Any driver who drives for commerce in a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,001 pounds must have a DOT medical card in their possession.  To obtain and maintain a CDL, you may be required to have a DOT medical card.  A licensed medical examiner conducts the DOT physical examination.  The term includes, but is not limited to, doctors of medicine (MD), doctors of osteopathy (DO), physician assistants (PA), advanced practice nurses (APN), and doctors of chiropractic (DC.)

To find a medical examiner to conduct the DOT physical exam, you may contact your primary care provider to inquire if they can conduct a DOT physical exam.  A DOT physical can be administered only by a certified medical examiner listed on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s National Registry.

A DOT physical exam is valid for up to 24 months.  The medical examiner may also issue a medical examiner’s certificate for less than 24 months when monitoring a condition, such as high blood pressure.

If the medical examiner finds that the person they examined is physically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle (CMV), the medical examiner will furnish one copy of the results to the person who was examined and complete a medical examiner’s certificate (MCSA-5876.)

Please see the Intrastate Waiver Program button below if you do not qualify for a Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC or DOT Card).

Operators of commercial intrastate vehicles fall under different licensing requirements.  As far as possible, these have been incorporated into appropriate profiles.  In 1997 the division began the Utah intrastate program for commercial drivers.

Setting limitations on driving for persons with impairments of functional ability works to increase public safety and, simultaneously, permit individuals a maximum degree of freedom of movement in two (2) ways.  First, in cases of decreased vision or motor control, avoiding high speeds will reduce the number and the seriousness of accidents.  Second, in situations of some increase in the chance of an accident, cutting down on the extent of exposure on the highway by limiting driving areas or times of day will reduce the total number of accidents and yet allow a person perhaps enough mobility to maintain a job with a single round trip each work day.  These factors are difficult to define and measure, but an effort has been made to accumulate and develop accurate data to refine limitations in the interest of safety.

In some cases, functional ability profiles indicating driving impairment in more than one category may be the basis for a more limited license than if there is only one impairment.  Still, generally, any limitation will relate to the single profile showing the most impairment.  As these functional ability profiles are used in determining driver licenses, data will be gathered on the driving safety record of various groups as a basis for revising the levels.  Data secured from other sources will also be used.  Denial of driving privileges based on medical reasons does not constitute a “disability” defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

All commercial intrastate drivers with physical impairments must obtain a “variance” from their state in the appropriate category(s) to be considered for an intrastate license.  Only the following categories may be considered for the Utah intrastate program:

• Pulmonary
• Neurologic
• Seizures
• Learning/Memory
• Psychiatric or Emotional Conditions
• Musculoskeletal

Drivers who fall under the intrastate category must have a K restriction added to their driver license.  Click for the intrastate K waiver application packet. If you need further information about the intrastate waiver program, please call our Customer Service at 801.965.4437 or toll-free at 888.353.4224.

You must self-certify your type of vehicle operation.  This means you must self-certify one (1) of the following driving categories:

• Non-Excepted Interstate (Nationwide)
• Excepted Interstate (Nationwide)
• Non-Excepted Intrastate (Utah only requires K restriction)
• Excepted Intrastate (Utah only requires K restriction)

You can only certify to one (1) of the categories.  Failure to mark the correct box could lead to further complications while you’re out driving.  To help you choose which to certify, please view this Google doc.

For the medical certification process to be complete, this form must be submitted to the Driver License Division:

• Upon the issuance of any CDL;
• If the status of your driving condition changes; or
• Renewal of the CDL.

You have options when submitting your DOT medical card or self-certification form:

• Schedule a commercial driver license appointment.
• Fax to 801.957.8633.
• E-mail [email protected].
• Mail a COPY (do not send the originals) to the Driver License Division at:

Utah Driver License Division
ATTN: Med-Cert Desk
PO BOX 144501
Salt Lake City UT 84114-4501

Before sending the DOT card and the self-certification form, ensure everything is filled out correctly.

DOT card must include:

• Doctor’s first and last name
• Doctor’s phone number
• Doctor’s examiner license number
• Doctor’s state where licensed
• Doctor’s national registry number
• The DOT exam date/issue date
• DOT card expiration date
• Driver’s name, signature, driver license number, and address

If the DOT card is double-sided, you must include copies of both sides.  Typically the front side will list the driver’s name and any restrictions that might be placed on the driver.  The back side will have the doctor and exam information.

Self-certification must include:

• Only ONE (1) box checked to certify your driving type
• Driver’s name
• Driver’s date of birth
• Driver license number
• Driver’s signature
• Date (must be within 30 days from the date received by the Driver License Division)

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact our Customer Service at 801.965.4437 or toll-free at 888.353.4224.

Note: When submitting medical information, please allow two (2) business days before following up with the division.