FMCSA requests that applicants for hearing and seizure exemptions submit specific information to the Agency for review.  This information may include physical qualification exam information, medical records, employment history, driving experience, and motor vehicle records. The Agency will make a final decision within 180 days of receiving a completed application.

Applying for an Exemption

An individual may apply for an exemption from the seizure and/or hearing standard, 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8) or 391.41(b)(11), as provided in the application packages below. If you do not currently meet the seizure and/or hearing standard and are unable to obtain a non-restricted Medical Examiner’s Certificate, Form MCSA-5876, you may be an eligible candidate.

Please note that all exemptions are for drivers who intend to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce. FMCSA does not have statutory authority to grant waivers/exemptions to drivers from states' intrastate requirements. Therefore, the FMCSA waivers/exemptions do not permit regulatory relief for drivers who plan to limit their operations to intrastate commerce.

Diabetes Package

This package has been removed due to the update of the Diabetes Standard. For more information please visit the New Diabetes Standard Overview Webinar.

Vision Package

This package has been removed due to the update of the Vision Standard. For more information please visit the New Vision Standard Overview Webinar.

Hearing Package

• Federal Hearing Exemption Application (NEW)
• Federal Hearing Exemption Application (RENEWAL)
• Medical Release Form (Hearing) SAMPLE
• Medical Release Form

Seizure Package

• Federal Seizure Exemption Application (NEW)
• Federal Seizure Exemption Application (RENEWAL)
• Medical Release Form (Seizure) SAMPLE
• Medical Release Form

Interstate Commerce

Interstate Commerce is trade, traffic, or transportation involving the crossing of a State boundary. Either the vehicle, its passengers, or cargo must cross a State boundary, or there must be the intent to cross a State boundary to be considered an interstate carrier. Intrastate commerce is trade, traffic, or transportation within a single State.

Interstate commerce is determined by the essential character of the movement, manifested by the shipper's fixed and persistent intent at the time of shipment, and is ascertained from all of the facts and circumstances surrounding the transportation. When the intent of the transportation being performed is interstate in nature, even when the route is within the boundaries of a single state, the driver and the CMV are subject to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.

Please note, as discussed above, that the exemption programs are for drivers of CMVs that intend to operate in interstate commerce in the United States. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations define the United States as the 50 states and the District of Columbia.