Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Self-Certification

Drivers who wish to obtain, or who currently have a CDL that is being renewed, upgraded, or transferred from another state, are required to self-certify as part of the application process. Drivers will only need to re-certify if they are changing their self-certification category between renewals cycles.

There are 4 self-certification categories:

• Non-Excepted Interstate (NI) - You operate or expect to operate in interstate commerce and must meet the federal Department of Transportation (DOT) medical card requirements
• Excepted Interstate (EI) - You operate or expect to operate in interstate commerce and do not have to meet the federal DOT medical card requirements
• Non-Excepted Intrastate (NA) - You operate only in intrastate commerce and must meet state driver qualification requirements and obtain a medical examiner’s certificate
• Excepted Intrastate (EA) - You only operate in intrastate commerce and do not have to meet the federal DOT medical card requirements

Compliance Requirements

Per 49 CFR 383.71, driver self-certification is required upon initial issuance, renewal, upgrade, and transfer. Drivers that self-certify as non-excepted interstate or non-excepted intrastate are required to have a physical examination conducted by a certified medical examiner listed on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) National Registry. The RMV verifies that a driver is medically qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). Drivers without active medical certification information will be downgraded, removing the commercial privilege from their license. Downgraded drivers only have an active Class D driver license privilege and are prohibited from operating a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV).

If you are downgraded and need to restore your CDL, the RMV must receive new medical certification information within 365 days of the downgrade. If your CDL is not restored within 365 days, you will be issued a Class D non-commercial driver’s license and you must reapply for your CDL and take the required knowledge and skills tests. All associated fees and testing requirements will apply. If you wish to restore your commercial learner's permit, and are within the 6 month term of your permit, you must visit a RMV Service Center.