Quick answer: Most Virginia CDL drivers who operate in non-excepted interstate or intrastate commerce need a DOT medical examiner’s certificate (medical card) from an examiner listed on FMCSA’s National Registry. Since May 5, 2025, Virginia DMV no longer accepts medical certificates submitted by drivers. Certified examiners send results electronically through the National Registry. PACS offers walk-in DOT physicals with same-day certificates. The self-pay visit price is $129.

Keeping your medical card current keeps your CDL valid. Here’s what Virginia drivers need to know.

New to PACS? Start with our complete guide to urgent care in Alexandria, VA.

Do you need a medical card?

Virginia CDL holders must self-certify one of four types of driving:

  • Non-excepted interstate (NI): medical card required
  • Non-excepted intrastate (NA): medical card required, with a “K” intrastate-only restriction
  • Excepted interstate (EI) and excepted intrastate (EA): no medical card required

Most commercial truck and bus drivers fall into a non-excepted category.

What the DOT physical covers

  • Health history review
  • Vision test
  • Hearing test
  • Blood pressure and pulse
  • Urinalysis (screens for medical conditions, not drugs)
  • A general physical exam

A certificate can be valid for up to 24 months. Conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes may mean a shorter certificate.

What to bring

  • Driver’s license
  • Glasses, contacts or hearing aids
  • A list of all medicines with doses
  • Records for conditions like diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea or vision problems

How your certificate reaches the DMV

After your exam, the certified medical examiner submits your results to FMCSA’s National Registry, which sends them to Virginia DMV. Keep your paper copy and check your DMV record if anything looks wrong.

DOT physicals at PACS

Walk in for a DOT physical at our Alexandria clinic, open 7 days. Drivers in Caroline County can also visit PACS Ruther Glen; call ahead to confirm examiner availability. Need a drug test too? Read pre-employment drug tests.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a DOT physical take?

Usually 30 to 60 minutes, depending on wait times and your health history.

Can I fail a DOT physical?

Some conditions can disqualify you or lead to a shorter certificate, including uncontrolled blood pressure and certain vision or heart problems. Bring records to help the examiner.

Where can I learn more?

See Virginia DMV’s CDL medical requirements.

Get care today at PACS Urgent Care

PACS Urgent Care – Alexandria
3481 N Beauregard St, Alexandria, VA 22302
Open 7 days a week, 8 AM – 8 PM · Walk-ins welcome
Call (571) 656-8838 · Get directions · New patient guide

This article is for general information and isn’t a substitute for medical advice. If you think you’re having a medical emergency, call 911.