FMCSA Phasing Out Paper Medical Certificates: What to Know Before the Deadline

If you’re a commercial driver, a fleet manager, or anyone dealing with DOT compliance, you’ve probably heard about the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Medical Examiner’s Certification Integration rule.

Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s happening, why it matters, and what you need to do before the deadline coming up in June.

What is the new integration rule?

The FMCSA Medical Examiner’s Certification Integration rule covers how commercial drivers’ medical certification information is collected, stored, and shared. Currently, drivers with commercial learner permits (CLPs) or commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) must provide a paper copy of their Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC) to their state’s driver licensing agency. This certificate, often referred to as a med card, confirms that they are physically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle (CMV).

The long-term goal is to digitize the entire process. The FMCSA wants certified medical examiners to send the results of the DOT medical exam directly to the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. The FMCSA would then electronically transmit those results to state licensing agencies, eliminating the need for drivers to submit paper certificates themselves.

I've heard this FMCSA rule was delayed. What does this mean?

This digital system was initially proposed to go live in 2018; however, due to technical and security issues with the FMCSA’s IT system, it has been pushed back to June 2025.

Here’s what the delay means:

• Drivers still need to carry paper medical cards: Until June 23, 2025, commercial drivers must continue to provide a physical copy of their med cards to their state’s driver licensing agency.
• Companies still need to verify medical certificates: Employers must continue checking that their drivers are certified by a listed medical examiner.
• States must continue processing paper certificates: State agencies cannot fully automate the verification process until the new system is in place.

It's important to note that some states have already started implementing the new process. The FMCSA website provides more details on these states.

Related Foley Blog Article: The Ultimate Guide to DOT Medical Card Compliance

What will happen to DOT medical cards after the June deadline?

If everything goes according to plan, by June 23, 2025:

• Medical examiners will electronically submit results directly to the FMCSA.
• The FMCSA will forward those results to state licensing agencies.
• Drivers will no longer need to submit their own medical certificates.
• Employers will no longer need to manually verify the medical examiners’ credentials.

What does this change mean for me?

• For Drivers: Failing to keep a valid medical card on file with your state licensing agency means your CDL could be downgraded, putting your job at risk.
• For Fleet Managers: Not tracking medical certification properly could lead to DOT compliance violations and fines of up to $16,864. 

Foley's Dash Platform automatically tracks and notifies you of medical card expiration dates. Avoid DOT violations and get a free Dash demo now.

What You Should Do with DOT Medical Certificates Now

• Drivers: Make sure your medical certification is up to date. Don’t assume the new system is already in place; keep carrying your MEC and submit it to your state agency.
• Carriers: Keep verifying medical certificates. Ensure your drivers have valid medical certifications from a registered examiner.
• Stay Updated: Both drivers and carriers should stay informed about FMCSA announcements. Since this rule has been delayed multiple times, there’s always a chance of further changes. Keeping up to date will help you avoid compliance headaches.

The FMCSA’s Medical Examiner’s Certification Integration rule is moving toward automation, but until June, the DOT med card submission process will remain the same. To avoid being caught off guard when the new FMCSA system is in place, keep submitting your medical certificates, verifying DOT compliance, and following FMCSA updates here on the Foley blog.

Foley's DOT compliance platform, Dash, notifies you of medical certificate expirations with sufficient time to schedule DOT physicals and get new med cards for your drivers. Get your free Dash demo now to get ahead of the digital medical certificate integration rule.