Self-certify the operation
Choose the commercial operation category that accurately describes interstate or intrastate and excepted or non-excepted driving. The medical requirement depends on that choice.
Medical examiner forms
Drivers who need federal medical qualification use the Medical Examination Report MCSA-5875 and Medical Examiner's Certificate MCSA-5876 completed by a certified medical examiner.
Two-year maximum does not mean every certificate lasts two years
The examiner can issue a shorter certificate when follow-up or monitoring is needed. California's submission page instructs CDL holders to maintain a medical report dated within the prior two years.
Update DMV before expiration
A missing or expired medical record can lead to loss or downgrade of commercial privileges even if the physical card has not expired.