July 14, 2025

FMCSA allows truckers to keep using paper medical cards

Steve Smith

FMCSA allows truckers to keep using paper medical cards

Truckers with a CDL or CLP can keep using paper medical cards a little longer. On July 14, 2025, FMCSA said drivers and motor carriers have a waiver that lets them show paper copies of their Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC) for up to 15 days after the exam.

Why it matters: Not every state has moved to the new electronic system, so some are still stuck using paper. Only 38 states and D.C. have the new setup in place. The rest are still going old school.

If the driver or company doesn’t have a valid MEC paper copy with them, this waiver doesn’t apply.
FMCSA said it can yank the waiver if it thinks safety is being hurt.

The new electronic rule, called the NRII, started June 23, 2025. The idea is to cut down on fraud and red tape, and give law enforcement fast access to medical info during roadside checks, according to FMCSA.

This temporary paper card option will stay in effect until October 12, 2025.

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