Say Goodbye to Paper Medical Cards

Big changes are coming this summer for commercial drivers across the country. As part of the FMCSA’s New Entrant Registration Improvements Initiative (NRII), the way your medical certification is handled is about to shift—from paper to electronic.

Beginning June 23, 2025, Certified Medical Examiners will be required to electronically submit all commercial driver medical exam results directly to the FMCSA and State Driver’s Licensing Agencies (SDLAs) through the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.

Here’s what that means for you as a driver:

• No More Paper Copies Required: Drivers will no longer need to carry or hand in a paper Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC) to their state or employer. Your medical results will be sent automatically to the FMCSA.

• Fewer Administrative Headaches: This eliminates the need to fax, mail, or personally deliver your MEC to your local DMV.

• No Missed Deadlines or Lost Certifications: With direct electronic submission, you’re less likely to run into problems from misfiled or late paperwork that could impact your CDL.

What You Need To Do

Even though the burden is shifting away from the driver, you still play a key role in making sure everything goes smoothly.

Here’s how to prepare:

1. Make Sure Your Medical Examiner Is on the National Registry
   Only Certified Medical Examiners listed in the National Registry can submit your exam results electronically. Before booking your DOT physical, double-check that your provider is registered. You can search at nationalregistry.fmcsa.dot.gov.

2. Verify That Your Information Is Accurate
   At your exam, double-check that your name, date of birth, CDL number, and state of licensure are all correct. If your examiner enters the wrong information, your results may not be matched to your record.

3. Hold Onto a Copy (Just in Case)
   Even though electronic submission will become the standard, it’s a good idea to keep a paper copy of your MEC with you for now—especially during the early months of the rollout.

Already Live in These States

While the full rollout begins in June 2025, several states are already using this electronic submission system. If you’re licensed in one of the following states, your medical results are already being submitted electronically:

• Alabama | Colorado | Delaware

• Idaho | Maryland | Massachusetts

• Minnesota | Missouri | New Mexico

• North Dakota | Rhode Island | South Carolina

• Texas | Utah | Wisconsin

If your CDL is issued in one of these states, you may already be familiar with the process. For everyone else, these changes are just around the corner.

Need a DOT physical or have questions about the new rules? Walk in today or call us to schedule—same-day service, no waiting, and peace of mind knowing your paperwork is submitted correctly!