FMCSA Medical Examiner’s Certification Update – (Federal & Michigan Requirements)

What’s Changing at the Federal level?

1. Medical Examiners Submit Exams Electronically
Certified Medical Examiners must electronically submit exam results to the FMCSA’s National Registry by midnight the next calendar day following the DOT physical.

2. Automatic Data Transfer to States
FMCSA will send results directly to each State Driver Licensing Agency (SDLA), eliminating the need for drivers to manually submit Form MCSA-5876.

3. No More Paper MECs for CDL/CLP Drivers
Medical certification status will now be accessible through the Commercial Driver’s License Information System (CDLIS) and reflected in the driver’s Motor Vehicle Record (MVR).
Note: Drivers without a CDL or CLP must still carry a paper certificate.

4. New Rules for Motor Carriers
Motor carriers will no longer be required to:

• Maintain paper MECs in Driver Qualification Files (DQFs)
• Confirm the examiner is listed on the National Registry
  Instead, employers must verify medical certification status using CDLIS MVRs.

5. Early Rollout in Some States
Some states may implement these changes before the federal deadline. For example, the Texas Department of Public Safety began using the new process on March 23, 2025. Employers should monitor state-specific timelines.

CDL Drivers: Current Requirements (Until June 23, 2025)

Until the new federal rules take effect, CDL holders must:

• Complete a DOT physical with a certified Medical Examiner
• Submit the MEC to the Secretary of State via online upload, mail, fax, or in person
• Carry a paper copy of the MEC for 15 days following the exam
  • Failure to comply may result in suspension or downgrade of CDL privileges.

Transition Checklist

For exams conducted before June 23, 2025:

• Drivers must submit a paper MEC and carry a copy for enforcement
• Employers must retain a copy in the Driver Qualification File and confirm the examiner is registered

For exams conducted on or after June 23, 2025:

• No driver submission or paper copy is required for CDL/CLP holders
• Employers verify status through CDLIS MVR

Requirements For Companies/Managers/Drivers in the State of Michigan

Effective June 14, 2025, the State of Michigan will implement an early transition to the FMCSA’s Medical Examiner’s Certification Integration Rule. This update affects both drivers and motor carriers and marks a significant shift from current manual processes to a more automated system.

What’s Changing in Michigan on June 14?

1. No More Self-Certification by CDL Drivers
CDL drivers in Michigan will no longer need to self-submit their Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC) to the Secretary of State. Once a DOT physical is completed, the certified medical examiner will electronically submit the results to the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME), which will then forward the data directly to the State Driver Licensing Agency (SDLA).

2. NRCME Examiner Verification No Longer Required
Carriers will no longer be required to verify and document that the medical examiner was listed in the NRCME on the date of the exam, as the electronic system will handle validation during submission.

What’s Not Changing in Michigan on June 14?

1. Driver Self-Certification of Driving Type Still Required
CDL and CLP holders in Michigan must still self-certify their type of commercial driving whenever they:

• Apply for a new CDL or CLP
• Upgrade an existing CDL
• Renew a CDL

The four driving types remain unchanged:

• Non-excepted Interstate – Medical certification required
• Excepted Interstate – Medical certification not required
• Non-excepted Intrastate – Medical certification required, intrastate operation only
• Excepted Intrastate – Medical certification not required, intrastate operation only

2. MVR Must Still Be Placed in Driver Qualification File
Carriers are still required to obtain and place a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) showing current medical certification into the driver’s qualification file after each DOT exam. While the current timeframe for this is 15 days, it is expected that this window may be shortened in the near future. Employers should prepare for a possible update to this timeline.

Summary

This rule change marks a shift toward digital integration, improving accuracy, reducing administrative burdens, and supporting real-time compliance. Motor carriers and drivers should take steps now to prepare for the new requirements. Continue to monitor updates from your state licensing agency and FMCSA to stay compliant and avoid disruptions to CDL privileges.

If you have questions about this change, please reach out to your trusted OVD Risk Advisor!