02/26/2025
New DOT changes pending......
Upcoming electronic transmission requirements from FMCSA
The nationwide shift to automate medical certification data for commercial drivers
Beginning June 23, 2025, MEs will no longer need to issue the medical examiner’s certificate to CLP/CDL applicants/holders. These individuals will not need to carry their medical certificate as proof of medical certification. However, MEs can still make these available if they choose, or if requested by the driver.
Some states, such as Georgia and Wisconsin,
have already adopted this new system.
What does this mean for each of the parties involved?
Medical Examiners:
The only official record of the CLP/CDL applicant’s/holder’s qualification status will be the information electronically transmitted from the National Registry to the state driver’s licensing agency (SDLA). The SDLA will enter this information into the driver’s Commercial Driver’s License Information System (CDLIS) record.
If the driver’s identifying information (i.e., name, date of birth, license number and licensing State) is missing or incorrect, the system will not be able to match the medical examiner’s certificate information to the driver’s CDLIS record, resulting in an error message back to the ME. The ME will be responsible for correcting the error.
Drivers:
CLP/CDL applicants/holders will not need to carry their medical certificate as proof of medical certification. Non-CDL holders will need to continue carrying their medical certificate.
Physical qualification examinations should be scheduled well before a current medical certificate expires to prevent a gap in certification. Examination results may take three or more business days to be posted to the driver’s CDLIS record.
When the driver’s identifying information is incorrect, this will delay the transmission of the information to the SDLA, preventing the driver’s CDLIS record from being updated until the correct information is provided by the ME. In addition, this may cause drivers to return to the ME’s office to ensure the correct information is provided.
Motor Carriers:
Motor carriers will no longer be required to verify that the ME is listed on the National Registry. Motor carriers must use the driver’s motor vehicle record from the SDLA to document CLP/CDL applicants’/holders’ medical certification status.
For non-CDL holders, however, motor carriers will still need to verify that the ME is listed on the National Registry. A medical examiner’s certificate that has not been signed by a certified ME is not valid.
