Occupational health · 4 min read · Evidence-informed guide
DOT Physical: What to Bring to Your Exam
Bring photo identification, corrective lenses or hearing aids you use, a complete medication list, and any requested treating-clinician records to a DOT physical. The examiner may need condition-specific documentation before making a certification decision. Starling provides DOT physicals in Texarkana only.
Key answer
The short version
Bring photo identification, corrective lenses or hearing aids you use, a complete medication list, and any requested treating-clinician records to a DOT physical. The examiner may need condition-specific documentation before making a certification decision. Starling provides DOT physicals in Texarkana only.
Preparation supports an accurate exam
Do not omit medicines, diagnoses, prior certificates, or requested specialist information. The Medical Examiner’s Handbook explains that the examiner applies federal qualification standards and clinical judgment.
Certification is the examiner’s determination
A certificate can be issued for up to 24 months or for a shorter period when monitoring is appropriate. Bring questions about your specific condition to the certified medical examiner.
Clinical perspective
How to think about this
Occupational medicine sits at the intersection of clinical care, workplace requirements, and formal regulation. A clear visit separates those roles: the clinician evaluates within the authorized scope, while the employer or federal program determines its own employment, testing, and reporting requirements.
Questions worth bringing to a visit
- Which regulation, employer form, or program governs this visit?
- What documentation should I bring?
- Who is responsible for the employment or program decision after the visit?
Continue exploring
Related patient questions
Sources
1. FMCSA, DOT Medical Exam and Certification
Exam, examiner, and certification overview.
2. FMCSA, Medical Examiner’s Handbook 2024
Current federal examiner guidance.