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:

• Medical Examiner's Certificate
• Medical Examination Report
• Intrastate Medical Waiver for drivers who don't meet the federal physical requirements
• For diabetes, vision, or hearing exemptions, see Driver Exemption Programs
• Federal Skills Performance Evaluation Certificate (SPE)

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.

Non-excepted interstate commercial driver

• 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 SPE form.

Excepted interstate commercial driver

• 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 an intrastate medical waiver, it must be valid and you must carry it while driving in WA.

  Non-excepted intrastate driver

  • 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

    • 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

        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.