FMCSA Paper Medical Card Exemption Ends October 11

Truck drivers and motor carriers have just days left under a temporary FMCSA exemption that allows them to rely on a paper Medical Examiner’s Certificate for up to 60 days after it is issued.

The nationwide exemption expires at 11:59 p.m. on October 11, 2026. FMCSA introduced it while states transitioned to the National Registry II electronic medical certification system.

FMCSA said drivers and carriers should not expect another nationwide waiver or exemption after this one expires. The agency still recommends that medical examiners give drivers a paper certificate in addition to electronically submitting exam results until further notice.

Drivers licensed in states that have not completed the electronic transition may still need to follow separate paper-certificate procedures required by FMCSA guidance.