What is a Long Form and When is it Required? (DOT Physical)

March 7, 2026

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If you’ve ever been told you need your “DOT long form,” you’re not alone. Drivers and employers often use that phrase to mean the detailed paperwork from a DOT physical.

The “Long Form” is the Medical Examination Report (MER), Form MCSA-5875. It’s the full, multi-page report that includes your medical history and the examiner’s findings from your DOT exam.

Long Form vs. Short Form (What’s the difference?)

Long Form (MER): Medical Examination Report, Form MCSA-5875 — the detailed exam report.
Medical Card (MEC): Medical Examiner’s Certificate, Form MCSA-5876 — the card/certificate issued if you’re medically qualified.

FMCSA explains that drivers must complete the medical history portion of the MER (MCSA-5875) as part of the physical, and if the examiner finds you qualified, the examiner completes and provides the MEC (MCSA-5876).

What’s inside the DOT “Long Form” (MCSA-5875)?

The long form typically includes:

Your driver information and identification details
Your health history (conditions, medications, surgeries, etc.)
Exam findings like vision, hearing, blood pressure, and other physical exam notes
The examiner’s medical determination (qualified, not qualified, periodic monitoring, determination pending, etc.)

When is the Long Form required?

1) Every time you get a DOT physical

Federal DOT medical exam rules require that the DOT medical exam be performed and that the results be recorded on the Medical Examination Report (MER), Form MCSA-5875. In other words: if you are getting a DOT physical, the long form is part of the process.

2) The medical examiner must keep it on file

Under the federal medical exam regulation, the medical examiner must retain the completed Medical Examination Report and a copy/electronic version of the Medical Examiner’s Certificate for at least 3 years.

Do drivers have to carry the Long Form?

Usually, no. Most of the time, drivers are asked to carry (or maintain proof of) their Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC), not the full long form.

That said, you may still be asked for the long form in certain situations.

When you might be asked to provide a copy of the Long Form

1) Your employer requests it

Some companies ask drivers for a copy of the long form for their records, especially if there’s a medical issue that requires follow-up documentation.

2) Your state licensing agency requests it (state-specific)

Requirements can vary by state. For example, the California DMV states that CDL holders must submit a medical report and lists both:

a valid federal MER (MCSA-5875), and
the MEC (MCSA-5876).

3) You’re resolving a “pending” or paperwork issue

If your exam is delayed because the examiner needs more information (for example, specialist notes or required FMCSA forms), having a copy of your paperwork can help you and your clinic track what’s missing.

4) Electronic reporting changes (why you should still keep copies)

FMCSA’s National Registry II driver fact sheet explains that in states that have implemented electronic transmission, medical certification information is transmitted to the state driver licensing agency electronically, and medical examiners may no longer be required to issue the original paper MEC to CLP/CDL holders. FMCSA encourages drivers to request a copy for their records to help troubleshoot electronic transmission issues if they occur.

How to get a copy of your Long Form

Ask the clinic/medical examiner at the time of your exam for a copy of the completed MER (MCSA-5875).
Keep it with your personal records, especially if you have a medical condition that requires periodic monitoring or additional documentation.
If you need it later, contact the clinic that performed your exam (medical examiners retain records for at least 3 years).

Bottom line

The “DOT long form” is the Medical Examination Report (MER), Form MCSA-5875. It’s required for every DOT physical because it’s the official record of the exam findings. While drivers typically rely on the medical card/certificate (MCSA-5876) for proof of qualification, you may be asked for the long form by your employer or your state (including California), and it’s smart to keep a copy for your records.

This article is for general educational purposes and is not medical advice.

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