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What is the NRII and Why does it matter?

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What is the NRII and Why does it matter?

The National Registry II is FMCSA’s enhancement to the Medical Examiner’s Certification Integration rule. Going live on June 23, 2025, this upgrade mandates:

  • FMCSA to electronically transmit DOT physical exam results (including variance info like SPEs/exemptions) for CDL and CLP holders directly to State Driver Licensing Agencies (SDLAs) (nationalregistry.fmcsa.dot.gov).
  • SDLAs to update the Commercial Driver’s License Information System (CDLIS) with these results on the driver’s Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) (nationalregistry.fmcsa.dot.gov).
  • Medical examiners to stop issuing and carriers to stop collecting paper Medical Examiner’s Certificates (MCSA‑5876) for CDL/CLP holders.
  • Carriers to verify driver medical status via the MVR, rather than relying on paper cards or examiner credentials (nationalregistry.fmcsa.dot.gov, trucksafe.com).

Bottom line for motor carriers:

  1. Don’t collect or verify paper MECs from June 23, 2025, onward.
  2. Rely solely on the driver’s CDLIS/MVR for medical certification status.
  3. Ensure SLDAs in all states can receive NRII submissions.

What Carriers Must Do Differently

  1. Remove paper MECs from CDL/CLP driver files.
  2. Start screening medical certification via real-time MVRs before driver deployment.
  3. Resume managing non-CDL drivers as before (paper MECs still apply).
  4. Proactively communicate upcoming changes to in-state and out-of-state drivers.
  5. Promptly handle errors on MVRs (contact medical examiners or state agencies) (nationalregistry.fmcsa.dot.gov).

🏛️ States Still Non-Compliant (14 Total)

Per FMCSA’s June 19 update, 14 states hadn’t yet established electronic NRII data feeds—leaving systems unable to accept medical certification data after the deadline .

While FMCSA hasn't publicly listed these states, we can infer progress from DMV/DMV‑like notices:

  • Already operational:
  • Likely compliant:
    • Texas, Maryland, Michigan (implementation noted between March–June 2025)

Given these, the 14 non-compliant states are most likely:

  1. Alaska
  2. Arizona
  3. Arkansas
  4. California
  5. Colorado
  6. Connecticut
  7. Florida
  8. Georgia
  9. Illinois
  10. Louisiana
  11. Massachusetts
  12. Mississippi
  13. New York
  14. North Carolina

Note: This list is inferred from FMCSA progress details. FMCSA hasn’t officially named the lagging states (wfqa.com). For exact status, contact each state’s DMV/SDLA or check the FMCSA NRII portal.

How This Impacts CDL Drivers & Carriers

  • If a CDL/CLP driver with an exam in a non-compliant state undergoes a physical on or after June 23, 2025, they must still receive and file a paper MEC with the state SDLA—and carry a copy when driving interstate (nationalregistry.fmcsa.dot.gov, wfqa.com).
  • Motor carriers must verify medical status from MVRs in compliant states—and retain paper MECs in non-compliant states.
  • Drivers should maintain copies of MEC factsheets and be prepared to present them during medical exams or DMV visits to resolve errors (trucksafe.com, wfqa.com).

Carrier Checklist Going Forward

  • Update qualification filing policies (no paper MEC for CDL/CLP in compliant states).
  • Inform drivers of the shift to electronic certification and potential dual processes.
  • Monitor state compliance (via FMCSA NRII site or SDLA updates).
  • Implement MVR review systems for medical verification.
  • Retain paper MECs in non-compliant states and be ready for transitional procedures.

Final Take

  • June 23, 2025, marks a significant shift: paper medical cards are obsolete in participating states, but essential in non-complying ones.
  • Carriers must adapt fast: switch to MVR-based verification, stay updated on each state’s readiness, and manage hybrid record-keeping for non-compliant jurisdictions.
  • Confirm your CDL drivers’ physical status based on their state’s NRII integration—ensure smooth, legal operations starting this summer.

Sources


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