a cdl, but a valid medical card. But confirm this with your DLD.
I am in workers comp and have a back injury my medical card expires in a day i know if i don’t show it my license will be downgraded but how would i get my cdl portion back once cleared for work?
@ Mannyl
Since your cdl is a state issued document, you will need to check with your local drivers license department. Given your situation, the state may not downgrade for quite some time. Maybe, all you would need to do is provide a valid medical card as soon as you are released to return to work. Check in to it at your DLD.
If my DOT physical expires before I get a new one how long do I have to complete the physical requirements
@ Beverly
Many states are allowing short grace periods before downgrading your cdl. With the war on Covid, even the fed has been more lenient. But why chance it? Go get a new medical asap and get it into your state. The CME should be putting his portion into the federal data base each day.
If I have two weeks before my physical card expires, and I fail my new physical, can I drive for the last two weeks on my old physical card.
@ Clarence
Class A examination findings are input daily following the examination. You might get away with driving and you might not.
@ Garrett
Mostly make sure you have time for the information to get into the system. Government bodies are not the most effective or efficient.
@ David
CDL’s are state issued and each state is different. Check with your local drivers license department for the best answer.
Does anyone know do I have to have my DOT physical to apply for a learner’s permit for CDL Class B or can I take the test and pass and then go get the DOT physical.
@ Timothy P
You will have to confirm with your local drivers license department. Most states require that you register your physical with the state.
