FMCSA Now Reissues the Paper Medical Certificate Waiver

FMCSA Reissues Temporary Waiver for CDL Medical Certificates

Waiver Effective October 13, 2025, Through January 10, 2026

The FMCSA has reissued a temporary waiver that lets commercial driver’s license (CDL) and commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holders continue using paper copies of their medical certificates. Motor carriers can also keep using these paper copies as proof of a driver’s medical certification.

The waiver begins October 13, 2025, and ends January 10, 2026. It allows drivers and carriers to rely on paper medical certificates for up to 60 days after the certificate is issued.

FMCSA Supports Drivers During the NRII Transition

The FMCSA issued this waiver to support drivers and carriers as states and medical examiners continue switching to the new National Registry II (NRII) system. The NRII system replaces the old paper process with a secure electronic one.

Under the rule that took effect on June 23, 2025, certified medical examiners must now send medical exam results electronically to the FMCSA. The agency then forwards those results to State Driver’s Licensing Agencies (SDLAs). The states post the information on the Commercial Driver’s License Information System (CDLIS).

As of October 2025, 38 states and the District of Columbia have finished the transition. Twelve states are still using paper records. The FMCSA said that some drivers might face delays while their medical results are uploaded to the new system.

Paper Medical Certificates to Prevent Delays

The waiver allows drivers and carriers to use a paper copy of the Medical Examiner’s Certificate (Form MCSA-5876) for 60 days after it is issued. This helps prevent problems caused by delays outside of a driver’s control.

The FMCSA stated that the goal is to avoid interruptions for drivers and employers. “Drivers with valid medical certification and their employers should not be penalized for delays outside of their control,” the agency stated.

This action helps ensure drivers can keep working without long waits or penalties. It also helps motor carriers stay compliant while states finish connecting to the NRII system.

FMCSA Determines Waiver Is in the Public Interest

The FMCSA determined that reissuing the waiver serves the public interest. The agency said it will keep freight moving and reduce unnecessary hardship for drivers.

The waiver does not change safety rules. Drivers must still meet all medical standards and be certified by a medical examiner listed on the National Registry. “This waiver simply allows drivers and motor carriers to continue using a paper copy of the Medical Examiner’s Certificate for a 60-day period during the transition to NRII,” the agency wrote.

Key Waiver Provisions

The waiver includes several important points:

• Drivers may carry a paper copy of their valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate issued within the last 60 days.
• Motor carriers may keep a paper copy of that certificate in their driver qualification files for the same 60-day period.
• Medical examiners are encouraged to keep giving drivers paper copies of the certificate, even after submitting results electronically.

The waiver also extends certain federal rules in 49 CFR Part 391. Those include sections 391.23(m)(2)(iii), 391.23(m)(3)(i)(C), 391.41(a)(2)(i)(A), and 391.51(b)(6)(ii). These extensions give more time for submitting and recording medical data.

FMCSA Maintains Focus on Safety and Oversight

The FMCSA said the waiver is limited in scope and duration. It does not change who can qualify medically to drive a commercial motor vehicle. Drivers must still have a valid medical exam from a certified medical examiner.

The agency also noted it can revoke the waiver at any time if safety levels drop or if it no longer meets federal safety goals.

FMCSA Guidance for States and Interstate Drivers

During the waiver period, no state may enforce laws that conflict with the FMCSA waiver for interstate drivers. However, states may choose to apply the same waiver to their intrastate drivers if they wish.

FMCSA’s Next Steps Toward Full Electronic Compliance

The FMCSA waiver highlights the agency’s continued efforts to help states and drivers complete the transition to full electronic compliance. Once all states are connected to the NRII system, paper certificates will no longer be needed.

At that point, all driver medical data will be sent and stored electronically, making the process faster, more secure, and more consistent across the country.

More information about the FMCSA waiver and a list of states not yet using NRII can be found on the FMCSA National Registry Learning Center website.