MV-44.5 Form – If you’re applying for, renewing, or amending a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) in New York, you’ll encounter Form MV-44.5 — the official New York DMV document titled “Federal Requirements for Commercial Driver License (CDL) Applicants.”
This free 2-page PDF (revised February 2026) explains the mandatory federal self-certification process required by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) under 49 CFR Part 383.71. It helps every CDL holder determine and certify their exact type of commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operation before the DMV can issue, renew, or update their license.
Download the official MV-44.5 PDF directly here:
https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/mv445.pdf
This guide provides a complete, up-to-date overview based on the latest NY DMV form and federal regulations so you can complete your CDL application correctly the first time.
What Is the MV-44.5 Form and Why Is It Required?
The MV-44.5 form is not an application — it’s an informational overview that every New York CDL or CLP applicant must understand. Prior to any new issuance, renewal, amendment, or upgrade, you must certify to the DMV exactly how you operate (or expect to operate) a commercial vehicle.
Failure to certify correctly (or to maintain required medical status) can result in:
- Denial of your CDL/CLP
- Downgrade of your license
- Loss of commercial driving privileges
The form breaks down the four federally recognized driving types and explains when you need a USDOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate.
Step 1: Determine Interstate vs. Intrastate Commerce (Straight from MV-44.5)
Before choosing a driving type, answer this key question:
Interstate commerce occurs if you drive a CMV:
- From one state to another (or to a foreign country)
- Between two places in New York but the trip crosses a state line
- Between two places in New York but the cargo started or will end in another state
Intrastate commerce means you drive only within New York State and none of the above applies.
Once you know interstate or intrastate, move to the four driving types on page 2 of the MV-44.5 form.
The Four CDL Driving Types Explained (NI, EI, NA, EA)
Here are the exact eligibility rules, restrictions, and medical requirements straight from the current MV-44.5 (2/26) form:
1. Non-Excepted Interstate (NI)
- Age: 21 or older
- Operation: Interstate commerce (other than excepted operation)
- Medical requirement: Yes — you must maintain certified medical status and a current USDOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate on file with DMV
- Restrictions issued: None (full interstate privileges; no A3 or K restriction)
- Hazmat note: Drivers needing H or X endorsements must choose NI or NA
- Best for: Most long-haul interstate truckers
2. Non-Excepted Intrastate (NA)
- Age: 18 or older
- Operation: Intrastate (New York only, other than excepted operation)
- Medical requirement: Yes — certified medical status required
- Restrictions issued: K restriction (CDL Intrastate Only)
- Hazmat note: Same as NI — H/X endorsements require NI or NA
3. Excepted Interstate (EI)
- Age: 18 or older
- Operation: Interstate commerce but only in excepted operation
- Medical requirement: No — fully exempt from USDOT medical certification
- Restrictions issued: A3 (Med Cert Exempt)
- Important note: If you hold a pre-9/9/1999 NYS CDL and only operate excepted activities in New York, you cannot choose EI — you must choose EA
4. Excepted Intrastate (EA)
- Age: 18 or older
- Operation: Intrastate (New York only) and only in excepted operation
- Medical requirement: No — fully exempt
- Restrictions issued: A3 + K restrictions
- Common for: School bus drivers, government/municipal employees, and many pre-1999 CDL holders
Pro tip from the form: If you operate in both NI and EI scenarios, you must certify as NI to cover both.
What Is “Excepted Operation”?
The MV-44.5 form defines Excepted Operation as activities listed in 49 CFR 390.3(f) and 391.2 (federal) plus New York’s NYCRR Part 820 (state).
Examples include (but are not limited to):
- School bus operation (home-to-school and school-to-home)
- Federal, state, or local government employees
- Pre-9/9/1999 NYS CDL holders operating only within New York
For the complete list, visit FMCSA.dot.gov (federal) or dot.ny.gov (state).
Medical Certification Requirements for NI and NA Drivers
If you certify NI or NA:
- You must pass a USDOT physical exam (49 CFR Part 391.41 & 391.43)
- Your medical examiner now transmits the certificate electronically to NY DMV
- You must keep your medical status “certified” at all times
- If your certificate expires and isn’t updated, your CDL may be downgraded automatically
Drivers certifying EI or EA are completely exempt from the medical certificate requirement.
How to Use MV-44.5 with Your CDL Application (MV-44)?
- Download and read MV-44.5 carefully.
- Complete the main Application for Permit, Driver License or Non-Driver ID Card (Form MV-44).
- On MV-44, select only one of the four driving types.
- If you choose NI or NA, provide your current USDOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate (or let your examiner transmit it electronically).
- Submit everything at a DMV office or during online renewal where applicable.
You’ll need MV-44.5 every time you:
- Apply for a new CDL/CLP
- Renew your CDL
- Add or remove an endorsement
- Upgrade your class
- Request an amendment
Download the Official MV-44.5 PDF (Always Current Version)
Direct link: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/mv445.pdf
Revision date: February 2026 (MV-44.5 2/26) — the most current version available as of March 2026.
Always verify the latest version on the official NY DMV website (dmv.ny.gov) because federal rules can change.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about MV-44.5
Do all CDL applicants need to fill out MV-44.5?
No — you don’t fill out the form itself; you read it and use the information to certify your driving type on the MV-44 application.
Can I drive interstate with an EA certification?
No. EA limits you to intrastate (New York only) and excepted operation only.
What happens if I don’t update my medical certificate?
Your status changes to “not certified” and the DMV may downgrade or cancel your CDL privileges.
Do school bus drivers need a medical card?
Usually not — school bus operation is an excepted activity, so most certify EA or EI and are exempt from medical certification.
Where can I find the full list of excepted operations?
See the MV-44.5 form itself or visit FMCSA.gov for the federal list.
Final Tips for New York CDL Applicants
The MV-44.5 form ensures your CDL complies with strict federal standards while protecting public safety. Taking five minutes to understand the four driving types and medical rules prevents costly delays or downgrades later.
For the most accurate and current information:
- Download MV-44.5 directly from the NY DMV
- Visit the official Commercial Drivers section at dmv.ny.gov
- Consult a DMV office or certified medical examiner for your specific situation
Ready to apply? Start with the official MV-44.5 PDF today and stay compliant with federal CDL requirements in New York. Safe driving!