Paper Medical Examiner's Certificate Waiver: Now Up To 60 Days

FMCSA Extends Paper Medical Examiner’s Certificate Waiver to 60 Days

Background on the Medical Examiner’s Certificate Waiver

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has updated its temporary waiver covering the use of paper medical examiner’s certificates. The waiver was first granted on July 14, 2025. At that time, commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders, commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holders, and motor carriers were allowed to use a paper certificate for 15 days after it was issued.

On August 21, 2025, FMCSA extended that timeframe. Now, truck drivers and carriers may use the paper certificate for up to 60 days. This change is designed to help with the transition to the new electronic certification system known as National Registry II (NRII).

Why the Medical Examiner’s Certificate Waiver Was Needed

The NRII final rule began on June 23, 2025. Under this rule, medical examiners must submit certification results electronically. Truck drivers no longer submit a paper medical examiner’s certificate to their state. Instead, results are transmitted electronically, and the state records them in the Commercial Driver’s License Information System (CDLIS).

But not every state was ready to switch. By August, 38 states and the District of Columbia had adopted NRII. Twelve states were still relying on paper certificates.

This created delays for some truck drivers. Even with a valid medical examiner’s certificate, their information did not always appear quickly in CDLIS. Without the waiver, these delays could have sidelined drivers who were medically qualified to work.

FMCSA explained that extending the waiver helps avoid these problems. The agency said the extension protects drivers and carriers from unnecessary hardship during the transition.

What the Medical Examiner’s Certificate Waiver Allows

The waiver will remain in place until October 12, 2025. During this period, paper certificates remain valid under certain conditions:

• Drivers may carry a paper certificate for up to 60 days after their exam.
• Carriers may keep a copy of the certificate in the driver qualification file for the same 60-day period.
• All certificates must be issued by a certified medical examiner listed in the National Registry.

This waiver does not apply if the truck driver does not have a valid medical examiner’s certificate. It also does not change the health standards drivers must meet. The only change is the extended time that a paper certificate can be used.

FMCSA’s Recommendations

FMCSA recommends that certified medical examiners continue giving paper certificates (Form MCSA-5876) to drivers. This should be done at the time of the exam, even though electronic submissions are now required. The paper medical examiner’s certificate serves as a backup if electronic records are delayed or not updated.

The agency also stated that it may revoke the waiver if it causes safety concerns.

Safety and Industry Impact of the Waiver

FMCSA believes the waiver keeps safety standards in place. It does not allow any driver without a valid medical examiner’s certificate to operate in interstate commerce.

Instead, the waiver ensures truck drivers can keep working while states finish switching to NRII. It helps carriers avoid disruptions and keeps freight moving across the country. FMCSA said the extension supports safe and reliable transportation during this transition period.