PennDOT DL-11CD Self-Certification Form Guide

What Is the PennDOT Form DL-11CD Self-Certification Form?

The DL-11CD is the official Pennsylvania Self-Certification Form used by commercial drivers to report their driving type to PennDOT. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations require CDL holders subject to physical qualification standards to self-certify the nature of their commercial operations. Pennsylvania incorporates these federal rules for both interstate and most intrastate commercial driving.

Every driver who currently holds a Class A, B, or C CDL, as well as every applicant for a commercial learner’s permit, must submit the DL-11CD. The form identifies which drivers must have a current Medical Examiner’s Certificate (DOT physical card) on record with PennDOT.

You can download the official form here: Download PennDOT Form DL-11CD (PDF).

Who Must Submit the DL-11CD Form?

The following individuals are required to complete and submit Form DL-11CD:

• All current Pennsylvania CDL holders (Class A, B, or C)
• All applicants for a Pennsylvania commercial learner’s permit
• Drivers transferring an out-of-state CDL into Pennsylvania
• Drivers who need to update or change a previously reported self-certification category

Drivers who are not currently working in commercial driving but wish to keep their CDL can also use the form. Selecting an excepted category (EI or EA) allows them to retain the CDL without a current medical certificate. When returning to non-excepted commercial driving, a new DL-11CD and updated medical certification must be submitted.

Understanding the Four Self-Certification Categories: NI, NA, EI, and EA

The DL-11CD form requires drivers to select only one of four self-certification driving types. Choosing the correct category depends on two factors: whether the operation is interstate or intrastate, and whether it is non-excepted or excepted from standard medical qualification rules.

NI – Non-Excepted Interstate

Select NI if you drive or expect to drive a commercial vehicle both in and outside the boundaries of Pennsylvania and are required to carry a Medical Examiner’s Certificate (DOT physical card).

Key points for NI:

• Applies to interstate commerce subject to federal physical qualification rules under 49 CFR Part 391
• Driver must be at least 21 years of age
• A valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate must be received by PennDOT through the National Registry
• No “K” restriction is added to the license

Examples include Class A, B, or C drivers transporting goods or providing services across state lines, drivers with federal vision or diabetes exemptions, and certain school bus operations involving out-of-state trips.

NA – Non-Excepted Intrastate

Select NA if you drive a commercial vehicle only within the boundaries of Pennsylvania and are required to carry a Medical Examiner’s Certificate.

Key points for NA:

• Applies to intrastate commerce subject to Pennsylvania regulations (Title 67, Chapter 231)
• A valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate is required
• A “K” restriction (intrastate only) will be added to the license

Common examples include local commercial drivers hauling goods or providing services entirely within Pennsylvania, drivers transporting hazardous materials in-state, and drivers transporting personal property for compensation.

EI – Excepted Interstate

Select EI if you drive a commercial vehicle both in and outside Pennsylvania and are not required to carry a Medical Examiner’s Certificate because your operation falls under a recognized federal exception.

Examples of excepted interstate operations include certain government employees, specific school bus drivers (still subject to Pennsylvania school bus physical requirements), emergency vehicle operators, farm custom operations, beekeepers, and limited non-compensated personal property transport.

EA – Excepted Intrastate

Select EA if you drive a commercial vehicle only within Pennsylvania and are not required to carry a Medical Examiner’s Certificate due to a recognized exception.

Key points for EA:

• A “K” restriction will be added to the license
• Common for certain government drivers, in-state school bus operations, inspection mechanics within limited radius, emergency responders, and qualifying farm or apiarian activities

If a driver performs both excepted and non-excepted work, PennDOT requires selection of the non-excepted category (NI or NA) so the medical certification requirement is properly reflected on the record.

How to Complete the PennDOT DL-11CD Form?

Follow these steps to accurately complete Form DL-11CD:

1. Download the current version of the form from the official PennDOT website: DL-11CD Self-Certification Form (PDF).
2. Indicate whether this is an initial self-certification or a change to a previously reported certification.
3. Enter your driver’s license number, full legal name, date of birth, telephone number (reachable between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.), and email address if available.
4. Carefully review the definitions on the reverse side of the form and check only one self-certification driving type (NI, NA, EI, or EA).
5. Sign and date the form in ink. The certification states that all information is true and correct under penalty of law.

Print clearly in blue or black ink if completing by hand. Ensure all information matches your existing PennDOT driving record.

How to Submit the DL-11CD Form?

Mail the completed and signed form to:

Bureau of Driver Licensing
P.O. Box 69008
Harrisburg, PA 17106-9008

In some cases, electronic submission options may be available for certain forms through PennDOT’s online services. Check the current instructions on the official form or the PennDOT Commercial Drivers page for the latest submission methods.

Allow adequate processing time. Retain a copy of the submitted form for your records.

Medical Examiner’s Certificate Requirements and Recent Updates

As of June 23, 2025, PennDOT implemented the Medical Examiner’s Certification Integration final rule. Medical Examiner’s Certificate information is now accepted only electronically from the FMCSA National Registry. PennDOT no longer accepts paper Medical Examiner’s Certificates in person or by email.

Drivers in non-excepted categories (NI or NA) must ensure their certified medical examiner submits the examination results electronically. If you have concerns about the status of your medical certification, contact your medical examiner directly. Additional information is available on the FMCSA National Registry website.

PennDOT recommends renewing a Medical Examiner’s Certificate that will expire within the next six months when circumstances allow. Failure to maintain a current certification on record for non-excepted drivers can result in the commercial driving designation being removed from the license.

When to Update Your Self-Certification?

Submit a new DL-11CD whenever your driving type changes. Common situations include:

• Moving from intrastate-only to interstate commercial driving
• Changing from excepted to non-excepted operations (or vice versa)
• Returning to commercial driving after a period of inactivity
• Accepting a job that no longer fits a previous exception

There is no additional fee charged by PennDOT solely for updating the self-certification category.

Official Resources and Additional Information

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, refer to these trusted sources:

• PennDOT Self-Certification / Medical Examiner’s Certification FAQs
• PennDOT Commercial Drivers Information
• Official DL-11CD Form Download
• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)

You may also contact PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services at 717-412-5300 (TTY: dial 711).

Frequently Asked Questions About Form DL-11CD

Do I need to submit a Medical Examiner’s Certificate with the DL-11CD?
For non-excepted categories (NI and NA), the Medical Examiner’s Certificate must reach PennDOT electronically through the National Registry. The self-certification form itself is submitted separately.

What happens if I select the wrong category?
An incorrect self-certification can lead to license restrictions, inability to perform certain jobs, or eventual downgrade of commercial privileges. Review the official definitions carefully or contact PennDOT if unsure.

Can I keep my CDL if I am not currently driving commercially?
Yes. Select EI or EA on the DL-11CD to retain the CDL without a current medical certificate. Resubmit the form and obtain the required medical certification before returning to non-excepted commercial driving.

Is there a fee to submit the DL-11CD?
PennDOT does not charge an additional fee solely for processing a self-certification update.

Conclusion

The Pennsylvania PennDOT Form DL-11CD Self-Certification Form is a mandatory requirement for all CDL holders and commercial learner’s permit applicants. Selecting the correct category—NI, NA, EI, or EA—ensures your driving record accurately reflects the type of commercial operations you perform and determines whether a Medical Examiner’s Certificate must be on file with PennDOT.

Download the official form, complete it carefully, and submit it according to current PennDOT instructions. Always verify the latest requirements on the official Commonwealth of Pennsylvania websites, as regulations and electronic reporting procedures continue to evolve.