FMCSA & Compliance
DOT Medical Card (Medical Examiner's Certificate)
A DOT medical card, formally the Medical Examiner's Certificate, confirms a driver passed a physical exam by a certified medical examiner and meets FMCSA's physical qualification standards to operate a commercial motor vehicle. It's valid for up to 24 months, though examiners can issue shorter certification periods for drivers with certain monitored conditions.
FMCSA requires CDL drivers to be examined by a certified medical examiner listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners and to carry a current Medical Examiner's Certificate as part of their qualification to drive. The standard certificate is valid for up to 24 months, but an examiner may issue a certificate for a shorter period if a driver has a condition that needs more frequent monitoring (such as certain blood pressure or diabetes diagnoses). The medical certificate must be kept current throughout employment and is one of the standard documents in a driver's DQF; an expired card makes a driver immediately non-qualified to operate a CMV.
Why it matters for recruiting and operations
A lapsed medical card is one of the most common and entirely preventable reasons a seated driver is suddenly unable to work, so tracking expiration dates proactively — not just at initial hire — protects both compliance and uptime. Recruiters should also confirm a candidate's medical card status and any shorter certification period early in prescreening, since a soon-to-expire card can affect onboarding timing.
Related terms
Where this shows up in Fleegital
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