What to bring to your DOT physical

Rules checked against the eCFR and FMCSA guidance on November 11, 2026 · Not medical advice

Bring ID, your medication list, anything you use to see or hear, and paperwork for any condition you're treated for.

The checklist

• Driver's license. The examiner records your license details on the exam report, Form MCSA-5875.^[1]
• Your health history, filled in honestly. You complete the driver section of Form MCSA-5875 and sign it. Some clinics let you fill it in before you arrive; ask when you book.
• A list of every medication, with the dose and the prescribing doctor. The rules bar some controlled substances unless a doctor who knows your history prescribed them and advised you they won't affect safe driving.^[2]
• Glasses, contacts or hearing aids if you use them. You can meet the vision and hearing standards with them, and your card will note that you must use them while driving.^[2]
• Your current medical card, if you're renewing, and any federal exemption letter or Skill Performance Evaluation certificate you hold.^[2]

Extra forms for some conditions

• Insulin-treated diabetes: Form MCSA-5870, completed and signed by the clinician who prescribes your insulin. The exam must happen no later than 45 days after they sign it.^[3]
• One eye doesn't meet the vision standard: Form MCSA-5871 from an ophthalmologist or optometrist. The exam must begin within 45 days after they sign it.^[4]
• Other ongoing conditions (heart disease, sleep apnea, seizures, recent surgery): the examiner can ask for records from your treating doctor and can hold the decision for up to 45 days while you get them.^[1] Bringing recent notes from your doctor can save a second visit.

The FMCSA forms are on FMCSA's medical applications and forms page.

What happens at the exam

Expect a vision test, a hearing test, a blood pressure and pulse check, a urinalysis and a physical exam. The urinalysis checks for things like protein, blood and sugar. It is not a drug test; DOT drug testing is a separate process.

The exam must be done by a medical examiner listed on the National Registry, and the examiner reports your results to FMCSA by midnight of the next day.^[1]

Sources

1. 49 CFR 391.43, Medical examination; certificate of physical examination (eCFR)
2. 49 CFR 391.41, Physical qualifications for drivers (eCFR)
3. 49 CFR 391.46, Drivers with insulin-treated diabetes (eCFR)
4. 49 CFR 391.44, Alternative vision standard (eCFR)

This guide summarizes federal rules for interstate commercial drivers. It isn't medical or legal advice, and your medical examiner makes the final decision. Disclaimer.