Federal regulations require that every commercial learner permit (CLP) holder or driver license (CDL) holder must certify to the type of commercial driving they currently perform (or expect to perform).
The DMV will send CDL/CLP holders a "Notice of Non-Compliance and License Downgrade" if their medical certification status becomes "Not Certified." Once we send the notification, DMV will cancel the CDL/CLP if the CDL/CLP holder does not submit an updated Medical Examiners Certificate (MCSA-5876) within 55 days. We can send employers a notification of these status changes if they subscribe to the NY State License Event Notification Service (LENS) [1]. We will send passenger carriers enrolled in the 19-A system notifications of CLP cancellation events.
If you have a commercial driver license, Class A, B or C or CDL permit issued by the NY State DMV you must certify the type of driving you do anytime you perform a license transaction (other than an address change, or duplicate license). You will be required to choose only one driving type from the four federal driving types listed below.
You must also keep a current USDOT Medical Examiners Certificate on file with DMV if you self-certify to a Non-Excepted Driving type (NA or NI).
Commercial driving operation is permitted across state lines, and you are required to meet the Federal medical requirements.
Commercial driving operation is restricted to New York State only, and you are required to meet the Federal medical requirements.
Commercial driving operation is permitted across state lines for excepted operation only and you are exempt from the Federal medical requirements.
Commercial driving operation is restricted to New York State, permitted for excepted operation only and you are exempt from the Federal medical requirements.
You must get a USDOT physical performed by a medical examiner listed on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) National Registry. To find an approved medical examiner, you can either go to the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiner Search [7], or call FMCSA at (202) 366-4001 and ask to speak to a representative. Once your physical is complete, the medical examiner will give you a Medical Examiners Certificate (Form MCSA-5876). To avoid a downgrade or cancellation of your CDL/CLP, you must take this certificate to the DMV when you apply for your CLP/CDL, or fax/email it to the NY State DMV Medical Certification Unit. (See important reminders below.)
DMV will send notifications regarding CDL/CLP downgrade/cancellation events to passenger carriers enrolled in the 19-A system. Drivers can also monitor their own CLP/CDL medical certification status through MyDMV [8] and subscribe for text and/or email notifications [9].
You are only eligible for the HazMat or Hazmat/Tank Endorsement [4] if you are age 21 or older and you meet the Federal medical requirements.
If your USDOT Medical Examiner's Certificate [10] indicates "must be accompanied by a Diabetic, Hearing, Seizure or Vision waiver exemption or an SPE Certificate," you must have a Medical Variance [11] issued by FMCSA.
NYS DMV
Medical Certification Unit
PO Box 2601
Albany, NY 12220-0601
Enroll in MyDMV [8]
For federal definitions of the four driving types, visit the FMCSA web site [13].