Dl 51 Form – Fill Out and Use This PDF

Updated: Nov 10, 2026

This form was replaced. The issuer's site (dmv.ca.gov) says: "As a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) holder, you are required to submit a medical report dated within the last two years, every two years. You are required to submit: A valid (original or copy) federal MER MCSA-5875 form Medical Examiner’s Certificate Form, (MEC) MCSA-5876". The copy on this page is kept for reference. Ask the issuer which form to use now. Checked October 11, 2026.

The DL 51 form is a medical examination report required for individuals applying for a Commercial California Driver License (CDL) or specific certificates involving school and youth bus driving, among others. This form is essential as it assesses the driver's physical qualification according to California state laws and federal regulations. Ensure you complete the DL 51 form accurately to avoid any delays in your licensing process by clicking the button below.

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Dl 51 Form PDF Details

At the heart of ensuring the safety on the roads, particularly when it concerns commercial driving, the DL 51 form stands as a crucial determinant for commercial drivers within California. This form, also known as the Medical Examination Report, serves as a comprehensive health assessment tool mandatory for applicants aiming to acquire a Commercial California Driver License (CDL) or certificates involving School Buses, Youth Buses, and several other classifications that demand medical scrutiny. Beyond aligning with Californian mandates, it satisfies the medical standards set forth by the United States Department of Transportation (DOT), ensuring drivers meet the physical health prerequisites to navigate safely. Particularly, drivers failing to meet the DOT’s standards may still secure a restricted license, given the DMV's discretion deems their condition non-intrusive to driving safety. Notably, drivers aged 65 and above, operating school buses, face more stringent annually renewed medical reporting. Furthermore, the DL 51 encapsulates regulatory compliance not only by listing certified medical examiners from the National Registry but by accommodating certain drivers with alternative documentation like the Health Questionnaire DL 546 for specific non-commercial or agricultural applications. As updates in federal regulations evolve, such as those stipulating drug testing and specific physical qualifications for drivers, the DL 51 form embodies a dynamic regulatory tool. It underscores a collective commitment to road safety by stipulating not just the medical fitness of commercial drivers but also enveloping aspects such as hearing, vision, and potential medical exemptions, thereby weaving an intricate regulatory fabric aimed at maintaining the highest standards of safety on the road.

Question	Answer
Form Name	Dl 51 Form
Form Length	8 pages
Fillable?	No
Fillable fields	0
Avg. time to fill out	2 min
Other names	dl 51 form, dl 51 dmv form, ca 51 form, dl51

How to Fill Out Form DL 51

Form DL 51 at a glance

What it is: Medical Examination Report for Commercial Driver Fitness Determination.

Who signs: Sign at DRIVER'S SIGNATURE and enter the DATE. Your medical examination report must be signed by the physician who performed the examination.

A filled-in Form DL 51 example: a driver fills out section 1

Form DL 51 example filled out, example: a driver fills out section 1 — Maria Sample, a driver, fills out section 1 of DL 51. She applies for a Class A license, ticks New certification, so Recertification and Follow up stay empty. The picture shows page 1 only, and none of its entries is real. The picture shows section 1 only; 2. Health history is not shown.

How to fill out Form DL 51, box by box

1. Driver information

1. Driver information: the driver completes this section. Print in capital letters, using black or dark blue ink.

Fill in last name, first, driver license number, address, city, state, ZIP, work telephone number and home telephone number.

Fill in social security number, license class, state of issue, birthdate, age, sex, eyes and hair.

2. Health history

2. Health history: the driver completes this section, but the medical examiner is encouraged to discuss with the driver.

For any yes answer, indicate onset date, diagnosis, treating physician's name and address, and any current limitation. List all medications (including over-the-counter medications) used regularly or recently. (Attach additional sheet, if needed).

Driver's signature and date

By signing you certify (or declare) under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that it is true and correct.

I understand that inaccurate, false or missing information may invalidate the examination and my Medical Examiner's Certification.

Sign at DRIVER'S SIGNATURE and enter the DATE.

If your situation is different

You must use this medical examination report when applying for a Commercial California Driver License (CDL)

You must use this medical examination report when applying for a Commercial California Driver License (CDL). This report also meets United States Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements. A driver who does not meet DOT's medical standards may, after evaluation by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), be issued a restricted license if DMV determines the driver's condition will not affect his or her ability to drive safely. • School bus drivers 65 years of age and older must submit a new medical report to DMV every year. (Vehicle Code Section 12517.2b) • The Health Questionnaire (DL 546) may also be used by drivers applying for a Non-Commercial Class A license.

Please read the Instructions to the Driver before answering

Please read the Instructions to the Driver before answering. Mark one of the driving types.

Medical examiner completes sections 3 through 8

Medical examiner completes sections 3 through 8.

Check each item in appropriate box to show Qualified or Not Qualified.

Explain any special findings or test results NOT in an acceptable tolerance range.

Driver's identity verified by Driver License No: or Other Photo ID (Specify ID used).

Sources

[1] Form DL 51, Medical Examination Report for Commercial Driver Fitness Determination, California Department of Motor Vehicles (the Official source link on this page).