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CDL and CLP holders, as well as transporters, may now use the physical copy of medical certificates for an extended period of up to 60 days from the date of issuance.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has announced a modification to the exemption issued on July 14 regarding the use of printed copies of medical certificates. Previously, regulations allowed holders of Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL), Commercial Learner’s Permits (CLP), and motor carriers to use a printed copy of the Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC) as proof of medical certification for up to 15 days after issuance.
With the new exemption, CDL and CLP holders, as well as transporters, may now use the physical copy of the MEC for an extended period of up to 60 days from the date of issuance. Additionally, the FMCSA encourages medical examiners to continue issuing paper copies of the medical certificate (Form MCSA-2876) to drivers until further notice.
This new exemption will remain in effect until October 12, 2025, according to the agency.
FMCSA modifies MEC paper copy exemption for drivers and motor carriers
The final rule on the National Registry Integration Implementation (NRII) was published by the FMCSA in 2015; however, compliance with the rule was not required until June 23, 2025. The purpose of the NRII is to modernize the process of sharing drivers’ medical certifications through a secure electronic transmission system.
Under this new regulation, medical examiners are no longer required to issue the original Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC) in paper form. Likewise, CLP applicants and CDL holders are no longer required to present a printed MEC to their State Driver Licensing Agency (SDLA). Instead, the FMCSA will electronically transmit medical exam results and information about medical variances from the National Registry directly to the SDLAs.
To date, 38 states and the District of Columbia have implemented the NRII system. During the initial transition period, FMCSA issued a first exemption allowing drivers and carriers to use a printed MEC for an additional 15 days. However, the agency has learned that some drivers may experience delays longer than 15 days in updating their motor vehicle record (MVR).
In light of these delays, the FMCSA has determined that, in the interest of public safety, it is necessary to revise the current exemption. This change allows carriers and drivers to continue using a printed copy of the MEC as proof of medical certification for up to 60 days from the date the certificate was issued.
FMCSA guidelines to validate the exemption
To support the NRII transition and prevent operational disruptions, the FMCSA has extended the exemption until October 12, 2025, allowing interstate CDL holders, CLP holders, and motor carriers to use a printed copy of the Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC) as valid proof of medical certification for up to 60 days from issuance. This temporarily suspends the original June 22, 2025 deadline and the standard 15-day period.
The FMCSA specifies the following:
- This exemption does not apply to drivers who do not possess a valid, current MEC copy, issued by a certified medical examiner within the previous 60 days.
- This exemption does not apply to motor carriers who do not retain a valid, current MEC copy for the driver, issued by a certified medical examiner within the previous 60 days.
- The FMCSA reserves the right to revoke this exemption if it results in a lower level of safety than previously maintained, or if continuing the exemption is deemed inconsistent with the goals and objectives of 49 USC 31136(e) and 31315(a).
No additional action is required from drivers or carriers to benefit from this exemption.
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