A medical waiver or exemption allows you to operate commercial vehicles even if you don't meet the minimum federal medical requirements. Learn how to apply and what to do if you no longer need a waiver or exemption.
Before you get started
- If you don't meet the minimum federal medical standards, you may qualify for an intrastate medical waiver or a federal interstate medical exemption.
- See a certified medical examiner listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. They will complete an exam and determine if you qualify.
What is a medical variance?
If you have a physical impairment affecting your ability to safely operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate (between two or more states) or intrastate (within one state) commerce, you must get a medical variance. The medical variance shows as a restriction "V" on your CDL.
A variance means the driver has at least one of the following:
- Intrastate Medical Waiver
- Federal Exemption
- Skills Performance Evaluation
Apply for an intrastate medical waiver
1. Have a certified medical examiner complete the following forms:
- Medical Examination Report
- Medical Examiner's Certificate
- (Your medical examiner will submit this to the National Registry.)
- Commercial Driver License Intrastate Medical Waiver Application listing all disqualifying medical conditions and medications.
2. Submit your forms
We can only accept your most recent Commercial Driver License Intrastate Medical Waiver Application and Medical Examination Report signed by a certified medical examiner. If it's your first time requesting a medical waiver from us, you’ll need to visit a licensing office to have a new license issued with the added restrictions.
Use one of the following methods to submit completed forms to us:
Submit forms to CDLMED@dol.wa.gov. This mailbox is only for submitting CDL medical forms . If you have a question, check out the resources in our Getting help section below. Unfortunately, we’re unable to provide email confirmation.
Fax
360-570-4915
CDL Medical Unit
Department of Licensing
PO Box 9030
Olympia, WA 98507-9030
When mailing forms, please do not:
- Staple or tape documents together.
- Send unrelated forms.
- Ask for an email confirmation.
In person
Make an appointment to visit a driver licensing office.
When will I get a response?
You'll receive a response by mail at the address we have on record within 2 weeks.
If your CDL medical forms are not processed and you do not hear from us within 2 weeks, the forms we received might have been illegible. Please resubmit your documents or contact customer service at 360-902-3900 for assistance.
What if I have an amputation?
If you have an amputation, we require a drive test called a Special . The Special is a drive test for your specific medical condition.
- If your application is approved, we will issue you a 2-month temporary waiver and contact you to schedule the Special.
- After you pass the test, we will send you a new waiver for the full amount of time your medical examiner requested.
- A Special test is not a substitute for a federal Skills Performance Evaluation (SPE), which is required to drive CMVs between two or more states.
- If you’ve passed a federal SPE, you don’t need to take another test for the same condition.
What if I operate interstate?
To apply for a federal medical exemption
To apply for a federal medical exemption Federal exemptions are for drivers who are eligible to drive CMVs between two or more states. Learn more about and apply for federal driver exemption programs.
To apply for a federal Skill Performance Evaluation certificate (SPE)
A SPE certificate is required for drivers with physical impairments or amputations who drive between two or more states. Learn more about the Skill Performance Evaluation Certificate Program.
What if I no longer require an intrastate medical waiver or federal medical exemption?
- Notify us by submitting:
- A new Medical Examination Report (MER) and Medical Examination Certificate (MEC)(Your medical examiner will submit this to the National Registry). These documents must show you don't have any disqualifying medical conditions.
- A Commercial Driver License Intrastate Medical Waiver Removal Application, if applicable.
- The application must show the medical condition(s) you no longer have.
- Only submit this form if you have a Washington State Intrastate Medical Waiver. If you have a federal medical exemption, this form is not needed.
- Get a new license:
- Pay a fee to get a new license without the medical variance "V" restriction.
- o If you have an intrastate “K” restriction and want to drive between two or more states, change your self-certification to an interstate operation status. This will remove the intrastate restriction.
To remove the vision or diabetes waiver/exemption requirement
- We must receive a new MEC with no waiver or exemption requirement shown.
- Don’t submit an MER or Intrastate Medical Waiver Removal Application.
Related laws
- RCW 46.25.057: Medical examiner's certificate—Failure to carry—Penalty
- WAC 480-30-226(2): Doctor's statement of intrastate medical waiver
Getting help
| For questions about | Contact |
|---|---|
|
Certified medical examiner |
| Problems with your medical certificate on file with DOL | The medical examiner who performed your Department of Transportation physical |
| Your intrastate medical waiver (and 2 weeks have passed since you applied) | Our customer service team: 360-902-3900 |
| Applying for a federal medical exemption |
|
| Applying for a Skill Performance Evaluation | |
| Finding a certified medical examiner | National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners |
