DOT physical in Texas

Filing your medical card with DPS

CDL holders self-certify their driving type and submit the medical examiner’s certificate to the Texas Department of Public Safety — online through the DPS driver license services site, or in person at a driver license office. Keep a copy in the truck for roadside inspections until DPS shows it on your record.

You'll also self-certify your driving category (interstate or intrastate, excepted or non-excepted). Most for-hire freight driving is non-excepted interstate — the category that requires a current medical certificate on file. If you're unsure, your carrier's safety department will know which box you belong in.

Intrastate waiver program

Texas runs its own medical waiver program for intrastate-only drivers who can’t meet a federal standard (for example certain vision or limb impairments). If an examiner can’t certify you under the federal rules, ask DPS about intrastate options before giving up.

Driving intrastate at 18

Texas issues CDLs for intrastate driving at 18; crossing state lines generally requires being 21 (with a federal apprenticeship exception). Your self-certification category tells DPS which rules apply to you.

The exam is the same everywhere

Any examiner on the FMCSA National Registry can certify you, in Texas or any other state — the card is valid nationwide for up to 24 months (shorter if a condition like high blood pressure needs monitoring). What the examiner checks doesn't change at the state line:

• The requirements — vision, hearing, blood pressure, and the conditions that need extra paperwork
• What to expect at the exam — the visit step by step
• Where to get it done — clinic types and typical prices, plus what it costs