Truck drivers with a CDL or commercial learner’s permit have been able to use a paper Medical Examiner’s Certificate as a temporary backup when their medical certification does not make it onto their state driving record. That protection is scheduled to end October 11, 2026.
FMCSA created the six-month exemption to prevent drivers with valid medical certifications from being affected by delays in the National Registry II electronic system. It allows drivers and motor carriers nationwide to rely on a paper certificate for up to 60 days after it is issued. FMCSA has said another nationwide extension is not expected.
What Changes After October 11
For CDL and CLP holders in states using National Registry II, the electronic record is the official proof of medical certification. Examination results are sent from the medical examiner through FMCSA to the driver’s state licensing agency and posted to the CDLIS driving record.
The current exemption provides extra time when that process is delayed. Unless FMCSA takes additional action, that 60-day allowance ends with the exemption on October 11.
Drivers do not need a new physical because the exemption expires. A valid medical certification keeps its normal expiration date.
Check That Your Medical Certification Reached the State
Drivers getting a DOT physical should make sure the information provided to the medical examiner matches their license. Errors involving a name, date of birth, licensing state or license number can prevent the electronic examination record from matching the state record.
If the certification does not appear, FMCSA directs drivers to contact the medical examiner first. The examiner can check the National Registry for an error message and correct information that prevented the record from matching. The driver can then contact the state licensing agency to see whether the certification has posted.
If those steps do not resolve the problem, FMCSA provides National Registry technical support for additional help.
Keep a Copy of the Medical Certificate
Paper certificates are not disappearing when the exemption ends. FMCSA strongly recommends that medical examiners continue giving drivers a paper copy of Form MCSA-5876 until further notice.
For drivers in states using National Registry II, that copy is useful if something goes wrong with the electronic transmission, but it is not normally the official medical certification record. Drivers can request a copy at the time of the examination and keep it with their records.
Through October 11, the current exemption gives that paper copy an additional purpose by allowing qualifying CDL and CLP holders to use it as proof of certification for up to 60 days after issuance.
Alaska and Louisiana Still Use Paper Submission
Alaska and Louisiana are currently the only states FMCSA lists as not having implemented National Registry II. CDL and CLP holders licensed in either state still need to submit a paper Medical Examiner’s Certificate to their state licensing agency.
Medical examiners must also report those examination results to the National Registry. Until each state implements NRII, drivers there should continue following the paper submission instructions provided by their licensing agency.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can a driver check whether a medical certification was added to the driving record?
The process for accessing a driving record varies by state. Drivers can check with their state driver licensing agency for the available online or record-request options and confirm that their current medical certification status is reflected correctly.
What should a driver bring to a DOT physical?
FMCSA requires CDL and CLP applicants and holders to provide the medical examiner with information needed to identify their state driving record. Bringing the current driver’s license also gives the examiner the information needed to submit the examination accurately.
Does National Registry II apply to non-CDL commercial drivers?
The electronic FMCSA-to-state process covered here applies to CDL and CLP applicants and holders. Non-CDL interstate commercial drivers who require medical certification continue to receive a paper Medical Examiner’s Certificate when they qualify.
What happens if Alaska or Louisiana implements NRII after this article is published?
FMCSA maintains a current list of states that have not implemented National Registry II. Drivers licensed in Alaska or Louisiana should check FMCSA’s NRII Learning Center or their state licensing agency for the latest instructions before submitting a new medical certificate.
The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.
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