Self-certification is a declaration of how you will operate commercially from one of four 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)
Find a Certified Medical Examiner.
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.
Type of certification and status | Self-certify as this type if you… | Medical documents required |
---|---|---|
Non-excepted interstate commercial driver Status:
|
|
Medical Examiner's Certificate – must be submitted to us and added to the driver record. Other documents: |
Excepted interstate commercial driver Status:
|
|
Medical Examiners Certificate – must be submitted to us and added to the driver record. Other documents: |
Non-excepted intrastate driver Status:
|
|
Medical Examiners Certificate – must be submitted to us and added to the driver record. Other documents: |
Excepted intrastate driver Status:
|
|
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
- Make an appointment to visit a driver licensing office.
- Submit your CDL medical documents:
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.