FMCSA to allow CDL holders to rely on paper medical certificates through October amid transition
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will continue to allow truck drivers and motor carriers to rely on paper copies of medical examiner’s certificates (MEC) as the industry continues the transition to an electronic system.
On April 10, 2026, FMCSA announced a temporary exemption to the Medical Examiner’s Certification Integration (NRII) rule.
The exemption is valid April 11, 2026 – October 11, 2026.
The exemption will allow commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders, commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holders, and motor carriers to continue to use paper copies of MECs as proof of a driver’s medical certification for up to 60 days after the date the medical examiner’s certificate is issued.
The exemption was issued as five states — Alaska, California, Kentucky, Louisiana, and New Hampshire — have failed to implement the NRII rule and continue to rely on paper MECs.
FMCSA also recommends that medical examiners continue to issue drivers paper copies of MECs in addition to electronic transmission “until further notice.”
Since the NRII rule went into effect in June 2025, FMCSA has issued multiple temporarily waivers as states lag behind in adopting the rule.
However, FMCSA said that it “does not anticipate granting additional, nationwide NRII waivers or exemptions after the six-month duration of this exemption.”
The NRII rule eliminates the need for CDL and CLP holders to submit their own MEC to State Driver’s Licensing Agencies (SDLA). It requires that CDL and CLP medical examination results be electronically transmitted from FMCSA’s National Registry to the SDLAs to be posted on the Commercial Driver’s License Information System driver motor vehicle record.