The DOT FMCSA Updates Medical Examination Report Forms (MCSA-5875 and MCSA-5876) for CDL Driver Medical Certification
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has updated the Medical Examination Report Form (MCSA-5875) and the Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MCSA-5876) used for DOT physicals and commercial driver medical certification. These revised forms became effective April 1, 2025 and apply to interstate CDL driver medical certification requirements.
Updated FMCSA Medical Forms for DOT Physicals
The updated FMCSA forms include:
- MCSA-5875 – Medical Examination Report (MER)
- MCSA-5876 – Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC)
Both forms now display an expiration date of 3/31/2028 in the upper right corner.
Medical examiners are strongly encouraged to use the current versions to ensure compliance with FMCSA requirements and reduce processing issues with State Driver’s License Agencies (SDLAs).
FMCSA Grace Period for Old vs New DOT Forms
While FMCSA allowed a transition period during which older and newer versions of the forms could be used interchangeably, it is now approximately 14 months since the release of the updated forms, which exceeds a typical administrative grace period.
Medical examiners should ensure they are using:
- MCSA-5875 (Revision with 3/31/2028 expiration date)
- MCSA-5876 (Revision with 3/31/2028 expiration date)
State-by-State Implementation of Electronic DOT Medical Certification (NRII Rule)
The FMCSA National Registry II (NRII) Rule, effective June 23, 2025, enables the electronic transmission of DOT medical certification results from the FMCSA National Registry directly to State Driver’s Licensing Agencies (SDLAs).
These results include:
- Medically qualified
- Medically unqualified
- Voided examinations
Once transmitted, results are recorded in the Commercial Driver’s License Information System (CDLIS), eliminating the need for most drivers to manually submit paper copies of the MCSA-5876.
States Not Fully Implemented NRII
Despite nationwide rollout, some states have not fully implemented NRII and may still rely on paper documentation. These states may:
- Require submission of a paper MCSA-5876
- In some cases request a paper MCSA-5875
- Reject certificates that do not align with current state processing rules
California is among the states that have not fully implemented electronic transmission of DOT physical results from the National Registry to SDLAs.
For an updated list of participating states, visit:
https://nationalregistry.fmcsa.dot.gov/nriilearning-center
FMCSA Temporary Exemption for Paper Medical Certificates (2026)
Due to ongoing implementation gaps and occasional transmission failures, FMCSA has issued a temporary exemption allowing continued reliance on paper documentation.
Key Details:
- Effective Dates: April 11, 2026 – October 11, 2026
- Duration: Up to 60 days after issuance of the Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MCSA-5876)
- Applies to: CDL drivers, CLP holders, and motor carriers
During this period, a paper copy of the MCSA-5876 may still be used as proof of medical certification.
WFQA strongly recommends that drivers carry a paper copy of their Medical Examiner’s Certificate at all times while operating a commercial motor vehicle.
Key Changes to FMCSA Forms MCSA-5875 and MCSA-5876
MCSA-5875 (Medical Examination Report)
- Updated expiration date: 3/31/2028
- Revised Public Burden Statement address
- Updated revision (REV) date on page 1
- No additional structural changes
MCSA-5876 (Medical Examiner’s Certificate)
- Updated expiration date: 3/31/2028
- No additional content changes
About the DOT Medical Examination Report (MER) and MEC Forms
The FMCSA requires interstate commercial motor vehicle drivers to maintain a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC), Form MCSA-5876, to operate a commercial vehicle.
As part of the DOT physical exam, drivers must also complete the Medical Examination Report (MER), Form MCSA-5875, which documents medical history and examination findings.
Together, these forms ensure compliance with FMCSA medical certification requirements for CDL holders.
Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC), Form MCSA-5876
Document
Medical Examiner’s Certificate Form MCSA-5876 508.pdf (100.87 KB)
Last updated: Tuesday, April 1, 2025 with Expiration Date 3/31/2028
Medical Examination Report (MER) Form, MCSA-5875
Document
Medical Examination Report Form MCSA-5875 508pdf.pdf (473.96 KB)
Last updated: Tuesday, April 1, 2025 with Expiration Date 3/31/2028
FMCSA DOT Medical Certification Compliance Support
Staying current with FMCSA medical certification updates is critical for CDL drivers, employers, and medical examiners. Proper use of the updated MCSA-5875 and MCSA-5876 forms helps reduce delays, prevent SDLA rejections, and ensure uninterrupted driver qualification status.
For questions or assistance, contact the WFQA team.
