On July 15, 2025, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued a temporary waiver allowing interstate CDL and CLP holders, along with motor carriers, to continue using paper copies of medical examiner’s certificates as valid proof of medical certification for up to 15 days after issuance. The waiver is effective immediately and will remain in place through October 12, 2025.

This action comes in response to delays encountered during the national transition to the Medical Examiner’s Certification Integration (NRII) system. FMCSA acknowledged that some drivers and carriers may face difficulties while certified medical examiners and State Driver’s Licensing Agencies (SDLAs) shift from paper-based processes to electronic data transmissions required under the NRII final rule.

FMCSA emphasized that the waiver is in the public interest to prevent drivers with valid certifications from being penalized for delays beyond their control.

In addition to the waiver, FMCSA recommends that certified medical examiners continue issuing paper medical certificates to drivers—even as they submit results electronically—through the end of this transition period.

What This Means for PMTA Members

PMTA encourages members to:

• Continue accepting paper medical certificates for up to 15 days from the date of issuance.
• Ensure drivers retain a paper copy of their certificate during this interim period.
• Monitor guidance for CDL holders licensed in states not yet integrated with NRII.

Learn More

• FMCSA’s NRII Learning Center
• FMCSA guidance for drivers, examiners, and carriers during the transition is available on the FMCSA website.

If you have questions about how this waiver affects your operation, please contact Anthony Cloud, PMTA Director of Safety and Education.