FMCSA 2026 Update: CDL Medical Certificate Waiver Expires; Alaska Exempt
The temporary waiver for paper medical examiner’s certificates has expired. Motor carriers must verify CDL and CLP drivers’ medical certification through the electronic record system, with a limited exception for Alaska.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) temporary waiver issued April 11, 2026, allowing commercial driver’s license (CDL) drivers and motor carriers to use a paper copy of the Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MCSA-5876) as proof of medical certification, expired at midnight on October 11, 2026.
Effective October 12, 2026, the National Registry II (NRII) electronic medical certification process is in effect nationwide, with one exception: Alaska.
Alaska Receives a One-Year Exemption
Because Alaska cannot yet support the NRII electronic certification process, FMCSA has granted the state an exemption from October 12, 2026, through October 12, 2027.
This exemption applies only to Alaska-licensed CDL drivers and commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holders and the motor carriers that use them. It allows these drivers and carriers to continue using a paper copy of the Medical Examiner’s Certificate for up to 60 days after issuance as proof of medical certification.
Motor carriers operating with Alaska-licensed drivers must continue to meet the following requirements:
- Driver self-certification: Alaska CDL drivers and CLP holders must still self-certify and submit their medical examiner’s certificates to the Alaska DMV.
- Driver qualification files: Motor carriers must retain a paper copy of the medical examiner’s certificate in the driver qualification file.
- Verification within 60 days: Within 60 days of certificate issuance, carriers must verify through the Commercial Driver’s License Information System (CDLIS) motor vehicle record (MVR) that the driver completed the self-certification process and is listed as medically certified.
The exemption does not eliminate these responsibilities or extend the paper-certificate exception to drivers licensed in other states.
How the NRII Electronic Certification Process Works
For CDL and CLP holders in states other than Alaska, medical certification is now handled through an electronic process.
- Medical examiner submits results. Certified medical examiners must submit DOT physical examination results to the FMCSA National Registry by midnight of the next calendar day.
- FMCSA transmits certification information. The National Registry sends the driver’s medical certification status, including applicable restrictions, to the state driver licensing agency.
- The state updates the driver’s record. The state licensing agency updates the CDLIS/MVR with the driver’s current medical certification status.
- Motor carriers verify certification. Carriers must confirm medical certification through the driver’s MVR. A paper copy of the medical examiner’s certificate is no longer acceptable as proof of certification for these drivers.
- Expired certifications can trigger a downgrade. If a medical certification expires and a renewed certification is not posted to the CDLIS/MVR, the state licensing agency may initiate the process to downgrade the driver’s CDL or CLP.
What Motor Carriers Need to Do Now
The transition from paper certificates to electronic medical certification does not reduce a motor carrier’s compliance responsibilities. Employers must ensure their driver qualification and monitoring processes reflect the new requirements.
Motor carriers should take the following steps:
- Review driver qualification procedures. Confirm that processes require verification of medical certification through the MVR rather than reliance on a paper certificate.
- Identify Alaska-licensed drivers. Maintain a list of affected drivers and follow the exemption requirements, including retaining paper certificates and verifying current MVR status within 60 days of issuance.
- Monitor medical certification status. Establish a consistent process for checking MVRs and identifying expired or missing certifications before they affect a driver’s qualification.
- Educate employees and drivers. Ensure compliance teams, operations staff and drivers understand the electronic submission process, verification requirements and Alaska-specific exception
Need Help Managing DOT Medical Certification Requirements?
WorkforceQA helps employers manage DOT physicals, medical certification coordination, and driver qualification file requirements. Our team can help you review your current processes and identify opportunities to improve tracking and support ongoing compliance.
Contact WorkforceQA to learn how we can support your DOT compliance and occupational health needs.
