Medical certificates and self-certification

Self-certification is a declaration of how you will operate commercially from 1 of 4 possible categories. Find the certification that fits the work you do and 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 self-certify or 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.
  • You must self-certify before obtaining a commercial learner permit (CLP).

Types of CDL medical documents

Depending on how you self-certified or what your medical condition is, we may 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 submit a medical certificate to us. This allows you to 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.

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

Non-excepted interstate commercial driver

Status:

  • Self-certification: Non-excepted interstate
  • Medical certification: Certified
  • 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.

Medical Examiner's Certificate – must be submitted to us and added to the driver record.

Other documents:
If you have a disqualifying medical condition, submit a current Federal Exemption and/or Federal Skills Performance Evaluation Certificate (SPE).

Excepted interstate commercial driver

Status:

  • Self-certification: Excepted interstate
  • Medical certification:
    • No waiver requirements: No status
    • With waiver requirements: Certified
  • 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 an employee of federal, state, or local government.

Medical Examiners Certificate – must be submitted to us and added to the 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

Status:

  • Self-certification: Non-Excepted intrastate
  • Medical certification:
    • No waiver requirements: No status
    • With waiver requirements: Certified
  • Don't cross state lines while operating a commercial vehicle.
  • Transport cargo that originated in and stays 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.

Medical Examiners Certificate – must be submitted to us and added to the 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

Status:

  • Self-certification: Excepted intrastate
  • Medical certification: Not required
  • Do not 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 can't operate a commercial vehicle. To release the downgrade, you must submit unexpired medical documents.

  • If your intrastate medical waiver has expired, see Intrastate Medical Waiver on 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, questions won't be answered.)
      • 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: It may take 7–10 business days to update your record after receiving your documents. Please be sure to submit current documents prior to the expiration of your documents on file.

Need more help?

Here's how to contact us:

call Phone: 360-902-3900
(TTY: Call 711)
Was this information helpful?