DOT physicals by certified medical examiners
FMCSA-certified examiners at four Denver-metro clinics. Most drivers leave with their medical certificate the same visit. Walk in or book a time.
Before you come in
What to bring and how to prepare
Most drivers who are turned away or given a short certificate are missing paperwork for a known condition. Bring it and the visit goes faster.
Good to know
- Skip caffeine and nicotine for a few hours beforehand; it raises blood pressure.
- Drink water so you can provide a urine sample.
- Bring your current certificate if you are renewing.
Bring
- Driver’s license or photo ID
- Glasses, contacts, or hearing aids you drive with
- A complete list of medications and doses
- Letters from treating providers for diabetes, heart conditions, or sleep apnea (with CPAP compliance report)
- Employer authorization, if your company is paying
The visit
What the DOT physical includes
Health history
You complete the driver section of the FMCSA form: conditions, medications, surgeries, and sleep.
Vision and hearing
At least 20/40 in each eye with or without correction, plus a forced-whisper hearing check.
Vitals
Height, weight, blood pressure, and pulse. Blood pressure sets how long your certificate runs.
Urinalysis
A dipstick screen for protein, blood, and sugar. This is not a drug test.
Physician exam
Head-to-toe exam by the certified examiner, then a certification decision.
Need your DOT card this week?
Monday–Friday, 7am to 5pm at Denver, Lakewood, Parker, and Thornton. Hablamos Español.
What it is
The medical exam every commercial driver needs
Anyone operating a commercial motor vehicle is subject to Department of Transportation medical standards. The DOT physical confirms a driver has no condition that would make it unsafe to operate a CMV, and it has to be performed by a Certified Medical Examiner listed on the FMCSA National Registry.
Our examiners follow the current FMCSA Medical Examiner Handbook and report every result to the National Registry, so your certificate is on file with the state when you renew your CDL.
After the exam
Leave with your certificate
When you qualify, the examiner issues your Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MCSA-5876) before you leave and reports the result to the FMCSA National Registry within one business day.
- Certificate
- Printed copy for you to carry and give to your carrier. Keep it with your license.
- Reporting
- Filed electronically with FMCSA; Colorado DMV pulls it from the Registry for CDL renewal.
- Short-term cards
- Controlled blood pressure or monitored conditions may get a 3-, 6-, or 12-month certificate with a recheck.
- Disqualification
- If a condition disqualifies you, the examiner explains why and what documentation could change the outcome.
For employers
Keep your fleet’s certificates current
Direct-bill accounts, renewal reminders before certificates expire, and results sent to your safety manager the same day.
Common questions
DOT physicals, answered
Answers from our front desk and examiners. General information, not medical or legal advice.
Do I need an appointment?
No. Walk in at any of our clinics Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–5 p.m. Booking a time guarantees you are seen at that time, which matters if you are between routes.
How long is a DOT medical certificate good for?
Up to 24 months. The examiner may issue a shorter certificate — 3, 6, or 12 months — for conditions that need monitoring, such as blood pressure in the Stage 1 range.
Is the urinalysis a drug test?
No. The DOT physical urinalysis screens for protein, blood, and sugar as indicators of kidney disease or diabetes. DOT drug testing is a separate service we also provide.
What if I have diabetes or use a CPAP?
You can still be certified. Bring documentation: for insulin-treated diabetes the MCSA-5870 form from your treating clinician; for sleep apnea a CPAP compliance report showing at least 4 hours a night on 70% of nights.
Does my employer pay for this?
Often. If your company has an ICA employer account, bring the authorization and we bill them directly. Otherwise we accept self-pay at the front desk.