DOT Physical Exam Texas CDL 2026: Medical Certification Guide
Texas CDL medical rules in 2026: self-certification categories, electronic NRII reporting, the April 10 paper cutoff, medical status checks, and downgrade risk.
Texas has moved CDL medical certification to an electronic system. The biggest 2026 change is that DPS stopped accepting paper medical certificates on April 10, 2026. Certified medical examiners now submit qualifying examination results through FMCSA's National Registry II system.
Self-Certify Your Commercial Driving
Texas requires CDL and CLP holders and applicants to certify the type of commercial driving they perform or expect to perform. The category determines whether a Medical Examiner's Certificate must remain on file.
- Category 1: Non-excepted interstate — medical certificate required.
- Category 2: Excepted interstate — federal medical certificate not required under the listed exception.
- Category 3: Non-excepted intrastate — medical certificate required.
- Category 4: Excepted intrastate — handled under the applicable Texas exception.
Electronic Reporting
Texas began accepting electronic medical certification information from NRII in March 2025. Effective April 10, 2026, DPS no longer accepts paper medical certificates. The certified medical examiner submits the examination result to the National Registry, and FMCSA transmits the relevant information to Texas DPS.
Processing Time
Texas tells drivers to allow up to 10 business days for the medical information to be fully updated in the driver record. If you have a renewal, licensing, or employment deadline, complete the examination early enough to allow for processing and then verify your status through the DPS license-eligibility system.
Expired Medical Certification Can Cost You More Than Time
If your self-certification category requires medical qualification, the certificate must remain valid. Texas warns that a CDL or CLP can be downgraded when the required medical status expires. A downgrade can cause loss of commercial privileges and may create additional licensing work.
Use a Certified Medical Examiner
Federal DOT physical examinations must be conducted by an examiner listed on FMCSA's National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. Confirm your identifying information with the examiner because electronic reporting depends on a correct match.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take a paper DOT card to Texas DPS in 2026?
No. Texas DPS states that it stopped accepting paper medical certificates on April 10, 2026.
How long should I allow for the electronic record to update?
Texas advises allowing up to 10 business days from submission for the record to be fully updated.
Does every CDL holder need a medical certificate?
No. The requirement depends on the self-certification category. Non-excepted interstate and non-excepted intrastate categories require a current medical certificate.
Sources: Texas Department of Public Safety Commercial Driver License Medical Certification Requirement; FMCSA National Registry II. Last verified October 2026.
Free Texas CDL study guides. Not affiliated with Texas DPS or FMCSA.