FMCSA Modifies Temporary Waiver for Paper Medical Certificates Amid NRII Transition
- Brandon Wiseman
- 23 hours ago
- 4 min read
According to a notice published August 21, 2025, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has modified its temporary waiver, allowing interstate commercial driver’s license (CDL) and commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holders, as well as motor carriers, to use paper Medical Examiner’s Certificates (MECs) as proof of medical certification for up to 60 days after issuance. This waiver, effective until October 12, 2025, addresses ongoing challenges in the transition to the National Registry Integration Initiative (NRII) electronic system, ensuring drivers and carriers are not penalized for delays in electronic medical certification transmission. The modification extends the previous 15-day allowance to 60 days, providing additional flexibility during the transition period.
Background on the NRII and Initial Waiver
As detailed in our previous article (published July 14, 2025), the NRII rule, effective June 23, 2025, sought to modernize the medical certification process for CDL and CLP holders. Certified medical examiners were required, as of that date, to begin electronically submittting Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam results for CDL drivers to the FMCSA’s National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners by midnight of the next calendar day. The FMCSA then transmits these results to State Driver’s Licensing Agencies (SDLAs) for updating CDL drivers’ Motor Vehicle Records (MVRs). This shift is intended to eliminate the need for CDL holders to manually submit paper MECs, aiming to reduce fraud, streamline compliance, and enhance safety.
The transition has faced challenges, with only 38 states and the District of Columbia fully compliant with NRII as of July 14, 2025. States such as Alaska, California, Florida, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Vermont, and Wyoming have yet to fully implement the change, leading to reported delays in electronic data transmission. The initial waiver, announced on July 14, 2025, allowed drivers and carriers to continue relying on paper MECs for up to 15 days post-issuance to mitigate these delays.
Details of the Modified Waiver
On August 21, 2025, the FMCSA modified the waiver, extending the validity of paper MECs from 15 to 60 days after issuance, while maintaining the waiver’s expiration date of October 12, 2025. This change responds to persistent delays in some states’ adoption of the NRII system and aims to prevent undue burdens on drivers and carriers. Key provisions of the updated waiver include:
Extended Use of Paper MECs: CDL and CLP holders, along with motor carriers that employ them, may continue to rely on paper MECs issued by certified medical examiners as valid proof of medical certification for up to 60 days after their issuance.
Conditions for Compliance: The waiver is effective only if:
The CDL driver holds a valid paper MEC issued no more than 60 days prior.
The MEC is issued by a certified medical examiner listed on the National Registry.
Motor carriers maintain a copy of the valid MEC in the driver’s qualification file.
Medical Examiner Guidance: Certified medical examiners are encouraged to issue paper MECs alongside electronic submissions, particularly for drivers licensed in states that have not yet implemented NRII, to provide immediate proof of certification.
Public Interest Justification: The FMCSA has determined that this waiver serves the public interest by ensuring drivers with valid medical certifications are not subject to CDL downgrades or compliance penalties due to delays in electronic data transmission beyond their control.
The waiver applies to all interstate CDL/CLP drivers, motor carriers, and state enforcement personnel, ensuring uniform compliance during roadside inspections and audits. As we noted in our prior articles on the topic, the medical certification process for non-CDL regulated drivers is not changing.
Implications for Motor Carriers and Drivers
The modified 60-day waiver offers motor carriers and drivers increased flexibility to navigate the NRII transition while maintaining compliance with FMCSA regulations. Motor carriers should take the following steps:
Verify MEC Validity: Confirm that drivers’ paper MECs are issued by certified medical examiners and remain valid within the 60-day window.
Monitor MVR Updates: After the 60-day period, verify that electronic exam results have been updated on the CDL drivers’ MVRs to avoid compliance issues during DOT audits or inspections. If they haven't, the driver is no longer qualified to operate a commercial vehicle unless and until the result is associated with his or her driving record.
Train Staff: Educate fleet managers and drivers on the waiver’s conditions and the importance of carrying valid paper MECs, especially in non-NRII-compliant states.
CDL Drivers should:
Carry Paper MECs: Request a paper MEC from your medical examiner, present a copy of it to your motor carrier and continue to carry it with you while you operate. Work with your motor carrier to ensure that your exam information is associated with your driving record via your state licensing agency within 60 days after your exam.
Verify Data Accuracy: Ensure accurate information (e.g., CDL number, name, and date of birth) is provided during DOT physicals to prevent transmission errors.
Staying Compliant During the NRII Transition
The NRII rule is a critical step toward digitizing the medical certification process, reducing paperwork, minimizing errors, and improving safety on U.S. roadways. However, with 12 states still noncompliant as of August 2025, the modified 60-day waiver provides a practical solution to bridge the gap. Motor carriers and drivers can stay proactive by leveraging resources like the FMCSA’s NRII Learning Center and consulting compliance experts to ensure seamless adherence to regulations. For more information on this topic, check out our recent webinar below.
About Trucksafe Consulting, LLC: Trucksafe Consulting is a full-service DOT regulatory compliance consulting and training service. We help carriers develop, implement, and improve their safety programs, through personalized services, industry-leading training, and a library of educational content. Trucksafe also hosts a livestream podcast on its various social media channels called Trucksafe LIVE! to discuss hot-button issues impacting highway transportation. Trucksafe is owned and operated by Brandon Wiseman and Jerad Childress, transportation attorneys who've assisted some of the nation’s leading fleets to develop and maintain cutting-edge safety programs. You can learn more about Trucksafe online at www.trucksafe.com and by following Trucksafe on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Or subscribe to Trucksafe's newsletter for the latest highway transportation news & analysis. Also, be sure to check out eRegs, the first app-based digital version of the federal safety regulations aimed at helping carriers and drivers better understand and comply with the regulations.