DRIVER COMPLIANCE

How to renew DOT medical certification

A medical certificate can be issued for up to two years, but the examiner may issue a shorter period. Track the date printed on the result—not the date you expected to receive.

TIME: The exam is often under an hour; appointment timing varies

COST: The medical examiner sets the fee—confirm it when scheduling

Last reviewed August 21, 2026

Before you start

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Driver's license

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Medication list

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Glasses, contacts, hearing aids, or exemption documents

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Relevant medical records

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Current medical certificate

Get it done

Find an examiner on the National Registry

Confirm the examiner is currently listed by FMCSA before booking the examination.

Bring the records the examiner will need

Medication, treatment, vision, hearing, or exemption documentation can prevent an avoidable delay when it applies to the driver.

Complete the examination

The examiner determines whether the driver qualifies and for how long. Do not assume the result will always be a two-year certificate.

Confirm the electronic result

Medical certification information is generally transmitted electronically to the state licensing agency. Check the driver's state CDL record and follow any state instructions.

Keep temporary proof when applicable

Because FMCSA issued a temporary 2026 exemption during the electronic transition, a driver may need to carry the paper certificate for up to 60 days in an affected situation.

Track the actual expiration

Enter the expiration shown for this driver in We Heart Paperwork and replace it if the examiner or state later changes the date.

GO TO THE RIGHT PLACE

Search the National Registry →

What to save when you finish

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Medical examiner's certificate or temporary proof when provided

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Exam receipt

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Any variance or exemption documents

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Confirmation that the state record is correct

The electronic reporting transition is time-sensitive and state implementation can differ. Check current FMCSA and state licensing guidance instead of relying on an old photocopy routine.

Filing it is the easy part. Remembering the next one is what gets people.

When the document is finished, save the completion date and next deadline in We Heart Paperwork.

See pricing

Understand the requirement

OFFICIAL SOURCES

FMCSA National Registry — Driver fact sheet

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FMCSA — 2026 temporary medical-certificate exemption

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We Heart Paperwork

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