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In most US states your doctor does not have to report you to the DMV, but may choose to. A 2024 study in JAMA Network Open counted six states where physicians must report certain conditions: California, Delaware, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon and Pennsylvania. Delaware has since ended its mandatory reporting (August 2024, per the July 2026 Delaware Driver Manual), so five states now have a duty. In the other states, reporting is voluntary. Whatever the state, a report starts a medical review, not an automatic loss of your license, and you have the right to respond.
The mandatory reporting states
The conditions and ages below are as summarized in the 2024 study, with Delaware’s later change noted. Always check the current law with the state DMV.
| State | What must be reported | Patients covered |
|---|---|---|
| California | Disorders characterized by lapses of consciousness (Health and Safety Code 103900); Alzheimer’s and related disorders are included | 14 and older |
| Delaware | Voluntary since August 2024 (doctors encouraged to report). The 2024 study listed losses of consciousness due to a central nervous system disease | Not applicable since August 2024 |
| Nevada | Epilepsy | 14 and older |
| New Jersey | Recurrent seizures, or recurrent episodes of unconsciousness, impairment or loss of motor coordination | 16 and older |
| Oregon | Severe and uncontrollable cognitive or functional impairments | 14 and older |
| Pennsylvania | Disorders with lapses of consciousness or other disabilities affecting safe driving | 15 and older |
State guides: California, Oregon and Pennsylvania.
What about the other states?
- Voluntary reports are allowed. A doctor who is worried about your driving can tell the DMV.
- Legal protection varies. The study found 37 states protect physicians from liability when they report, and only 8 protect doctors who decide not to report.
- Confidentiality varies. The study found 7 states keep physician reports confidential without exception, and 3 states accept anonymous reports.
So the answer to “can my doctor tell the DMV?” is almost always yes. Whether they must, and whether your name is kept from the report, depends on your state.
How DMV medical review works after a report
- The report is screened. Oregon, for example, checks that a mandatory report is complete and notifies the reporter whether it was accepted.
- You get a letter. It explains what the DMV needs: often a medical report completed by your own doctor, such as California’s Driver Medical Evaluation (DS 326).
- The state decides on medical eligibility. A medical review unit, medical officer or medical advisory board looks at the evidence.
- You may be re-tested. That can mean a vision, knowledge or driving test.
- Outcome. California lists no action, medical probation (for example, limits on when or where you drive), suspension or revocation for lapse of consciousness disorders.
Speed varies. In Oregon, a mandatory report usually leads to a suspension with five days’ notice, while you work through the medical report and testing. A non-mandatory report there takes effect 60 days after notice unless there is reason to act immediately.
Who else can report a driver?
- Police officers who see signs of a medical problem at a traffic stop or crash.
- Family members and the public. Many states have a form for this. Oregon’s is the Driver Evaluation Request (Form 6066), which must describe specific driving behaviors, not just a diagnosis.
- Other health providers. Oregon includes optometrists, nurse practitioners, occupational and physical therapists and others among required reporters.
- You. Your own application asks health questions. Answering them honestly is the first step in every state.
Your rights: hearings and appeals
- States give drivers a way to challenge a medical decision, usually an administrative hearing. The deadline to ask for one is in your notice letter, so read it as soon as it arrives.
- In Oregon, if you ask for a hearing, the report and related documents become hearing exhibits and you are given copies.
- You can usually regain driving privileges once the medical issue is resolved and you pass any required tests.
Teen and new drivers: what this means for you
Several duties apply from age 14 or 15, before most people hold a permit. If you have a condition such as epilepsy, talk to your doctor about driving before your permit appointment. See seizure-free periods by state and the US guide to driving with a medical condition or disability. Medical questions about your own condition are for your doctor.
Sources
- Tran and Lee, “Reporting Requirements, Confidentiality, and Legal Immunity for Physicians Who Report Medically Impaired Drivers”, JAMA Network Open, 2024 (jamanetwork.com)
- Oregon DMV, “At-Risk Driver Program for Medical Professionals” (oregon.gov)
- California DMV, “Lapse of Consciousness Disorders” (dmv.ca.gov)
- California Legislative Information, “Health and Safety Code section 103900” (leginfo.legislature.ca.gov)
- Delaware DMV, “Delaware Driver Manual” (July 2026) (dmv.de.gov)