06/18/2025
Attention CDL Drivers:
These are the major changes in regards to my role. I'll still give you the cards but I do not have to fax them to Penndot, nor do you have to take them. What’s Changing on and After June 23, 2025?
1. No more paper submission of medical certificates
Starting June 23, 2025:
Medical Examiners (MEs) will electronically submit the results of CDL/CLP drivers’ medical exams directly to the FMCSA.
FMCSA will electronically transmit the data to each driver’s SDLA.
Drivers will no longer need to submit a paper copy of their MEC to the SDLA.
Key point: If there is a conflict between FMCSA’s electronic record and a paper medical card, the FMCSA’s electronic record will control.
2. No need to carry a paper medical card
Drivers will no longer be required to carry their medical card on their person after passing the 15-day period post-exam. However, drivers should still carry a paper copy until June 23, 2025, and possibly after, as a precaution during system implementation.
Reminder: Drivers who have a medical variance (e.g., diabetes exemption) must still carry that documentation at all times.
So it's a good idea to carry your card for now, but the Federal database in now communicating with the individual states.