FMCSA Extends Waiver to Allow CDL/CLP Driver Use of Paper Medical Cards

Effective Monday October 13, 2025, through January 10, 2026, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) waiver extension allows a paper copy of the medical examiner’s certificate (MEC) to be carried by commercial driver's license/commercial learner's permit (CDL/CLP) drivers for up to 60 days after issue. The previous waiver, effective from August 21 through October 12, allowed the paper copy to be carried by drivers for 60 days as well.

Carriers can also use the certificate in the DQ file. However, the certificate must be replaced by a motor vehicle record (MVR) with updated medical certification information within 60 days after the exam.

The FMCSA made this update to give carriers and drivers more support while medical examiners transition to the secure electronic transmission to medial certification data update. The FMCSA decided drivers should not be punished for delays that may occur while medical examiners and State Driver’s Licensing Agencies (SDLAs) transition to the new system.

The agency recommends that certified medical examiners (CMEs) continue to issue paper MECs as well as submit examination results electronically, until further notice.

This waiver applies to both CDL and CLP holders. Non-CDL drivers aren't affected by this waiver since they're already required to be issued and to carry a paper medical card.

As a reminder, the two key impacts of this waiver include:

• CDL drivers can use paper medical cards as proof of medical certification for up to 60 days after the certificate has been issued (following the DOT exam) while operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV).
• Carriers can use the medical card in the DQ file to be replaced by the CDL motor vehicle record (MVR) with the latest medical certification within 60 days.

The waiver does not apply to:

• A driver who doesn’t have a copy of their current, valid medical examiner’s certificate (MEC) that was issued by a certified examiner 60 days prior; or
• A motor carrier that doesn’t have a copy of its driver’s current, valid medical examiner’s certificate (MEC) that was issued 60 days prior.

Additionally, the FMCSA reserves the right to revoke the waiver if safety conditions are negatively impacted in terms of the goals and objectives of the original order. 

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