Even if you’re not currently driving, keeping your CDL active is important — especially if you plan to get back on the road later. In Illinois, your self-certification status decides whether or not you need a valid DOT medical card on file with the Secretary of State.
What Is Self-Certification in Illinois?
All CDL holders in Illinois are required to declare their commercial driving status when they apply for, renew, or make changes to their CDL. This is called self-certification, and it determines whether or not you must keep a current DOT medical card on file with the Illinois Secretary of State.
Every CDL holder in Illinois has to choose one of four categories when they apply or renew their license:
- Non-Excepted Interstate (NI) – You drive across state lines and do need a medical card.
- Excepted Interstate (EI) – You drive across state lines but don’t need a medical card (like emergency or government drivers).
- Non-Excepted Intrastate (NA) – You drive only in Illinois and do need a medical card.
- Excepted Intrastate (EA) – You drive only in Illinois and don’t need a medical card.
Most truckers are Non-Excepted Interstate (NI) and must keep a valid DOT medical card on file.
Not Driving Right Now?
If you’re temporarily not driving — maybe you’re between jobs or recovering from surgery — you may want to change your self-certification to an “Excepted” category. That lets you keep your CDL without a medical card, as long as you’re not driving commercially.
When you’re ready to get back behind the wheel, just update your certification and submit a new medical card.
✅ You must notify the Secretary of State of your updated certification — it is not automatic.
Warning: This Is Not a Loophole
Let’s be clear: this is not a workaround to avoid the medical card requirement. If you say you’re “Excepted” to avoid getting a medical card but keep driving, you’re breaking the law. Penalties include:
- CDL downgrade or suspension
- Fines
- Being taken off the road
Play it safe — only switch to Excepted if you’re not currently driving a commercial vehicle.
What If You Can’t Pass a DOT Physical Right Now?
If you’re dealing with a temporary condition — such as post-surgery recovery, unmanaged diabetes, or another health issue — and you can’t pass a DOT physical at the moment, changing your certification status may help you keep your CDL active while you get better.
⚠️ Don’t wait until your medical card expires. If you know you can’t renew it in time, file an update with the Illinois Secretary of State before your medical card lapses. Otherwise, your CDL will be downgraded to a non-commercial license.