CDL Renewal North Carolina vs DOT Medical Card 2025 Guide

Sofia Buchman

TLDR

  • CDL renewal in NC is every 8 years if under 65, every 5 years if 65 or older
  • DOT medical card is valid up to 24 months, often 12 months for managed conditions
  • Expired DOT card triggers immediate CDL downgrade in NC
  • Renew your DOT card 60 to 90 days early and submit to NC DMV right away

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.

What Is the CDL Renewal Process in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, CDL renewal depends on age and license class.

  • Under age 65: Every 8 years
  • Age 65 and older: Every 5 years
  • Hazmat endorsement: Must renew hazmat every 5 years regardless of age

To renew your CDL at the NC DMV, you’ll need:

  • Current CDL license
  • Proof of Social Security number
  • Two residency documents
  • Vision screening (20/40 in each eye)
  • Renewal fees ($5 per year of validity)
  • A valid DOT medical card if driving interstate commerce

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.

What Is the DOT Medical Card Renewal Process?

Your DOT medical card renewal depends on your health status, not a fixed schedule.

  • 24-month certification: Full compliance with FMCSA medical standards
  • 12-month certification: Controlled conditions (hypertension, diabetes)
  • 3-month certification: Temporary medical issues needing close monitoring

Only FMCSA-certified medical examiners may issue DOT cards. The DOT physical exam includes:

  • Vision and hearing tests
  • Blood pressure checks
  • Diabetes and cardiovascular evaluation
  • Respiratory and neurological screening

Learn more in our guide to what the DOT physical covers.

Why Don’t CDL and DOT Medical Card Expirations Match?

CDL license renewal follows a fixed DMV schedule, while DOT medical card renewal follows a health-based FMCSA schedule.

Example mismatches:

  • CDL renewed in 2025 (valid until 2033) but DOT card expires in 2027 → 3 DOT exams during that CDL cycle
  • Drivers with 12-month cards may face 8 DOT renewals before their next CDL renewal
  • Drivers with temporary 3-month cards renew multiple times yearly

This dual system creates confusion but ensures both licensing and health standards are upheld.

What Happens If You Don’t Renew on Time?

If a North Carolina driver lets their DOT medical card expire, the DMV immediately downgrades their CDL to a non-commercial license.

  • CDL downgraded to Class C
  • “Not medically certified” status in FMCSA system
  • Employers barred from assigning driving duties

Penalties:

  • Driver fines up to $16,000
  • Carrier fines up to $16,000 for violations
  • Risk of termination and lost income

See our article on DOT medical card grace period in North Carolina.

How to Align CDL Renewal and DOT Medical Card Renewal

The best way to align CDL and DOT renewals is to schedule your DOT exam 60–90 days before CDL expiration.

Tips:

  • Set reminders 90, 60, and 30 days before both expiration dates
  • Work with your doctor to stabilize health conditions before exams
  • Keep copies of both CDL and DOT card in your truck and on your phone

Drivers managing blood pressure should review our DOT exam and blood pressure guide.

How to Submit Your DOT Medical Card to the NC DMV

Drivers must submit their DOT medical card to NC DMV to stay certified.

Submission methods:

  • Online via NC DMV portal
  • In person at any DMV office
  • By mail: NCDMV, 3148 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-3148

Always:

  • Keep the original MCSA-5876 certificate in your vehicle
  • Verify DMV updates by checking your driving record

Effective June 23, 2025

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.

CDL Renewal and DOT Medical Card Costs in North Carolina

  • CDL renewal: $5 per year of validity ($40 for 8 years, $25 for 5 years)
  • DOT physical exam: $70 at Charlotte DOT Exam Center (includes urinalysis, same-day card issuance, electronic submission)

Compare local providers:

  • Urgent care: $85–$150
  • Occupational health: $90–$125
  • Hospital programs: $100–$175

For details, see how much the DOT physical exam costs.

CDL FAQs

A doctor in a white lab coat explaining CDL Renewal vs DOT Medical Card Renewal in North Carolina

How long is a DOT physical good for in North Carolina?

A DOT physical is valid for a maximum of 24 months, though most drivers receive 12-month cards due to health monitoring.

Can I renew my CDL online in North Carolina?

Some CDL renewals start online, but you must appear in person for medical and vision requirements.

What documents do I need for CDL renewal in NC?

Drivers need their current CDL, proof of SSN, two proofs of residency, vision test, fees, and a valid DOT medical card.

What happens if my DOT card expires before my CDL?

Your CDL will be downgraded to non-commercial status until a valid DOT card is submitted.

How do I check my CDL medical certification status in North Carolina?

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.

How early can I renew my DOT medical card in NC?

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.

Local Focus: DOT Physicals in Charlotte NC

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:

  • Walk-ins welcome
  • $70 flat fee
  • Same-day card issuance
  • FMCSA-certified examiners
  • Electronic submission

See why drivers prefer us over urgent care in our comparison guide.

Key Takeaways for NC Drivers

  • CDL renewal = 5 or 8 years, DOT card = 24, 12, or 3 months
  • Both are required to maintain commercial driving privileges
  • Expired DOT card = automatic CDL downgrade
  • Submit medical card promptly to NC DMV
  • Use Charlotte DOT Exam Center for fast, affordable, same-day service

Call to Action

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.

 

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