Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration

New Medical Certification Requirements - A Guide for CDL Holders

​​Self–Certification Categories and Medical Certification Requirements

In order to comply with the requirements established by the United States Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) includes a medical certification (Med Cert) status and the information contained on the medical examiner's certificate (DOT card) on the driving records of all commercial driver's license (CDL) holders.

In Maryland, all CDL applicants are required to present valid Med Cert documentation (DOT card, Skills Performance Evaluation, Waiver Exemption, etc.) when renewing or applying for a new, corrected or duplicate CDL. CDL holders are also required to submit updated Med Cert documentation to the MVA for the duration of their license. In addition, all CDL holders are required to "self-certify" regarding the type of commercial driving they will be doing (dependent on type of commerce and/or medical qualifications). CDL holders are no longer required to submit a self-certification form when updating their medical certification. The self-certification will only be required when a customer is obtaining a new CDL’s, transferring a CDL, renewing a CDL, upgrading a license to a CDL, or changing their status from intrastate to interstate or vice versa. If a waiver/exemption is needed, it should be submitted along with the medical certification card.

More information can be found at CDL Medical/Physical Requirements and Frequently Asked Questions.

CDL applicants are required to certify on the form, which of the four types of commercial driving (commerce) they will be performing:

  • NON-EXCEPTED INTERSTATE (NI) - The CDL holder is qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle across state lines and complies with all federal qualification requirements.
  • NON-EXCEPTED INTRASTATE (NA) - The CDL holder is qualified to drive a commercial vehicle only within the state of Maryland and has an approved MVA CDL Medical Waiver.
  • EXCEPTED INTERSTATE (EI) - The CDL holder drives a commercial motor vehicle across state lines only for specific excepted activities, such as to transport school children or staff, sick or injured persons, corpses, etc. Since the driver must meet all Maryland requirements without an MVA CDL Medical Waiver, the CDL holder may select the non-excepted interstate certification (NI) to maximize his/her driving options.
  • EXCEPTED INTRASTATE (EA) - The CDL holder drives a commercial motor vehicle only within Maryland. Although exempt from the federal qualification requirements based on the type of driving performed, the CDL holder must meet all Maryland requirements without an MVA CDL Medical Waiver and may select the non-excepted interstate certification (NI) to maximize his/her driving options.

For the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, please click here​.