Your Guide to Medical
Examiner’s Certification

You need an active and valid MCSA-5876 certificate while:

• Applying for a new CDL or renewal
  
• Changing your medical status with your state DMV
  
• Operating interstate as a for-hire driver
  
• Carrying hazardous materials, even within your home state

You do not need MCSA-5876 if:

• You operate only intrastate and your state doesn’t mandate a medical certificate for your vehicle class
  
• You are a non-commercial driver
  
• You’re medically exempt under special provisions (for example,  custom farm operations in some states)

Drivers with certain medical conditions can apply for exemptions using specialized forms, MCSA-5870 for insulin-treated diabetes and MCSA-5871 for vision in one eye. These must be completed by a specialist and approved by FMCSA.

Check out the FMCSA’s Medical Program Tool or your State Driver Licensing Agency (SDLA) to confirm the rules.

You do not need MCSA-5876 if:

• You drive only within one state (intrastate), and your state doesn’t require a medical certificate for your type of vehicle.
• You are not a commercial driver.
• You qualify for a medical exemption under special rules (for example, certain farm operations in some states).
• You have a medical condition covered by a specific Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) exemption.

• Use Form MCSA-5870 for insulin-treated diabetes or Form MCSA-5871 for vision in one eye. These forms must be completed by a specialist and approved by the FMCSA.

Check out the FMCSA’s Medical Website or your State Driver Licensing Agency to confirm the rules.

To receive the certificate, you must pass a DOT physical examination conducted by a licensed medical examiner listed on the FMCSA National Registry. Online applications are usually the fastest to secure approval.

Step-by-step guide to get MCSA-5876 online and approval

1. Find a certified medical examiner. Search the FMCSA National Registry
2. Schedule a DOT physical exam. Select a registered medical examiner and book an appointment. Carry a valid identification proof, medical history reports, and the completed MCSA-5875 form as health record declaration and documentation.
3. Undergo medical tests. The examiner will check your vision (at least 20/40 in each eye), hearing (able to hear a whisper from 5 feet), blood pressure (for hypertension), urinalysis (for signs of diabetes or kidney issues), and review your medical history (medications, conditions, surgeries). They’ll also assess your physical fitness to operate a CMV safely.
4. Get your MCSA- 5876 Certificate. If you pass, the examiner will give you a signed MCSA-5876 certificate (Medical Examiner’s Certificate) along with a copy of the completed MCSA-5875 (the full exam form) within a week.
5. Submit to your state licensing agency. Upload the signed MCSA-5876 to your state’s SDLA (usually within 10–15 days of the exam) to avoid license downgrade or disqualification.

Certificates are usually valid for up to 24 months, unless you have a medical condition that requires more frequent monitoring.

Step-by-step guide to get MCSA-5876 and approval In-Person:

1. Find a certified medical examiner. Search the FMCSA National Registry
2. Schedule your DOT physical exam Book an appointment and bring a valid photo ID, medication list and medical history reports along with filled out MCSA-5875 form as health record documentation.
3. Take your physical exam. The examiner will check your vision (at least 20/40 in each eye), hearing (able to hear a whisper from 5 feet), blood pressure (for hypertension), urinalysis (for signs of diabetes or kidney issues), and review your medical history (medications, conditions, surgeries). They’ll also assess your physical fitness to operate a CMV safely.
4. Receive your MCSA-5876 If you pass the exam, you’ll receive  MCSA-5876 (Medical Examiner’s Certificate) and MCSA-5875 (full exam form)
   
5. Submit your certificate in person Visit your State Driver Licensing Agency (SDLA) and submit the signed MCSA-5876, your CDL, and any state-specific cover sheet (check your state’s requirements). Post submission, ask for confirmation of receipt

Don’t wait! Many states require submission within 10–15 days after your exam.

Step-by-step guide to get MCSA-5876 and approval via Mail:

1. Find a certified medical examiner. Search the FMCSA National Registry
2. Schedule your DOT physical exam Book an appointment and bring a valid photo ID, medication list, and medical history reports.
   
3. Take your physical exam. The examiner will check your vision (at least 20/40 in each eye), hearing (able to hear a whisper from 5 feet), blood pressure (for hypertension), urinalysis (for signs of diabetes or kidney issues), and review your medical history (medications, conditions, surgeries). They’ll also assess your physical fitness to operate a CMV safely.
4. Prepare Your Mail Submission. Once you pass the test and receive your MCSA- 5876 from the examiner, attach your signed MCSA-5876 form and fill out a cover sheet including your name, DOB, CDL number, contact info, and mention the subject: “CDL Medical Certificate Submission.” Some states may require specific cover sheets, so check their DMV site.
5. Send the mail & wait for confirmation. Send the submission to your correct State Mailing Address or:

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Office of Registration and Safety Information

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE

Washington, DC 20590

Mail processing can take 7–10 business days. Check with your state’s SDLA online or by phone to verify your status has been updated.

The cost of obtaining MCSA-5876 varies by examiner but generally falls between $75–$150.

This fee covers:

• The physical exam
  
• Vision and hearing tests
  
• Vital signs and urinalysis
  
• Completion of MCSA-5876 and MCSA-5875 forms
  

Insurance usually doesn’t cover this exam unless required by your employer. Some examiners may charge extra for duplicate forms or additional follow-ups. 

Depending on your health, the medical examiner might require additional tests. These come with separate fees:

• Audiogram (hearing test): approx. $36 (range: $25–$112)
  
• Pulse Oximetry (oxygen level test): around $12 (range: $0–$22)
  
• Fingerstick Blood Glucose: about $10 (range: $0–$28)
  
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): approx. $72 (range: $45–$175)
  
• Spirometry (lung function test): around $34 (range: $20–$142)
  
• Hemoglobin A1c (diabetes screening): approx. $34 (range: $14–$112)
  

These are only ordered if medically necessary and prices may vary by clinic.

Driving a CMV without a valid DOT medical certificate is a serious offense. Non-compliance can lead to:

• Disqualification of your CDL
  
• Fines of up to $2,750 for drivers and $11,000 for carriers per violation
  
• Out-of-service orders at roadside inspections
  
• License downgrade or suspension by your state’s licensing authority

If your MCSA-5876 expires, you must:

• Stop driving CMVs immediately
  
• Renew the DOT physical exam
  
• Resubmit your new certificate to the state DMV

Failure to update your medical certificate on time may cause delays, enforcement issues, and loss of driving privileges. It’s essential to note that certificates are generally valid for up to 24 months, unless a medical condition requires you to be certified more frequently.