Medical Card Maintenance

Mine is on a piece of paper that's a little smaller than a typical index card, folds up nicely in my wallet. The facility I had it done at had recently been DOT certified (a year and a half ago when I had it done) and had all the documentation to go along with it. I've never had an issue with anyone questioning the authenticity of it. Prior to this one, I have had a couple "tri-fold" style on card stock. Always received a typical long form no matter where I've been.

 

Soon we won't need the paper card, they are working to make it all electronic linked to your liscence

 

New thing in Mass is once you register your medical card with them at the RMV you no longer need to have it. They run your license and it shows up whether you have it current.

 

IL does the same, but they say carry the card still if you leave the state because some states still require paper

 

If you are an interstate driver and have certified with DMV, your medical card is on electronic file and you are not required to carry it (new laws which began taking effect January 2015). You still get a medical card when you do the DOT physical but it is not legal until certified (may take upto two weeks unless you file it in person at the local DMV office).

 

Mine is A4 sized printed on plain copier grade paper, same as the long form. I had my medical done at a med center listed on the FMCSA site and the DMV accepted it, though she did comment on the size of the "card".

The card lives in an A4 sized plastic file thingy that has a button snap. Not sure I am going to bother trying to resize or laminate it.

 

I used to keep a notebook with a zipper binder. In it I kept important phone numbers and addresses. I also kept a certified copy of my birth certificate and some other important documents as well as $500 in hundreds for emergency money. I always kept that notebook in my locked briefcase. When I took my physical I always made a copy of the card put the copy in my wallet and the original and long form in that notebook. I still have the notebook but it now stays in the glove box of my POV, absent the money of course.

 

Out here in Cali they no longer issue a medical card. You get a medical certificate which is the same size as a regular sheet of paper. Most inspectors at weigh stations don't even ask for the "card" cause they just look it up on the computer. Its a good idea to carry the certificate and long form in the truck with you though.

 

Hopefully after January 2016 they will pass the law where your FedMed card goes on your CDL license. No more carrying of a piece of paper. Just as we are required to now send a copy of out med cards to the DMV every time we renew it, or face losing your CDL