DOT Physical Exam Texas CDL 2026: Full Guide

📅 Updated July 2026 📌 Source: Texas DPS, FMCSA ⏱ 9 min read

Texas is in the middle of a real, dated transition away from paper medical certificates entirely — and the state's self-certification system uses its own specific form numbers most guides never actually name. With nearly 775,000 valid CDL holders in Texas, this is one of the highest-stakes compliance processes on the entire CDL journey. Here's exactly how it works.

In This Guide

The DOT Physical Exam Itself

The DOT physical is a federal exam required for most CDL holders, performed only by an examiner listed on the FMCSA National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners — not just any physician.

Test AreaMinimum Standard
Vision20/40 in each eye, corrective lenses permitted
HearingPerceive a forced whisper at 5 feet in the better ear
Blood pressureBelow 140/90 for a full 2-year certificate
UrinalysisChecks kidney function and glucose — not a drug test
Cost varies by clinic type. DOT physicals in Texas typically run $80 to $200. Urgent care clinics tend to be cheaper; dedicated occupational health clinics and standalone DOT examiners run higher. Most health insurance does not cover this exam — plan to pay out of pocket. Some Texas CDL schools have referral discounts for first-time applicants.

Texas's Four Self-Certification Categories

Every Texas CDL holder and CLP applicant completes a Self-Certification Affidavit (Form CDL-7), plus one category-specific form that determines whether a medical certificate is required at all.

CategoryFormMedical Cert Required?
Non-Excepted Interstate CommerceCDL-4Yes — most CDL holders fall here
Excepted Interstate CommerceCDL-10No — but must meet Texas medical standards; restricted to the certified excepted activity
Non-Excepted Intrastate CommerceCDL-5, Part BYes, with possible state waiver for certain conditions (Form CDL-37)
Excepted Intrastate CommerceCDL-5, Parts A or CNo — covers pre-1989 drivers or oil/water well servicing and mobile crane operations specifically
Choosing the wrong category has real consequences. Categories 2, 3, and 4 all carry restrictions on your CDL limiting you to the specific activity you certified for. Texas DPS and your CDL school advisor can help you determine the correct category — this isn't a formality to breeze through.

The April 10, 2026 Paper Deadline

Texas has been transitioning to electronic medical certification for over a year. Texas began accepting certification electronically from the FMCSA National Registry on March 23, 2025. Effective April 10, 2026, Texas DPS will no longer accept paper medical certificates at all.

Practical effect: Once your examiner completes your exam, their electronic submission to the FMCSA National Registry is what reaches Texas DPS — not a paper form you carry in. Still keep a personal paper or digital copy of your Medical Examiner's Certificate (Form MCSA-5876) for your own records and for any employer who asks to see it.

The 15-Day Submission Rule

You must submit a copy of your new DOT medical certificate to Texas DPS within 15 days of the medical certificate's issuance date to prevent your CDL from being downgraded. Allow up to 10 business days after submission for your record to update in the License Eligibility system.

MilestoneTimeframe
Submit new certificate to DPSWithin 15 days of issuance
DPS processes and updates recordUp to 10 business days
Courtesy expiration notice sent~60 days before current certificate expires

What Happens If Your Certificate Expires

Texas's downgrade consequence is stricter than several other states. If your medical certificate on file expires without renewal, Texas DPS automatically downgrades your CDL to a non-commercial Class C license. To restore your commercial driving privileges, you must retake all CDL knowledge and skills exams again — not simply update your medical certification. This is a meaningfully harsher consequence than states where reinstatement only requires resubmitting a valid medical certificate.

How to Submit and Check Your Status

MethodDetails
EmailCDLMedCert@dps.texas.gov (send as PDF attachment, not a link)
Fax512-424-2002 (set your fax to request a confirmation receipt)
MailTexas DPS License and Record Service, Attn: CDL Section, P.O. Box 4087, Austin, TX 78773-0320
Check statusTexas DPS License Eligibility application (dps.texas.gov)

After Your Physical — Practice for Knowledge Tests

While your certification processes, use the time to prepare.

Start Texas CDL Practice Tests Texas CDL Drug Test Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

What form do I need for Texas CDL self-certification?
The Self-Certification Affidavit (CDL-7), plus one category form: CDL-4 (Non-Excepted Interstate), CDL-10 (Excepted Interstate), CDL-5 Part B (Non-Excepted Intrastate), or CDL-5 Parts A/C (Excepted Intrastate).
What changed about paper medical certificates in Texas?
Electronic acceptance began March 23, 2025. Effective April 10, 2026, Texas DPS stops accepting paper certificates entirely.
How long do I have to submit a new DOT medical card?
Within 15 days of the certificate's issuance date. Allow up to 10 business days for DPS to process and update your record.
What happens if my certificate expires without renewal?
Automatic downgrade to a Class C license, and you must retake all CDL knowledge and skills exams to restore your CDL — stricter than many other states.
Does Texas DPS warn me before expiration?
Yes, a courtesy notice approximately 60 days before your certificate expires.
How much does a DOT physical cost in Texas?
Typically $80 to $200 depending on the clinic. Most insurance doesn't cover it; some CDL schools offer referral discounts.

Sources: Texas Department of Public Safety (dps.texas.gov); FMCSA; 49 CFR Part 391. Last verified July 2026.