Medical Certification FAQ's

Self-Certification 

1.  Why do I have to self-certify?

Federal regulations require all commercial drivers to certify to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) the type of driving they perform or expect to perform. Drivers that self-certify to a non-excepted driving type (NA or NI) are also required to submit a copy of their USDOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate.

This is a nationwide safety initiative that affects commercial driver in all states.


2.  What are the self-certification driving types?

Non-Excepted Interstate (NI): Commercial driving operation is permitted across state lines, and you are required to meet the Federal medical requirements

Non-Excepted Intrastate (NA): Commercial driving operation is restricted to New York State only, and you are required to meet the Federal medical requirements

Excepted Interstate (EI): Commercial driving operation is permitted across state lines for excepted operation only and you are exempt from the Federal medical requirements

Excepted Intrastate (EA):  Commercial driving operation is restricted to New York State, permitted for excepted operation only and you are exempt from the Federal medical requirements.


3. What if my driving type changes?

If your driving type changes, you must go into a DMV office to change your self-certification driving type and have your license amended to add or delete the appropriate restrictions. A transaction fee will apply.  If you are self-certifying to a non-excepted driving type (NA or NI) you will need to bring a copy of your valid USDOT Medical Examiners Certificate if it is not already on file with DMV.

 

See location, instructions and reservation information for your DMV

4.  Can I change my self-certification driving type online?

No, you must go into a DMV office.


5.  I am eligible for an excepted operation, but I have a valid DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate. What driving type should I certify to?

You should certify to the type of driving in which you operate or expect to operate, and your CDL will have the restrictions for that driving type.

Remember, your certification can be changed anytime at a DMV office through a license amendment transaction.

NOTE: If you are capable of obtaining a Medical Examiner’s Certificate, then the NI driving type will allow for the broadest commercial operation capability with no license restrictions applied.


6.  I do not meet the USDOT federal medical requirements, and I cannot obtain a Medical Examiner’s Certificate. I do not operate in any federal excepted operation, but I was able to keep my CDL because it was issued prior to 9/9/1999. Can I still keep my CDL license?

Yes, you are eligible for Excepted Intrastate operation (EA). You must ensure that your CDL has the required restrictions: K (CDL Intrastate Only) and A3 (Med Cert Exempt).  CDL holders that certify to EA can only operate a commercial motor vehicle within New York State, and cannot deliver cargo coming from, or being delivered to, another state or foreign country.  


7.  I work for a "private" company that provides school bus service to local school systems. Do I need to provide a Medical Examiner’s Certificate or can I certify to "EI"?

If you operate or expect to operate in an excepted operation such as school operation for a private service, you can choose EI.

School operation is defined as "school to home/home to school" operation and includes interstate operation for school operation only. This does not include field trips. Only applicants employed by a municipality can drive for out-of-state field trips.

It is important to remember that when you choose driving type EI, you are limited to driving only for an excepted operation.

NOTE: If you are capable of obtaining a Medical Examiner’s Certificate, then the NI driving type will allow for the broadest commercial operation capability with no license restrictions applied.


8.  I have a current CDL license with no restrictions. I do NOT have a Medical Examiner’s Certificate and I do not use my CDL license to drive commercially. For example I am retired, not working, etc. I don’t want to downgrade my license because I paid for a CDL and have several years before it expires. What driving type should I choose?

Federal regulations require all CDL drivers to certify to the type of driving in which they operate or expect to operate. You should choose the box which describes the type of driving that you perform or expect to perform.

  • If you expect to operate in an excepted driving type (EA or EI) then a Medical Examiner’s Certificate is not required. You will need to have the appropriate restrictions added to your driver’s license (A3 and/or K).
  • If you expect to operate in a non-excepted driving type (NA or NI) then a Medical Examiner’s Certificate is required.

Remember, your certification can be changed anytime at a DMV office through a license amendment transaction.


9.  Why did I receive my Medical Examiner’s Certificate back in the mail with a rejection letter?

The rejection letter indicates why the Medical Examiner’s Certificate is being returned to you. If information was incorrect, missing or illegible, you must contact your physician to have the form amended or another form completed.

If your Medical Examiners Certificate was rejected because it was not completed by a doctor listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners, you must have a new exam completed by a doctor on the registry.  To find a certified doctor in your area please visit the Federal website at National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners Search.


10.  If I downgrade my license to a non-commercial class, am I eligible for a refund?

No refund will be given as the driver will have the remainder of the renewal period as well as the two year grace period to be granted back the CDL without re-testing requirements. A refund is only allowed by law if the license is surrendered in full and there is 4 years or more remaining at the time of surrender.


11.  Will you send me a reminder when my Medical Examiner’s Certificate or my medical variance is going to expire?

Yes, DMV sends reminders to CDL and CLP holders who have registered to receive email and/or text reminders about the status of their medical certifications and medical variances. To register to receive these reminders, go to Get email and/or text reminders

Failure to submit an updated Medical Examiner’s Certificate, or medical variance, prior to the expiration date of the one on file may result in your CDL being downgraded. You should allow at least two weeks to process your updated documents.


12.  The Medical Examiner’s Certificate I previously sent has since expired or is due to expire. My next doctor’s appointment is not for another two weeks. What happens to my CDL in the meantime?

Once your Medical Examiner’s Certificate on file expires, you are no longer certified to drive commercial vehicles.  A notice advising you of your “not certified” medical status and impending license downgrade (56 days from the date of notice) will be sent to you.  When we receive your new updated medical certificate, you will be re-certified. If your CDL was downgraded because of your "not certified" medical status, you will need to visit a DMV office to upgrade your license back to a CDL.

 

13.  How do I know that the DMV received my self-certification and/or Medical Examiner’s Certificate information?

If you are signed up for MyDMV or sign up at go to MyDMV at the DMV website and use the service called "My License Status, Renewal and Replacement," you can look under "License Status" to determine your self-certification driving type, medical certification status and medical certificate expiration date.

If you self-certified to driving types NI & NA, you will have a medical certification status of either "Certified" or "Not Certified." If you self-certified to EI or EA, you will have a medical certification status of "Not Required".

Note: Please allow 10 days from the date DMV receives your medical certificate for your license status to be updated.

 

 14. How can I contact the Medical Certification Unit?

Fax: 518-486-4421 or 518-486-3260

Email: [email protected]

Mail:

NYS DMV
Medical Certification Unit
PO Box 2601
Albany, NY  12220-0601