To apply for the CDL exemption, you must make sure to include the following paperwork in your application:
1) An applicant statement indicating:
- Full name (Last, First, MI);
- Mailing Address;
- Date of birth;
- Phone number;
- Email address;
- Type of vehicle you will drive, including the gross vehicle weight; and
- Confirmation that you drive, or intend to drive, in interstate commerce.
(2) a legible copy of the front and back of your valid driver’s license;
(3) a completed, signed copy of the Medical Release of Information form; see a sample of how to fill this out.
(4) a recent, official copy of your driver abstract (driving record) for the last 3 years from your state department of motor vehicles. If you were involved in any crash or were convicted for any moving violation, provide additional documentation (e.g. a copy of the crash report or the citation, or copies of court records).
(5) a legible copy of your Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MCSA 5876) indicating that a hearing exemption is required
Please have a DOT physical performed by one of the DOT’s certified medical examiners on the National Registry.
The exemption must be renewed every two years. If you have an exemption from the hearing standard and you would like to renew it, you must submit the following information no later than 3 months before the expiration date listed on your current exemption. If you submit the paperwork after this date, you may lose your ability to drive CDL vehicles. To apply for the CDL renewal, you must make sure to include the following paperwork in your application:
1) A written request to renew your hearing exemption.
(2) a legible copy of the front and back of your valid driver’s license;
(3) a completed, signed copy of the Medical Release of Information form; see a sample of how to fill this out.
(4) a recent, official copy of your driver abstract (driving record) for the last 3 years from your state department of motor vehicles. If you were involved in any crash or were convicted for any moving violation, provide additional documentation (e.g. a copy of the crash report or the citation, or copies of court records).
(5) a legible copy of your Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MCSA 5876) indicating that a hearing exemption is required.
(5) a legible copy of your current exemption.
To clarify, the NAD does not submit the application on your behalf. We are happy to assist you with any questions about the forms but you must send the paperwork to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Your paperwork can be emailed or faxed (do not do more than one).
**Please note: during the COVID-19 pandemic, only email and fax are accepted.
E-mail to: [email protected]
Fax to: (877) 764-6920 and title the document, “ATTENTION HEARING EXEMPTIONS C/O Christine A. Hydock” and a copy of all the paperwork to the NAD at [email protected].