CDL Changes Medical Certification Requirements

All CDL holders must comply with federal motor carrier safety regulations and provide information about the type of commercial vehicle operation they drive in, or expect to drive in, with their CDL. Depending on the type of operation, some drivers will also be required to submit a current medical examiner’s certificate to obtain a “certified” medical status as part of their driving record, as required by state and federal law (see Section 302.768, RSMo, and 49 CFR Section 383.71).

State and federal regulations require the Department of Revenue to retain a copy of the medical card, collect information from the card, notify drivers of a license downgrade if they have allowed their medical card to expire, and transmit driver medical card status to other state licensing agencies. More information on the driver’s part of this requirement can be found at https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license/medical. Under these laws, the Department will collect CDL medical card information through the license offices.

Any person applying for or renewing a CDL must certify to the Department one of the following statements:

1. Non-excepted interstate (NI). Operates or expects to operate in interstate commerce, and is subject to and meets the qualification requirements under 49 CFR Part 391, and is required to obtain a medical examiner’s certificate by 49 CFR 391.45.
2. Non-excepted intrastate (NA). Operates or expects to operate in intrastate commerce and is required to meet Missouri’s current medical requirements.
3. Excepted interstate (EI). Operates or expects to operate in interstate commerce, but engages exclusively in transportation or operations excepted under 49 CFR 390.3(f), 391.2, 391.68, or 398.3 from all or parts of the qualification requirements of 49 CFR Part 391, and is not required to obtain a medical examiner’s certificate by 49 CFR 391.45.
4. Excepted intrastate (EA). Operates or expects to operate in intrastate commerce, but engages exclusively in transportation or operations that are excepted from all or parts of Missouri’s medical requirements.

CDL holders who certify to category 1 or 2 above (non-excepted interstate or non-excepted intrastate) must provide a copy of their medical examiner’s certificate to the license office prior to the issuance, renewal, upgrade or replacement of a CDL.

As a reminder, drivers who are required to have a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical certificate must still carry that card with them while driving.