North Carolina DOT Physical: Exam and Medical Certification Guide

A North Carolina DOT physical evaluates whether a commercial driver meets the applicable medical qualification standards. It is different from an NCDOT employee hiring examination. This guide explains the exam, medical certificates, and the electronic reporting process for drivers.

Who needs a DOT physical?

Requirements depend on your driving category. North Carolina requires certified medical status for non-excepted interstate and non-excepted intrastate CDL/CLP drivers. Excepted categories have different requirements. Certain non-CDL commercial drivers also need medical certification under federal or state rules. Check your category using NCDMV’s commercial-driver guidance.

What happens during the examination?

A federally required DOT physical must be performed by a medical examiner listed on the FMCSA National Registry. The examiner reviews your health history and medications, performs a physical examination, and checks vision, hearing, blood pressure, pulse, and urine findings. The Medical Examination Report, MCSA-5875, documents the examination.

The physical’s urinalysis checks health indicators; it is separate from a DOT drug test. Additional information or evaluation may be needed before the examiner can make a qualification decision. A qualifying driver may receive certification for up to 24 months, or a shorter period when required. Follow the expiration date and restrictions on your certification.

What should you bring?

• Your driver’s license and accurate licensing-state information.
• A current medication list, including doses, and relevant medical records.
• Glasses, contact lenses, or hearing aids if you use them.
• Any supporting documents the examiner requests for your medical circumstances.

Call before your visit if you are unsure which records to bring. Continue prescribed treatment and discuss medication questions with your treating clinician. Preparation helps the examination proceed, but does not guarantee certification.

How does NCDMV receive the results?

North Carolina stopped accepting Medical Examiner’s Certificates directly from commercial drivers on June 28, 2025. For eligible CDL/CLP drivers, the examiner reports to FMCSA’s National Registry and FMCSA transmits certification information to the licensing state. Do not mail the detailed Medical Examination Report to NCDMV as a routine substitute for this process.

Under 49 CFR 391.43, federally required exam results must be reported by midnight local time on the next calendar day after the examination is completed, including unqualified results. Submission does not guarantee immediate state posting. Ask your examiner to confirm transmission and verify your state record.

NCDMV self-certification through CDL-MED-1 is separate. Our NC medical certificate and NRII guide explains that requirement, paper-copy recommendations, reporting corrections, and the current temporary federal exception.

Do you still need a paper medical card?

For CDL/CLP drivers in NRII states, the electronic state record is the official record; motor carriers generally verify it through the licensing state’s motor vehicle record. Keep a certificate copy for your records and follow current FMCSA paper-copy guidance. Federally covered non-CDL drivers must carry their medical certificate while on duty. See 49 CFR 391.41 and our NRII guide for the distinctions.

DOT physicals in Charlotte: fees and appointments

At Beyond Wellness Chiropractic Center, a DOT physical costs $85. A drug test is an additional $85 when needed. Book online, call 704-461-1836, or email admin@beyondwellnesscc.com for general office questions. Learn more about our Charlotte DOT physical service.

Guidance reviewed October 5, 2026. Medical qualification is determined by the examiner using the applicable standards and your examination findings.