What CDL Drivers and Employers Need To Know

Major CDL Medical Card Update — Effective June 23, 2025

Starting June 23, 2025, the FMCSA’s new Medical Examiner Certification Integration Rule will fully go into effect. This significant shift will modernize the way DOT medical certifications are processed and verified nationwide.

What’s Changing:

• No more paper DOT medical cards for CDL/CLP drivers
  Medical Examiners (MEs) will submit exam results electronically through the National Registry by midnight the next calendar day. These results will then be shared with state licensing agencies automatically via FMCSA. The traditional paper Medical Examiner’s Certificate (Form MCSA-5876) will no longer be required as proof.

• Verification moves to the MVR/CDLIS system
  Employers will no longer need to collect and store paper medical cards or check if the ME was listed on the registry. Instead, medical certification must be verified via the driver’s CDLIS Motor Vehicle Record (MVR).

• Automatic CDL downgrades for expired certification
  If a CDL driver's certification lapses and isn't updated electronically, state agencies are required to downgrade or suspend licenses within 60 days.

How This Impacts Drivers & Businesses:

Drivers continue scheduling DOT physicals with registered MEs—no need to carry or submit paper cards after the transition.Employers implement regular MVR checks to monitor certification status and keep your driver qualification files compliant. Update training materials, remove physical card tracking from HR workflows, and monitor MVR access systems.

Why You Should Care:

• Fewer delays and administrative headaches
  No more lost or outdated forms in folders.

• Instant verification for law enforcement and carriers
  Compliance status is immediately visible via MVR.

• Reduces fraud and improves data accuracy
  Electronic submissions cut out paperwork errors and false documents.