CDL Medical Certification Changes – Action Required Before July 1, 2026

If you or your employees currently hold a CDL classified as Excepted Intrastate (EA), this change applies to you.

What’s Changing

Effective July 1, 2026, South Dakota will adopt federal regulation 49 CFR 391.11, requiring most CDL holders to maintain a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate (medical card).

This change removes the previous state exception that allowed certain intrastate drivers to operate without a medical certificate.

For many drivers, this will also require updating their CDL status.

What Happens If No Action Is Taken

If a driver does not update their certification before July 1:

  • Their CDL will be automatically downgraded to a non-commercial license
  • They will not be allowed to operate commercial vehicles
  • CDL privileges can only be restored after completing the required steps

What Drivers Need to Do

To keep a CDL valid, affected drivers must update their self-certification status before July 1, 2026.

Drivers must choose one of the following options based on how they operate:

Option 1: Non-Excepted Interstate (NI)

This applies if you or your cargo cross state lines, or you do not qualify for an excepted category.

Requirements:

  • Obtain a Medical Examiner’s Certificate
  • Ensure it is submitted electronically by the provider
  • Visit a Driver Licensing exam station to:
    • submit an application
    • pay the $43 fee
    • provide two residency documents
    • update CDL and remove the “K” restriction

Option 2: Excepted Interstate (EI)

Applies only if operating exclusively under federal exemptions (such as certain farm vehicle operations, custom harvesters, beekeepers, or government employees).

Requirements:

  • Visit a Driver Licensing exam station to:
    • submit an application
    • pay the $43 fee
    • provide residency documents
    • update CDL and remove the “K” restriction

Note: Most agribusiness drivers will not qualify for this category.

Option 3: Non-Excepted Intrastate (NA) (likely applicable for many SD-based operations)

This applies if all driving is within South Dakota, and the driver does not qualify for an excepted category.

Requirements:

  • Obtain a Medical Examiner’s Certificate
  • Ensure it is submitted electronically
  • Submit or update the self-certification form with Driver Licensing

Note:

  • A medical card is still required
  • The K restriction does not change
  • A new license is not required

Important for Agribusiness

Even if your operation is entirely within South Dakota, drivers may still be required to obtain a medical certificate under the Non-Excepted Intrastate (NA) category.

This change is about medical qualification requirements, not whether your business operates across state lines.

Self-Certification Requirement

All CDL drivers must have a current self-certification on file with South Dakota Driver Licensing.

  • This determines the type of driving performed and applicable requirements
  • Drivers updating their CDL must ensure their self-certification is accurate
  • NA drivers must submit a new self-certification form

Medical Certificate Requirements

For drivers requiring a medical certificate:

  • Must be issued by a provider listed on the FMCSA National Registry
  • Submitted electronically by the provider
  • Must remain current at all times (typically renewed every 2 years)
  • Drivers are generally notified 60 days prior to expiration
  • If not kept current, the CDL will be downgraded automatically

Additional Considerations

  • Some non-CDL drivers may also be impacted
    Medical certification requirements may apply to drivers operating certain commercial motor vehicles, even without a CDL, including vehicles:
    • with a GVW, GVWR, or GCWR of 26,001 lbs or more
    • transporting placarded hazardous materials
    • designed to carry 16+ passengers

Changes to Intrastate Exemptions

South Dakota is narrowing or removing certain intrastate exemptions:

  • The two-axle exemption is being removed

  • Actual vehicle weight will be considered

  • Federal regulations will apply more consistently

Bottom line: Some operations that were previously exempt may now be subject to additional requirements.

In-Person Assistance Opportunities

To assist with this transition, Driver Licensing is offering additional hours for CDL processing:

April 18, 25 (7 a.m. – 12 p.m.)
Mitchell
Sioux Falls (One Stop Location)
Brookings
Rapid City
Huron
 
Spearfish
April 27 (8 a.m. – 12 p.m.)
 
Pierre
April 18 & 25 (7 a.m. – 12 p.m.)

Helpful Resources

Final Takeaway

If a driver is currently classified as Excepted Intrastate (EA), action is required before July 1, 2026.

For most agribusiness operations, this means:

  • obtaining a medical certificate
  • updating self-certification status
  • completing any required Driver Licensing updates

Failure to act will result in an automatic CDL downgrade and loss of commercial driving privileges.

SDABA Note

SDABA is in close contact with the South Dakota Department of Public Safety and has shared concern regarding the short implementation timeline, particularly given that this change falls during one of the busiest times of year for many ag retailers.

If you or drivers on your team are having difficulty obtaining a medical certification or completing this process, please reach out to Executive Director Liv Stavick. She can be reached at liv@sdaba.org or 605-290-9202.

This feedback is helpful as we continue to advocate for flexibility and practical implementation with regulators.