A compliance date for commercial driver’s license holders is approaching to meet medical self certification requirements and the Iowa Department of Transportation is reminding CDL holders of an online service to help them comply with regulations. The federal rules now require all CDL holders to be self-certified for the type of driving they do and if applicable submit a copy of their Medical Examiner’s Certificate to the Iowa DOT by January 30th, 2014, regardless of CDL expiration date. If not, the DOT may initiate a downgrade of the CDL to noncommercial status.

To avoid unnecessary complications for any CDL holder, the Iowa DOT: (1) started notifying drivers of the requirement by sending reminder notices to each holder prior to their expiration date; (2) created a comprehensive website at www.iowadot.gov/mvd/ods/MCRforCDL.html; and (3) developed brochures, which are available at driver license issuance sites or online at the above website. In addition, the Iowa DOT is also sending out a monthly mailing to notify drivers who have CDLs expiring after the federal deadline of January 30, 2014, based on the order of expiration.

CDL holders do not need to wait for the notification; they can make their self-certification online at https://mymvd.iowadot.gov/Account/Login. Being proactive will avoid roadside complications and prevent unnecessary downgrading of your commercial driver’s license.The Iowa DOT wants to help CDL holders meet the federal deadline.It’s simple to use the online service.

1. Visit https://mymvd.iowadot.gov.
2. Enter your name, date of birth, last five digits of your social security number and Iowa driver’s license number.
3. Select the “Self-Certification and Medical Examiner’s Certificate” application.
4. Select the type of commercial motor vehicle operation you drive in or expect to drive in with your CDL. Based on your selection, you will or will not be required to provide a copy of a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate. If a certificate is required, instructions will be provided for emailing, faxing or mailing the form to the Iowa DOT.

If you don’t have online access, you can still meet the deadline by following the instructions below.

If your driver’s license expires between now and Jan. 30, 2014,go to the driver’s license stationwhen it is time for your CDL to be renewed.The clerk will ask you to declare the type of commercial motor vehicle operation you intend to perform. If it falls into a certain category, you will be asked to provide your Medical Examiner’s Certificate so that it can be scanned and saved with your driver record.
If your driver’s license does not expire until after Jan. 30, 2014,you must go to an Iowa driver’s license issuance location before Jan. 30, 2014. The clerk will ask you to declare the type of commercial motor vehicle operation you intend to perform. If it falls into a certain category, you will be asked to provide your Medical Examiner’s Certificate so that it can be scanned and saved with your driver record.
Until the federal program is fully implemented on Jan. 30, 2014, a driver must still carry an original or copy of his or her Medical Examiner’s Certificate, and provide a copy to his or her employer for the individual’s driver qualification file.

For additional information about CDL self-certification and Medical Examiner’s Certificate reporting, check out the brochure by clicking here; or visit this link (click here).