On Thursday, August 21, 2025, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) updated its temporary waiver, extending the allowable use of paper medical examiner’s certificates from 15 days to 60 days after issuance. This is an important update relating to the transition to the Medical Examiner's Certification Integration (NRII) final rule.
Originally issued on July 14, 2025, the waiver permitted interstate CDL and CLP holders, as well as motor carriers, to use a paper copy of the medical certificate as valid proof of medical certification for 15 days following the date it was issued.
There is no change to the effective date of the waiver: July 14, 2025, to October 12, 2025.
What You Need to Know
If you’re a commercial driver, a fleet manager, or anyone dealing with DOT compliance, you should be aware that you now have 60 days after issuance to use paper medical examiner’s certificates during this transition to the new rule.
Key Points of the Waiver
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Temporary Waiver: The waiver is in effect until October 12, 2025, giving stakeholders time to adjust to the new NRII system.
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Continued Use of Paper Certificates: Motor carriers can continue to accept paper medical examiner's certificates for up to 60 days after issuance.
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Recommendation to Medical Examiners: FMCSA recommends that certified medical examiners continue issuing paper medical examiner's certificates, Form MCSA-5876, in addition to submitting results electronically during the transition period.
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Purpose of the Waiver: The waiver aims to prevent undue hardship on drivers and employers due to delays in the transition from the paper-based process to the electronic transmission of medical certification information.
Understanding NRII
The Medical Examiner's Certification Integration (NRII) final rule is designed to enhance the secure, electronic transmission of driver medical certification information between certified medical examiners and State Driver's Licensing Agencies. This transition is part of a broader effort to improve safety and efficiency in the commercial driving industry.
Note: As of the date of this waiver, 38 States and the District of Columbia have implemented NRII. Twelve States have not yet implemented NRII and are continuing to rely on the paper MEC: Alaska, California, Florida, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Vermont, Wyoming.
Implications for Fleet Managers
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Compliance: Ensure that your operations remain compliant with FMCSA regulations during the transition period
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Driver Management: Be aware that drivers with valid medical certification should not be negatively impacted by delays outside their control.
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Record Keeping: Continue to maintain accurate records of medical examiner's certificates, both paper and electronic.
Related Foley Blog Article: The Ultimate Guide to DOT Medical Card Compliance
By understanding the implications of the FMCSA's temporary waiver and the ongoing transition to NRII, fleet managers can better navigate the changes and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
Additional Resources
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