Who Can Administer DOT Physicals? Navigating the Certified Medical Examiner Registry

September 30, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), all medical examiners who perform physical examinations for interstate commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers must be trained, certified, and listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME). This certification is a strict requirement for who can administer dot physicals to ensure a high standard of medical evaluation and promote public safety.

Quick Summary

A DOT physical must be performed by a certified medical examiner (CME) registered with the FMCSA's NRCME. These professionals undergo special training and pass a federal exam. Drivers can locate a qualified CME using the NRCME online registry.

Key Points

Certified Medical Examiners (CMEs) are Required: Only a CME who is registered on the FMCSA's National Registry can perform a DOT physical.
Diverse Medical Professionals Qualify: Licensed MDs, DOs, PAs, APRNs, and DCs can become CMEs by completing specialized training and passing a federal exam.
Rigorous Certification Process: CMEs must maintain certification through refresher training every five years and pass a recertification test every ten years.
Easy Access to Qualified Examiners: Commercial drivers can find certified examiners using the searchable NRCME online database.
Interstate vs. Intrastate Rules: Federal rules apply to interstate drivers, while intrastate drivers must also comply with their state's specific regulations.
Physicals Focus on Driving Safety: DOT physicals differ from general exams by focusing specifically on health criteria necessary for safe commercial vehicle operation.

Understanding the Role of the Certified Medical Examiner

Federal regulations mandate that a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical be conducted by a certified medical examiner (CME). These are licensed healthcare professionals who have completed additional specialized training and passed a certification test focusing on the FMCSA's physical qualification standards. This rigorous process ensures that every examiner is equipped to evaluate whether a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driver is physically and mentally capable of safely operating their vehicle, minimizing risks for both the driver and the public. The names of all qualified CMEs are listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME), a searchable database maintained by the FMCSA.

Types of Professionals Who Can Administer DOT Physicals

Due to the specific training and certification requirements, not just any healthcare provider can administer a DOT physical. The pool of certified professionals includes a variety of licensed practitioners who have met the federal standards. The full list can be found on {Link: Concentra website https://www.concentra.com/resource-center/articles/what-does-a-dot-physical-consist-of/}. This includes Medical Doctors, Doctors of Osteopathy, Chiropractors, Physician Assistants, and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses.

The CME Certification and Recertification Process

Becoming a certified medical examiner involves several steps mandated by the FMCSA, including holding a valid state license, registering on the NRCME website, completing accredited training on FMCSA standards, and passing a certification test. To maintain certification, CMEs must complete refresher training every five years and pass a recertification test every ten years to stay current with regulations.

How Commercial Drivers Find a Certified Medical Examiner

Commercial drivers can easily find a certified medical examiner using the FMCSA's online search tool on the NRCME website. This public database allows drivers to search by city, state, or zip code to find a qualified CME in their area. Using the official registry ensures the examiner is currently certified. Upon passing the physical, the driver receives a Medical Examiner's Certificate (Form MCSA-5876).

Interstate vs. Intrastate Drivers and Regulatory Differences

Regulations for DOT physicals differ based on whether a driver operates across state lines (interstate) or only within a single state (intrastate). Interstate drivers must be examined by an FMCSA-certified CME on the NRCME, adhering to federal standards. Intrastate drivers, however, are governed by their specific state's laws. While many states adopt federal standards, some may have unique requirements, so intrastate drivers should consult their local DMV.

Comparison of General Physicals vs. DOT Physicals

The table below outlines the key differences between a general health physical and a DOT physical for a commercial driver:


Feature	General Health Physical	DOT Physical (Commercial Driver)
Purpose	Overall health check, wellness promotion	Assess fitness to safely operate a commercial vehicle
Examiner	Any licensed physician or practitioner	Only a Certified Medical Examiner (CME) on the NRCME
Focus	Wide-ranging health issues, preventative care	Specific health criteria impacting driving safety (e.g., vision, hearing, blood pressure)
Key Tests	Routine bloodwork, screenings based on age/risk	Vision test (20/40 acuity), hearing (forced whisper), urinalysis, vitals
Result	Health summary, preventative advice	Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC), valid for up to 24 months
Validity	Varies by individual health, often annual	Up to 24 months, with shorter periods possible for monitored conditions
Insurance	Often covered by most insurance plans	Typically not covered by health insurance, paid out-of-pocket

Conclusion

For commercial drivers, knowing who can administer dot physicals is critical for maintaining compliance and ensuring safety on the road. The strict certification process overseen by the FMCSA is designed to protect both the driver and the public. Drivers can use the official National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners to find a qualified professional. Verifying your examiner is listed on the NRCME ensures your certification is valid and recognized.

Visit the official FMCSA National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your family doctor can administer your DOT physical only if they are a certified medical examiner (CME) registered on the FMCSA's National Registry. Simply being a licensed doctor is not enough; they must also have the specialized federal certification.

You can find a certified medical examiner by visiting the FMCSA's National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME) website and using their search tool to locate a CME by city, state, or zip code.

If you get a DOT physical from a non-certified examiner, the resulting medical certificate will not be valid. You will not meet the federal requirements to operate a commercial motor vehicle, and your commercial driver's license (CDL) or commercial learner's permit (CLP) status could be at risk.

The requirement for a DOT physical for intrastate drivers depends on your state's regulations. While federal rules apply to interstate drivers, many states have adopted the same or similar requirements. You must check with your state's DMV for the specific rules that apply to you.

In most cases, commercial drivers are required to pass a DOT physical every two years. However, a medical examiner may issue a certificate for a shorter period, such as three months, six months, or one year, if they need to monitor a specific medical condition, like high blood pressure.

A variety of licensed healthcare professionals can become CMEs, including Doctors of Medicine (MDs), Doctors of Osteopathy (DOs), Physician Assistants (PAs), Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), and Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs).

To prepare for your DOT physical, you should bring a valid photo ID, a list of all your current medications, your health history, and any necessary corrective lenses or hearing aids. Drivers with specific conditions like diabetes or heart issues may need to provide additional medical records.