Medical certificates and self-certification

Self-certification is a declaration of how you will operate commercially. The self-certification categories are listed below. Find the certification that fits the work you do and determine what required medical documents to keep on file.

Why is this required?

Self-certification and valid medical certificates help prevent medically unqualified drivers from operating commercial vehicles.

How to change your current self-certification status

  • You can now change your status and submit your medical documents online.
  • Some changes may still require you to visit a driver licensing office to self-certify or update your status.
  • If your medical documents on file are expired, you’ll need to visit a driver licensing office.

Types of CDL medical documents

Depending on how you self-certified, or what your medical condition is, we might require one or more of the following documents:

Find a Certified Medical Examiner.

What if I don't know what type of commercial driving I'll be doing?

The most flexible option is to certify as a non-excepted interstate driver and have your medical examiner submit a Medical Examiner’s Certificate to the National Registry. With the non-excepted interstate driver certification, you may accept jobs that require you to operate across state lines.

I'm not an active commercial driver. Can I maintain my CDL but not my medical certificate?

Yes, as long as you self-certify as an excepted intrastate driver and don't operate a commercial vehicle.

Note: In the future, you must have a new DOT physical and change your self-certification to a different option to drive a commercial vehicle

Self-certify options
Type of certification and status Self-certify as this type if you… Medical documents required

Non-excepted interstate commercial driver
  • Cross state lines driving a commercial vehicle.
  • Transport cargo that isn't from WA or is leaving WA.
  • Deliver cargo to WA ports.
  • Deliver goods, including logs, to WA ports.
  • Deliver goods across state lines.
  • Drive a school bus with passengers crossing state lines to events.

You must have a Medical Examiner's Certificate. Your medical examiner will submit your Medical Examiner’s Certificate to the National Registry. This will also be added to your driver record.

Other documents:
If you have a disqualifying medical condition, apply for a Federal Exemption and/or Federal Skills Performance Evaluation Certificate (SPE). FMCSA will submit your exemption or SPE certificate to the National Registry. This will also be added to your driver record.

Excepted interstate commercial driver
  • Drive a school bus with students crossing state lines to and from school.
  • Occasionally transport personal property without compensation.
  • Operate a government vehicle or emergency response vehicle.
  • Make emergency deliveries of propane or home heating oil.
  • Drive across state lines for city, county, or state-owned and operated transit organizations.
  • Haul or deliver mail, supplies, or other goods as a federal, state, or local government employee.

You must have a Medical Examiner's Certificate. Your medical examiner will submit your Medical Examiner’s Certificate to the National Registry. This will also be added to your driver record.

Other documents:
If you're required to have a Federal Exemption and/or Federal Skills Performance Evaluation Certificate (SPE), it must be valid, on record with us, and carried with you while driving in WA.

Non-excepted intrastate driver
  • Don't cross state lines while operating a commercial vehicle.
  • Transport cargo originating in and staying in WA.
  • Driver a school bus that only transports passengers within WA.
  • Drive trucks that only transport and deliver goods to and from WA addresses.

You must have a Medical Examiner's Certificate. Your medical examiner will submit your Medical Examiner’s Certificate to the National Registry. This will also be added to your driver record.

Other documents:
If you're required to have an intrastate medical waiver, it must be valid and you must carry it when you're driving a commercial vehicle.

Excepted intrastate driver
  • Don't operate a commercial motor vehicle.

No documents required.

What happens if I'm required to keep CDL medical documents on file and don't?

Your CDL will be downgraded and you won't be approved to operate a commercial vehicle. To release the downgrade, you'll need to have current medical documents.

  • If your medical certificate is expired, get a new Department of Transportation physical from a medical examiner on the National Registry. Your medical examiner will upload the medical certificate to the National Registry, and then your certificate will be sent to DOL.
  • If your intrastate medical waiver has expired, see Intrastate Medical Waiver to learn how to apply for a new one.
  • If you don't have an intrastate medical waiver,
    • Submit your CDL medical documents:
      • Online.
      • By email: CDLMED@dol.wa.gov (This mailbox is only for submitting CDL medical forms)
      • By fax: 360-570-4915
      • By Mail:
        CDL Medical Unit
        Department of Licensing
        PO Box 9030
        Olympia, WA 98507-9030
    • Make an appointment to visit a driver licensing office.

Note: After we receive your documents, it could take 7–10 business days to update your record after receiving your documents. Please be sure to submit current documents before your documents on file expire.

Need more help?

Here's how to contact us:

call Phone: 360-902-3900
(TTY: Call 711)
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