Medical Exams
Ensure you meet the medical requirements for your CDL by obtaining a valid Medical Examiner's Certificate from a certified provider.
Medical Exams
Your Medical Exam is Now Digital
As of June 16, 2025, the Nevada DMV has transitioned to a paperless system.
Ensure your provider is on the National Registry. They will upload your results directly to the FMCSA. Paper certificates are no longer the standard.
Submission Checklist
Before you leave the doctor's office, check these three things:
Registry Verification : Confirm the doctor is listed in the National Registry.
Digital Upload : Ask the provider: "Will you upload my MCSA-5876 results to the FMCSA Registry by midnight?"
The "Backup" Copy : Always request a physical or PDF copy of your MCSA-5876. (The "Long Form" is for your records only; do not send it to the DMV).
Please Note: After completing your DOT physical, it may take 1–3+ days for your information to appear in the National Registry so we can verify and pull it. Plan accordingly
Check Your DOT Physical Status
- You can check your updated DOT physical status in your MyDMV account, but please allow 1-3 days for the update to appear.
- If you don't notice a change, please visit your closest DMV CDL office.
Pre-Exam Checklist
- Verify the Need: Ask your employer and see Self-Certification to determine whether you need an exam. Employers may require an exam even if federal or state regulations do not.
You must use a provider from the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners . If they aren't on the list, the DMV won't accept the results.
Timing
- Processing Time : The Nevada DMV asks for 4 to 6 weeks to process mailed or faxed documents.
- The Deadline: If your medical card expires while they are still trying to read a blurry fax, your CDL will be automatically downgraded.
Quick Reference Documents
CDL Suspension due to Non-Compliance
Nevada has discontinued the issuance and renewal of Limited Term (Non-Domicile) Commercial Driver Licenses (CDLs) and Commercial Learner Permits (CLPs). This change follows new federal security rules and affects individuals who do not meet updated federal domicile requirements.
- Discontinued Services : Nevada no longer issues, renews, or provides duplicates for Limited Term (non-domiciled) CDLs/CLPs.
- Who Is Impacted : Non-U.S. citizens, including asylum seekers, refugees, and DACA recipients.
- Reason for the Change : The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) implemented new rules for non-domiciled CDL/CLP holders after federal audits and security reviews.
- Duration : This suspension is in effect as of late 2025. Nevada is currently reviewing its processes and may update this guidance in the future.
Downgrading Your CDL
There are many reasons you might choose to step away from commercial driving—whether you're retiring, changing careers, or simply no longer want to maintain a federal medical certificate. Depending on your goals, you have two options for changing your license status.
Option 1: Switch to "Excepted" Status
If you want to keep your CDL but stop worrying about medical examiner certificates (DOT cards), you can change your self-certification.
- The Process : Visit a DMV office to update your self-certification status to "Excepted."
- How it Works : This indicates that you only operate in specific fleets (like school buses or government vehicles) or that you aren't currently driving commercially but want to keep the license active for future use.
- Best For : Drivers who want to keep their commercial privileges "on ice" without undergoing regular medical physicals.
Option 2: Downgrade to a Non-Commercial License (NCDL)
If you are finished with commercial driving entirely, you can surrender your CDL in exchange for a standard Class C passenger vehicle license.
- The Process : Visit a DMV office to officially downgrade your CDL to a non-commercial driver license (NCDL)
- How it Works : You will turn in your commercial license and be issued a standard driver's license. This removes the "commercial" designation from your record and ends all federal medical filing requirements.
- Best For : Drivers who no longer need commercial privileges and want to simplify their renewal process.
Note : If your medical certificate expires and you do not self-certify as "Excepted" or downgrade your license, the DMV may automatically "downgrade" your status, which could lead to complications if you try to drive commercially later. It is always better to manage the process yourself.