The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued a temporary exemption allowing interstate commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders, commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holders, and motor carriers to continue relying on a paper copy of the medical examiner’s certificate as proof of a driver’s medical certification for up to 60 days after the date the medical examiner’s certificate is issued. The exemption is in effect April 11, 2026 – October 11, 2026. The full contents of the exemption can be found here.

This action further supports drivers and carriers as State Driver’s Licensing Agencies and certified medical examiners continue to transition to the secure electronic transmission of medical certification data required under the National Registry II (NRII) final rule. FMCSA does not anticipate granting additional, nationwide NRII waivers or exemptions after the six-month duration of this exemption.

FMCSA also recommends that certified medical examiners continue issuing paper medical examiner’s certificates (Form MCSA-5876) to drivers, in addition to submitting examination results electronically, until further notice. 

For more information and resources related to NRII, visit the FMCSA NRII Learning Center: 
https://nationalregistry.fmcsa.dot.gov/nriilearning-center