What Medical Records Should You Bring to a DOT Physical?

March 10, 2026

Comments are closed.

One of the biggest reasons DOT physicals get delayed is missing paperwork. During the exam, the medical examiner reviews your health history and may review any available medical records. If more information is needed to make a decision, the examiner can place the exam in a “determination pending” status and require follow-up within 45 days.

Bringing the right documents helps the examiner make a clear decision the same day—and can reduce the chance you’ll need a return visit.

Bring These Every Time (Most Drivers)

1) Photo ID (and your driver’s license)

The official DOT Medical Examination Report (MER) includes a section for verifying your identity using a photo ID (examples listed include a CDL, driver’s license, or passport). Bring your current photo ID so the clinic can verify you.

2) Your current DOT medical card (if you have one)

If you already have an unexpired Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC), bring it. This matters especially if the examiner needs additional paperwork and your exam ends up “pending”—your prior certificate may be the only valid proof of medical qualification you have until a new decision is made.

3) A complete medication list

Bring a written list of all medications you take, including:

Prescriptions
Over-the-counter medicines
Vitamins and supplements

The MER instructions tell medical examiners to compare your medication list with your health history and discuss any unclear answers, so having an accurate list helps avoid delays.

4) Glasses/contacts and hearing aids (if you use them)

If you need corrective lenses or a hearing aid, bring them to the appointment. The MEC includes checkboxes for “wearing corrective lenses” and “wearing hearing aid,” and the examiner may certify you with those requirements.

Bring These If They Apply to You (Condition-Specific Paperwork)

1) Insulin-treated diabetes (ITDM): Form MCSA-5870

If you use insulin, FMCSA requires the Insulin-Treated Diabetes Mellitus Assessment Form (MCSA-5870) completed by your treating clinician. FMCSA also requires that you provide it to the certified medical examiner within 45 days of the treating clinician completing it.

Also bring your blood glucose self-monitoring records. The MCSA-5870 form notes that drivers must provide at least the preceding 3 months of electronic blood glucose self-monitoring records while being treated with insulin.

2) Vision issues / monocular vision: Form MCSA-5871

If you do not meet the standard DOT vision requirements (for example, monocular vision or not meeting the standard in one eye), you may need the Vision Evaluation Report (MCSA-5871) completed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist.

The form states the medical examiner must receive it and begin the DOT exam within 45 days after the eye doctor signs it.

3) Waiver/exemption or SPE certificate (if applicable)

If you operate with a medical variance (such as a waiver/exemption) or a Skill Performance Evaluation (SPE) Certificate, bring those documents. The MEC includes certification categories for “accompanied by a waiver/exemption” and “accompanied by a Skill Performance Evaluation (SPE) Certificate.”

4) Prescription medications that may require clarification: Optional Form MCSA-5895

In some situations, the examiner may request information from your prescribing clinician about medications. FMCSA provides an optional tool—the 391.41 CMV Driver Medication Form (MCSA-5895)—that medical examiners may use (with your consent) to request additional medication information when determining qualification.

5) Sleep apnea (OSA): bring treatment information if you have it

FMCSA’s Medical Examiner’s Handbook notes that the regulations do not specify OSA screening requirements or a required method to assess compliance. However, the examiner should consider your responses on the MER and identifiable risk factors, and whether treatment (if diagnosed) is adequate, effective, safe, and stable. If you have a diagnosis and are being treated, bring any recent documentation your treating provider has given you that describes your current status and treatment stability.

6) Recent hospitalization, surgery, new diagnosis, or specialist care

If you recently had a major medical event or you are actively under specialist care, bring the most relevant records you have (for example, a discharge summary, test results, or a treating clinician note). FMCSA guidance explains that “determination pending” may be used when the medical examiner needs additional testing, information, or recommendations from your treating provider and/or specialists to complete the medical assessment.

Why paperwork matters: “Determination Pending” and the 45-day clock

If the examiner needs more information to make a decision, FMCSA regulations allow the examiner to require that the additional information be provided (or further examination completed) within 45 days, and the MER instructions also explain the follow-up date must be 45 days or less. If you’re missing paperwork, that can mean a second visit—and potentially lost driving time—so it’s best to arrive prepared.

Quick Checklist (Copy/Paste Friendly)

Photo ID (CDL/driver’s license/passport)
Current DOT medical card (MEC) if you have one
Complete medication list (prescriptions + OTC + supplements)
Glasses/contacts and hearing aids (if used)
MCSA-5870 + 3 months glucose monitoring records (if insulin-treated diabetes)
MCSA-5871 (if using the alternative vision standard/monocular vision)
Waiver/exemption documents or SPE certificate (if applicable)
Recent specialist notes/test results if you’ve had a major medical change

Bottom Line

Bring a photo ID, your current DOT card (if you have one), a complete medication list, and any condition-specific FMCSA forms that apply to you. If you’re being treated for a condition that could affect certification, bring supporting records—because the medical examiner may need additional information from your treating clinician or specialists to complete the DOT decision.

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

Blog