FMCSA Renews Paper Medical Certificate Waiver During NRII Transition
What Medical Examiners, Drivers, and Carriers Should Know
At a Glance
FMCSA has renewed a temporary waiver that permits interstate CDL and CLP holders—and their employers—to rely on a paper Medical Examiner’s Certificate (Form MCSA-5876) as valid proof of medical qualification for up to 60 days after issuance.
The waiver is in effect January 11, 2026 through April 10, 2026, and is intended to ease disruptions as the industry transitions to the National Registry II (NRII) electronic medical certification system.
What the Waiver Allows (In Plain Terms)
- Drivers and motor carriers may use a paper copy of the Medical Examiner’s Certificate for up to 60 days after it is issued.
- This flexibility helps offset delays that may occur while medical certification data is being transmitted electronically.
- FMCSA advises Certified Medical Examiners to continue issuing paper certificates, even while submitting exam results electronically, until further notice.
Who Is Affected
Interstate CDL holders
Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) holders
Motor carriers and employers responsible for verifying driver medical qualification
Certified Medical Examiners (CMEs) submitting exam results under NRII requirements
Why FMCSA Extended the Waiver
NRII requires secure electronic reporting of medical exam results to FMCSA and State Driver’s Licensing Agencies (SDLAs). Because some SDLAs and medical examiners are still adjusting to the new system, processing delays remain possible.
FMCSA determined that extending this waiver serves the public interest by preventing drivers with valid medical exams from facing unnecessary compliance or employment issues during the transition.
Recommended Actions for Certified Medical Examiners
- Continue providing drivers with a paper Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MCSA-5876).
- Submit medical exam results electronically as required under NRII.
- Inform drivers and carriers that paper certificates remain acceptable for up to 60 days after issuance during the waiver period (Jan 11 – Apr 10, 2026).
- Encourage drivers to confirm their medical status with their SDLA, especially when approaching renewal deadlines or employment changes.
Relevance to NRCME Initial and Recertification Training
Temporary policies like this waiver highlight why staying current with FMCSA guidance is essential. Both initial NRCME training and 10-Year Recertification should prepare medical examiners to:
- Apply current FMCSA rules to real-world certification scenarios
- Properly document exams and transmit required data securely
- Clearly explain compliance timelines and acceptable documentation to drivers and employers
- Reduce avoidable delays that could jeopardize driver qualification or carrier compliance
Key Takeaway
Certified Medical Examiners should continue issuing paper certificates while complying with NRII electronic submission requirements. Drivers and carriers can rely on the paper MEC for up to 60 days after issuance during the waiver period.
Source: FMCSA notice renewing the temporary waiver permitting use of paper Medical Examiner’s Certificates for up to 60 days after issuance (effective January 11, 2026 – April 10, 2026).
