Significant changes are on the horizon for Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) holders starting June 23, 2025. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is officially rolling out updates to the Medical Examiner’s Certification Integration Rule, which aims to streamline how commercial drivers maintain their medical certification status.
Note, these changes do not apply to non-CDL commercial drivers, whose physical examination requirements and processes remain unchanged.
Current Requirements Until June 22, 2025
As of now, CDL and CLP holders who operate in non-excepted interstate commerce must:
- Obtain a DOT physical examination every two years (or more often if medically required).
- Submit an original or copy of their Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC) to their State Driver Licensing Agency (SDLA).
- Carry a hard copy of their medical card for at least 15 days after issuance.
- If drivers obtained a medical variance (such as an exemption or Skills Performance Evaluation Certificate), they must carry that documentation on their person at all times.
- Employers are required to obtain an original or copy of the medical examiner’s certificate short form, along with any medical variance related to that certification, and place these documents in the Driver Qualification (DQ) File.
- For drivers who are required to hold a commercial driver’s license under part 383, the motor carrier must use the CDLIS motor vehicle record obtained from the current licensing state to verify and document the type of operation the driver self-certified they will perform before permitting the driver to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV).
- Motor carriers must verify that the medical examiner was listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners as of the date of issuance of the medical examiner’s certificate before allowing the driver to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV).
What’s Changing on and After June 23, 2025?
1. No more paper submission of medical certificates
Starting June 23, 2025:
- Medical Examiners (MEs) will electronically submit the results of CDL/CLP drivers’ medical exams directly to the FMCSA.
- FMCSA will electronically transmit the data to each driver’s SDLA.
- Drivers will no longer need to submit a paper copy of their MEC to the SDLA.
Key point: If there is a conflict between FMCSA’s electronic record and a paper medical card, the FMCSA’s electronic record will control.
2. No need to carry a paper medical card
Drivers will no longer be required to carry their medical card on their person after passing the 15-day period post-exam. However, drivers should still carry a paper copy until June 23, 2025, and possibly after, as a precaution during system implementation.
Reminder: Drivers who have a medical variance (e.g., diabetes exemption) must still carry that documentation at all times.
3. Employer Requirements Will Shift
- Employers will no longer need to verify that a medical examiner was on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME) at the time of the exam.
- Employers must obtain the CDL Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) showing the medical certification status after each exam, which becomes the primary proof for the DQ file.
- For non-CDL drivers, there are no changes: employers are still required to maintain a copy of the medical card on file and document that the medical examiner was listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners as of the date the medical examiner’s certificate was issued, prior to allowing the driver to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV).
4. Medical Examiner Responsibilities Increase
Certified Medical Examiners must:
- Submit the results electronically by midnight of the next calendar day after the physical exam.
- Ensure they are actively listed on the NRCME and trained in the new electronic reporting processes.
- If an ME finds a driver who is not medically qualified, this information will be electronically reported to FMCSA immediately, invalidating any previous MECs.
5. Self-Certification Continues
CDL and CLP drivers must still self-certify their driving type when:
- Applying for a new CDL or CLP.
- Renewing or upgrading an existing CDL.
- Transferring a CDL from another state.
The self-certification categories remain:
- Non-excepted Interstate (requires medical certification)
- Excepted Interstate (no DOT exam required)
- Non-excepted Intrastate (medical certification required)
- Excepted Intrastate (no DOT exam required)
Why the Changes?
The FMCSA is making these changes to:
- Eliminate fraud (counterfeit or altered medical cards).
- Reduce paperwork for drivers, medical examiners, employers, and SDLAs.
- Speed up updates to driver records.
- Enhance public safety by ensuring only medically qualified drivers operate commercial vehicles.
What CDL Drivers and Employers Should Do Now
Before June 23, 2025:
- Employers: Update your policies and train your staff on the upcoming electronic system.
Starting June 23, 2025:
- CDL drivers: Get your DOT physical as usual—no need to carry or submit a paper certificate anymore.
- Employers: Collect updated MVRs after each driver’s physical exam to maintain compliance.
While these changes simplify life for CDL drivers and employers in the long run, preparation is critical. Drivers, medical examiners, and motor carriers must fully understand the updated procedures to avoid compliance issues or disruptions to business.
