TLDR
For commercial drivers in North Carolina, keeping track of two separate expiration dates can feel overwhelming. Your CDL may be valid for eight years, but your DOT medical card may expire in two years or less. Miss either deadline, and you face suspension, lost income, and employer consequences.
In North Carolina, a CDL renewal occurs every 8 years for drivers under 65 and every 5 years for drivers 65 and older.
A DOT medical card in North Carolina is valid for up to 24 months, but many drivers receive 12-month or 3-month certifications depending on their health.
Charlotte truck drivers and bus operators often face mismatched expiration dates between their CDL license and DOT medical certification. Understanding these differences is essential to protecting your livelihood and staying compliant with FMCSA and NC DMV rules.
In North Carolina, CDL renewal depends on age and license class.
To renew your CDL at the NC DMV, you’ll need:
Renewals are handled at NC DMV driver license offices. Some services may be started online through the NC DMV portal.
For detailed filing, see our guide on submitting your DOT medical card to the NC DMV.
Your DOT medical card renewal depends on your health status, not a fixed schedule.
Only FMCSA-certified medical examiners may issue DOT cards. The DOT physical exam includes:
Learn more in our guide to what the DOT physical covers.
CDL license renewal follows a fixed DMV schedule, while DOT medical card renewal follows a health-based FMCSA schedule.
Example mismatches:
This dual system creates confusion but ensures both licensing and health standards are upheld.
If a North Carolina driver lets their DOT medical card expire, the DMV immediately downgrades their CDL to a non-commercial license.
Penalties:
See our article on DOT medical card grace period in North Carolina.
The best way to align CDL and DOT renewals is to schedule your DOT exam 60–90 days before CDL expiration.
Tips:
Drivers managing blood pressure should review our DOT exam and blood pressure guide.
Drivers must submit their DOT medical card to NC DMV to stay certified.
Submission methods:
Always:
The certified medical examiner’s office will submit all paperwork to the FMCSA through its dedicated portal. UNFORTUNATELY, North Carolina has not yet (09/29/2025) been able to retrieve the submitted information.
This is not a medical examiner’s issue, nor is it a driver issue of an issue of the FMCSA. This is a NC DOT issue, which they have been working to resolve.
In the meantime, our office will continue to provide the exam and long form to the driver, as well as a laminated card.
The driver should keep this information with them at all time in case an officer wants to check your paper work.
By keeping this paper work with at all times, it will reduce the likelihood of non-compliance.
Compare local providers:
For details, see how much the DOT physical exam costs.
A DOT physical is valid for a maximum of 24 months, though most drivers receive 12-month cards due to health monitoring.
Some CDL renewals start online, but you must appear in person for medical and vision requirements.
Drivers need their current CDL, proof of SSN, two proofs of residency, vision test, fees, and a valid DOT medical card.
Your CDL will be downgraded to non-commercial status until a valid DOT card is submitted.
Check your status by reviewing your North Carolina driving record through the NC DMV online services. Confirm your medical certification shows current and not medically uncertified. If it shows uncertified, submit a new Medical Examiner’s Certificate and verify the update.
Renew 60 to 90 days before expiration. The new card starts on the exam date and replaces the prior card. Keep the original certificate with you and submit it to NC DMV right away to prevent a lapse.
Looking for a DOT exam near me in Charlotte NC? Visit:
Charlotte DOT Exam Center
8415 Pineville-Matthews Road, Suite 102
Charlotte, NC 28226
Phone: 704-544-3494
Why choose us:
See why drivers prefer us over urgent care in our comparison guide.
Need a fast, affordable DOT physical in Charlotte NC? Walk in today or call 704-544-3494 for same-day service. Keep your CDL active and stay compliant.
I am the administrator for the Charlotte DOT Exam facility, located in Charlotte NC. I oversee the facility services providing DOT exams in accordance with the standards of the FMCSA. We also provide DOT drug testing with MRO support when required. Drug testing can also be done for non-DOT exams such as pre-employment. In order to minimize wait times, I always encourage our clients to contact us first and make an appointment.
I would also suggest that each individual wanting to test for the CDL health card read the article “Preparing For Your DOT Exam” as it lists several things to bring to the test, such as CPAP usage reports and medicine lists.
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