CDL Self-Certification vs. Annual MVR Review

These sound like one annual form, but they are separate jobs. A CDL holder self-certifies the kind of commercial driving they perform to the State Driver Licensing Agency (SDLA). The motor carrier separately obtains and reviews a driver’s motor vehicle record (MVR) at least once every 12 months when the annual-review rule applies.

1. CDL self-certification goes to the state

FMCSA explains the four interstate/intrastate and excepted/non-excepted operating categories in its CDL medical self-certification guidance. The CDL holder should follow the current instructions from the state that issued the CDL and keep the declared category consistent with the work actually performed. Medical-certification requirements depend on that category and the driver’s situation. This is not the carrier’s annual MVR-review note.

2. The carrier performs the annual MVR review

Under 49 CFR 391.25, a covered motor carrier annually asks the driver’s licensing authority for the driver’s record, reviews it for qualification and disqualification issues, and keeps the review note in the driver qualification file. See the annual driving-record review guide and the separate MVR request guide for those steps.

Keep the responsibilities clear

Ask the driver to confirm their current CDL self-certification and medical status with the SDLA when applicable. Assign a carrier owner to track the annual MVR request, review, and file follow-up. Do not upload medical or driver-record details to a public page or advertising platform. For help choosing the right driver-file administrative service, see LBC Fleet’s compliance and driver-support directory; it does not submit a driver’s state self-certification for them.