Deadline AheadDeadline: October 11, 2026

Temporary Paper Medical Certificate Exemption Ends October 11, 2026

A temporary FMCSA exemption allows certain interstate CDL and CLP holders and motor carriers to rely on a paper medical examiner's certificate for up to 60 days after issuance. The exemption ends October 11, 2026.

What Changed: FMCSA issued a six-month exemption supporting the National Registry II transition. During the exemption period, interstate CDL holders, CLP holders, and motor carriers may rely on a paper medical examiner's certificate as proof of medical certification for up to 60 days after the certificate is issued. Current Status: The exemption is effective from April 11 through October 11, 2026. FMCSA stated that it does not anticipate another nationwide exemption after this period. FMCSA also recommends that certified medical examiners continue issuing Form MCSA-5876 to drivers, in addition to electronically submitting examination results, until further notice.

Who May Be Affected

Interstate CDL and CLP holders, motor carriers, medical examiners, employers, and State licensing agencies.

What Drivers / Owner-Operators Should Do Now

!Keep the paper medical examiner's certificate provided after the examination, confirm that the examination result was submitted electronically, monitor the driver's licensing record, and review updated FMCSA instructions before the exemption expires.

Records That May Be Useful to Save

- Medical Examiner's Certificate, Form MCSA-5876 - Examination receipt - Medical examination report when provided - Electronic submission confirmation - State licensing correspondence - Employer verification records

Official Source

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

View Official Source

Last reviewed by Clear To Roll staff: July 29, 2026

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