FMCSA Issues Temporary Waiver to Support National Registry II Transition
On July 14, the FMCSA granted a waiver allowing interstate commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders, commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holders, and motor carriers to continue relying on paper copies of medical examiner’s certificates (MECs) as proof of drivers’ medical certification for up to 15 days after the date the MEC is issued. The waiver is in effect until October 12, 2025.
Through this waiver, the FMCSA recognizes that some drivers may face delays as certified medical examiners and State Driver’s Licensing Agencies (SDLAs) transition from the paper-based process to the secure, electronic transmission of driver medical certification information under the Medical Examiner’s Certification Integration (NRII) final rule. The FMCSA has determined that it is in the public interest to issue a waiver so that drivers with valid medical certification and their employers are not negatively impacted for delays outside of their control during the transition to NRII.
Additionally, the FMCSA has issued a recommendation to certified medical examiners that, in addition to submitting physical qualification examination results electronically, they continue to issue drivers a paper MEC during this period of transition to NRII.
For additional information and resources on NRII, visit the FMCSA’s NRII Learning Center at https://nationalregistry.fmcsa.dot.gov/nriilearning-center. There you can also find guidance with recommendations for medical examiners, drivers, and motor carriers on procedures for drivers licensed in States that have not yet implemented NRII.
Remember, non-CDL commercial motor vehicle drivers are not impacted by this and will continue to be issued the original paper MEC. This would include those drivers operating equipment with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of at least 10,001 pounds but less than 26,001 pounds.
As of 7/15/2025, the following States had not implemented NRII
- Alaska
- California
- Florida
- Iowa
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- Oklahoma
- Vermont
- Wyoming
Michael Nischan, CDS, CCSP
Principal
Epic Insurance Brokers & Consultants
All Rights Reserved.