DOT Physicals Compliance Guide
Stay current on DOT physical examination requirements, medical certification standards, and FMCSA regulatory changes.
Overview
Department of Transportation physical examinations are a critical compliance requirement for employers in transportation, logistics, and any industry with commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operators. FMCSA regulations mandate that all CDL holders pass a DOT physical every two years (or more frequently for certain medical conditions). Recent years have seen expanded use of the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners, updated guidance on sleep apnea screening, and evolving standards for diabetes and cardiovascular conditions.
Regulatory Landscape
DOT physicals are governed by FMCSA regulations under 49 CFR Part 391. All medical examiners must be listed on the National Registry, and exam results are reported electronically. Key areas of regulatory change include sleep apnea screening recommendations (which remain advisory but influence examiner practices), expanded guidance on insulin-treated diabetes exemptions, and updated vision and hearing standards. States cannot override federal DOT physical requirements, but they can set additional standards for intrastate-only carriers. Employers must ensure their medical examiner providers are National Registry-certified and staying current with FMCSA Medical Review Board recommendations.
Key Considerations
- 1Verify all medical examiners are listed on the FMCSA National Registry
- 2Track medical certificate expiration dates to prevent lapses in driver qualification
- 3Understand medical conditions that require more frequent recertification (annual or shorter)
- 4Implement proactive sleep apnea screening protocols to reduce examiner referrals
- 5Maintain driver qualification files with current medical certificates as required by Part 391
- 6Stay informed on FMCSA Medical Review Board advisories that may become mandatory
Recent DOT Physicals Updates
Recent Regulatory Updates
Latest compliance changes affecting workplace health programs
FMCSA Revokes TRUCKSTAFF ELD — Carriers Must Replace by August 23, 2026 (49 CFR Part 395)
FMCSA removed TRUCKSTAFF ELD (model TRKSF, identifier TRS227) from its list of registered electronic logging devices for failing to meet the minimum requirements in 49 CFR Part 395, Appendix A to Subpart B. Motor carriers using the device must revert to paper logs or logging software immediately and install a compliant registered ELD before August 23, 2026, after which drivers still using the revoked device will be cited for operating without an ELD and placed out-of-service under CVSA criteria.
FMCSA Revokes 12 Electronic Logging Devices — Carriers Must Replace by July 20, 2026 (49 CFR Part 395)
FMCSA removed 12 devices from its list of registered electronic logging devices — including 888 ELD, DRAGON E, ACTION ELD, Mondo ELD HOS, FIRST ELD, MTL ELD, USPower ELD, Sam Freight ELD, DSGELOGS, COBRA ELD, and GT USA ELOGS — for failing to meet the minimum technical requirements in 49 CFR Part 395, Appendix A to Subpart B. Motor carriers using a revoked device must revert to paper logs or logging software now and install a compliant registered ELD before July 20, 2026, after which drivers will be cited for operating without an ELD and placed out-of-service under CVSA criteria. FMCSA has removed 79 non-compliant devices since January 2025.
FMCSA Launches Motus — New U.S. DOT Registration System With Biometric Identity Verification
FMCSA rolled out Motus, the U.S. DOT Registration System, replacing the legacy network of loosely connected registration applications for motor carriers, brokers, freight forwarders, and other regulated entities. Motus introduces mandatory identity verification using government-issued IDs and digital facial scans plus third-party business validation, targeting the "chameleon" and reincarnated carriers that exploited the old low-validation framework. Carriers need a Login.gov account to access Motus and must use the same account previously tied to their FMCSA Portal access to retain their registration data.
FMCSA Migrates Carrier Registration from FMCSA Portal to Motus — Mandatory Portal Verification by May 14, 2026
FMCSA is replacing the legacy registration system with Motus and requires every regulated entity (motor carriers, brokers, freight forwarders, IEPs, hazmat shippers) to log into the FMCSA Portal by May 14, 2026 and verify company information, operation classification, contact details, and authorized users before the cutover. Portal accounts are disabled after 90 days of inactivity and archived after 12 months. Only the FMCSA Portal Company Official using the same Login.gov email will be permitted to claim the new Motus account on first login.
FMCSA Revokes Registration of Safe ELD and MYLOGS ELD Devices (49 CFR Part 395, Appendix A to Subpart B)
FMCSA removed Safe ELD (iOS and Android, ELD identifier ELD42A) and MYLOGS ELD (model MYLGS2, identifier MRS202) from the list of registered electronic logging devices for failing to meet the minimum technical requirements in 49 CFR Part 395. Motor carriers using either device must replace it with a compliant ELD by July 7, 2026 and revert to paper logs or logging software in the interim. After July 7, drivers using the revoked devices will be considered operating without an ELD and placed out-of-service under CVSA criteria.
FMCSA Temporary Exemption for Paper Medical Examiner Certificates During NRII Transition
FMCSA issued a temporary exemption allowing interstate CDL and CLP holders and motor carriers to rely on paper copies of medical examiner certificates as proof of medical certification for up to 60 days after issuance while State Driver Licensing Agencies transition to the National Registry II (NRII) electronic system. The exemption runs April 11 through October 11, 2026. FMCSA does not anticipate granting additional nationwide NRII waivers after this period.
FMCSA Medical Examiner Certification Requirements
Certified Medical Examiners must maintain active registration in the National Registry and complete periodic training and testing for recertification. Examiners who fail to recertify are removed from the registry.
States Tracking DOT Physicals
12 states currently monitor dot physicals regulations
Looking for the actual dot physicals forms? Browse the BlueHive Forms Library → DOT Physicals
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about dot physicals compliance
Related BlueHive Services
Services that help you stay compliant with dot physicals requirements
DOT Physicals forms
Official forms commonly used to document dot physicals compliance — each verified against the issuing agency.
- DOT / FMCSAMCSA-5875
Medical Examination Report Form (DOT)
MCSA-5875 is the DOT Medical Examination Report (MER) form completed by a Certified Medical Examiner during a commercial driver physical. It documents driver health history, examination findings, and certification decision under 49 CFR 391.43.
View form details - DOT / FMCSAMCSA-5876
Medical Examiner’s Certificate (DOT)
MCSA-5876 is the wallet-style Medical Examiner’s Certificate issued to a qualified commercial driver after a passing MCSA-5875 examination. Drivers must carry the certificate; CDL holders self-certify to their state licensing agency.
View form details
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