DOT Medical Examiner Finder
What to know about the DOT physical for commercial drivers: who may sign a Form MCSA-5876 Medical Examiner’s Certificate under 49 CFR § 391.43, and how to confirm an examiner on the FMCSA National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME).
FMCSA National Registry
Find an examiner on the official registry
Only examiners listed on the FMCSA National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners can issue a Medical Examiner’s Certificate. Search the registry by ZIP code, city or state, and confirm the examiner’s listing before you book.
Search the FMCSA National RegistryCDL Physical Requirements (49 CFR Part 391)
Federal regulations strictly mandate that commercial interstate drivers receive physical qualification examinations exclusively from healthcare providers listed on the FMCSA National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.
Frequently Asked Questions About CDL DOT Physicals
- Who is legally authorized to conduct DOT physicals for CDL drivers?
- Only practitioners licensed under state law who are listed on the FMCSA National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME) can issue Form MCSA-5876 Medical Examiner Certificates under 49 CFR Part 391.
- How long is a commercial driver medical card valid?
- Standard DOT medical cards are valid for a maximum of 24 months. Drivers with managed medical conditions such as hypertension, sleep apnea, or insulin-treated diabetes may be issued shorter 1-year, 6-month, or 3-month certifications.
- What happens if a commercial driver allows their medical card to expire?
- State licensing agencies can downgrade or disqualify a commercial license after being notified. Operating a commercial vehicle with an expired medical certificate results in immediate Out-of-Service (OOS) penalties.