The Physician's Health Report form DL 546A, issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), is required for non-commercial driver's license holders who must demonstrate medical fitness to drive. A licensed California physician completes this document after evaluating vision, hearing, cardiovascular health, diabetes management, neurological conditions, mobility, mental health history, and substance use. The DMV uses this health questionnaire to determine whether an applicant meets the standards for safe driving.
California requires the DL 546A health questionnaire from drivers who have a medical condition that may affect their ability to operate a vehicle safely. This includes individuals with diabetes, epilepsy, heart disease, stroke history, vision impairments, or conditions requiring medication that impacts alertness. The DMV may request the form after a reported traffic incident, a self-reported medical condition, or a physician's recommendation. Non-commercial drivers renew every two years. Driving school instructors have a three-year renewal interval.
Physicians evaluate a wide range of conditions when completing form DL 546A. The cardiovascular section covers heart attacks, arrhythmias, and uncontrolled blood pressure. Neurological conditions assessed include epilepsy, stroke, syncope, and cognitive impairment. Vision standards require at least 20/200 in the better eye uncorrected, or 20/70 corrected. Hearing and mobility impairments are documented. The physician must also address alcohol history, controlled substance use, and psychiatric conditions that may affect driving decision-making.
After the physician completes and signs form DL 546A, the applicant reviews all sections for accuracy before submitting. Mail the completed health questionnaire to the California DMV Medical Unit at P.O. Box 942890, Sacramento, CA 94290-0001. You can also deliver it in person to any California DMV field office. Both the physician's signature and the applicant's signature are required, confirming the accuracy of all medical information under penalty of perjury. Processing typically takes four to eight weeks.
What is the CA DMV DL 546A form?
The DL 546A is a Physician's Health Report that the California DMV requires to certify a driver's medical fitness for a non-commercial license. The physician documents conditions that may affect safe driving.
How often must I submit form DL 546A?
Non-commercial applicants must renew the California health questionnaire every two years. Driving school instructors renew every three years. The DMV may request an earlier submission after a reported medical event.
Who can complete the DL 546A physician section?
Only a licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner authorized under California law may complete the medical section of form DL 546A. The physician's license number and office address are required on the form.
Where do I mail the completed DL 546A?
Mail the signed form to the California DMV Medical Unit, P.O. Box 942890, Sacramento, CA 94290-0001. Include the applicant's full name, date of birth, and driver's license number to ensure correct processing.
What happens after I submit the DL 546A?
After receiving the form, the California DMV Medical Unit reviews the physician's findings. If your health report meets state standards, your driving privilege is maintained or restored. If additional information is needed, the DMV will send a follow-up request within eight weeks.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Form Name | CA DMV DL 546A Form |
| Also Known As | California Physician's Health Report, DL 546A, DMV Health Questionnaire |
| Form Length | 2 pages |
| Fillable? | Yes (online via FormsPal) |
| Who Submits | Non-commercial driver's license applicants in California |
| Who Completes Physician Section | Licensed California physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner |
| Submission Frequency | Every 2 years (every 3 years for driving school instructors) |
| Where to Mail | California DMV Medical Unit, P.O. Box 942890, Sacramento, CA 94290-0001 |
| Avg. time to fill out | 15 to 30 minutes |
| Other names | dl546 a form, dmv 546 form, dl 546a, dmv dl 546a health questionnaire |