If you have or are getting a CDL (Commercial Driver's License), you need to tell the DMV what kind of driving you do (self-certify) every time you receive a CDL product.
If you certify for interstate driving where you, your passengers, or your cargo cross state lines without special exceptions, you must have a Digital Medical Examiner's Certificate on file to show you're medically qualified to drive. To learn more visit FMCSA’s Learning Center.
If you currently don’t use your CDL and want to keep it, you still must certify, but you can change your status to something more appropriate for your current situation. If you don't keep your status updated, your license could be downgraded.
When you get a CDL, the license examiner will ask you to choose what kind of driving you do. First, you’ll decide if your passengers and/or your cargo will cross state lines (interstate driving) or if you, your passengers and/or your cargo will operate only in Iowa (intrastate driving). This choice matters because it affects the rules you follow. Interstate drivers need to follow different rules than intrastate drivers.
There are four categories to choose from:
Nonexcepted Interstate:Must have a current Medical Examiner’s Certificate on file, these must be submitted electronically by your medical examiner.
Excepted Interstate: No Medical Examiner’s certificate is necessary, however driving options are limited.
Nonexcepted Intrastate: (will have a “K” restriction added to your CDL) Must have a Medical Certificate with you while driving, but not necessary to turn into the DMV.
Excepted Intrastate: (will have a “K” restriction added to your CDL) No medical certificate needed, however driving options are limited.
You will need to visit your medical provider before your certificate expires to ensure you have the most up-to-date certificate submitted through NRII. Visit your provider well before your current certificate expires to allow time for the data validation process.
If you are changing from interstate to intrastate or vice versa, you will need to make an appointment to come into the DMV to update your CDL to either add or remove the “K” restriction.
To get a Medical Examiner's Certificate, you need to see a doctor who is active on a Federally approved special list called the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. Find a doctor on the National Registry. The provider will submit the medical certification, electronically, through the NRII database.
To get a Medical Examiner's Certificate, you need to see a doctor who is active on a Federally approved special list called the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. Find a doctor on the National Registry. The provider will submit the medical certification, electronically, through the NRII database.
Under federal rules, drivers of commercial vehicles must have their Medical Examiner's Certificate on file with the DOT when they are driving across state lines or when their passengers or cargo crosses state lines. These rules have also been adopted by the State of Iowa for intrastate commerce (driving within the state of Iowa). However, there are exceptions for some farm vehicle drivers when driving for farm operation. The list below will assist in determining when an Iowa licensed and farm-based vehicle driver needs to carry a copy of their medical certificate with them.
Iowa farmer or helper – intrastate commerce – no mileage limit:
Pickup without a trailer: No medical certificate required.
Pickup with a trailer: No medical certificate required.
Straight truck without a trailer: No medical certificate required.
Straight truck with a trailer: No medical certificate required.
Truck-tractor/semitrailer: No medical certificate required
Iowa farmer or helper – interstate commerce – within 150 air miles of home farm:
Pickup without a trailer: No medical certificate required.
Pickup with a trailer: No medical certificate required.
Straight truck without a trailer: No medical certificate required.
Straight truck with a trailer: No medical certificate required.
Truck-tractor/semitrailer: No medical certificate required.
Iowa farmer or helper – interstate commerce – over 150 air miles from home farm:
Pickup without a trailer: Medical certificate required if over 10,000 gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).
Pickup with a trailer: Medical certificate required if over 10,000 GCWR.
Straight truck without a trailer: Medical certificate required.
Straight truck with a trailer: Medical certificate required.
Truck-tractor/semitrailer: Medical certificate required.
Please refer to the expiration date on your medical certificate.
You should consult with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Visit the FMCSA website or call 708-283-3577 for information regarding medical qualifications.
In most cases, FMCSA will notify the Iowa DOT of the variance or waiver, however, you should go to a DMV location to get the new restriction placed on your CDL. You must carry the specific variance or waiver information with you while driving. As your variance or waiver nears expiration, you must apply to FMCSA for the renewal. Variances and/or waivers of physical qualifications are granted only by FMCSA. Information on waivers and variances is available on FMCSA’s website: www.fmcsa.dot.gov and by clicking "Medical Program."
