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Need a Texas DOT physical? Have questions about new requirements or what happens afterward? Texas has specific rules for CDL medical certification. The results submission process has also changed in recent years.
Below, we provide answers to eight common commercial driver questions about current DOT medical certification requirements in Texas.
Texas DOT physical requirements depend on your type of commercial driving: non-excepted interstate (across state lines or in interstate commerce) or non-excepted intrastate (only within Texas). Texas CDL holders must self-certify their driving category when applying for or renewing their CDL.
Depending on your category, you may need a current Medical Examiner’s Certificate on file with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
If you need a medical certification, you must:
If you’re unsure which category applies to you, check Texas DPS medical certification requirements before completing your Texas DOT physical.
Texas offers CDL waivers and exceptions for qualifying drivers:
These options have specific eligibility requirements and may limit where or how you can operate a commercial vehicle.
Having a particular diagnosis or using certain medications does not automatically mean you cannot qualify for certification in Texas. It may mean you’re issued a shorter certification period. In some cases, the examiner may determine that you need additional evaluation, documentation, monitoring, or a federal exemption.
If you have questions about a specific medical condition, discuss it with your medical examiner rather than assuming you’ll fail.
You may receive a medical certificate valid for up to 24 months in Texas. However, 24 months is not guaranteed. A medical examiner can issue a shorter certification period if you have a medical condition that requires more frequent monitoring. The examiner determines your certification period based on applicable requirements and your current health status.
You no longer need to fax, mail, or email your medical certificates directly to DPS. Since June 23, 2025, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has required certified medical examiners to submit medical examination results electronically through the National Registry II. This electronic process is now standard for Texas DOT medical card submission.
In Texas, medical examiners must transmit examination results by midnight of the next calendar day following the exam. The National Registry II then sends the results to Texas DPS. Records may take up to 10 business days to be fully updated.
You may still receive a paper copy of your Medical Examiner’s Certificate from your examiner. There’s also a temporary federal exemption allowing certain drivers to rely on a paper certificate as proof of medical certification for up to 60 days after issuance. This exemption ends after October 11, 2026.
Texas drivers can check their current medical certification status through the state’s online License Eligibility system. This can help you catch an issue before your current certification expires. Allow up to 10 business days for the record to be fully updated after submission.
If your CDL requires a current Medical Examiner’s Certificate, you need to keep that certification valid. Texas DPS provides a courtesy notification approximately 60 days before a current medical certificate expires.
If your CDL is downgraded because your medical certificate expired, Texas has a process for upgrading it again under certain conditions. However, it’s much easier to monitor your expiration date and complete your next exam before your certification lapses.
If you need a DOT physical in the Greenville, TX area, Drug Testing of Texas can help. We provide DOT physicals and other occupational health services for commercial drivers, employers, and safety-sensitive workers.
Here’s why local drivers trust our clinic:
Have questions about your upcoming Texas DOT physical? Contact us to learn more or schedule your appointment. We look forward to seeing you!
