Last Update:
05/28/2026
The FMCSA is temporarily letting drivers use paper copies of their medical certificates. This keeps drivers from being penalized due to processing delays while the state systems switch over to the National Registry II electronic database.
From April 11, 2026, through October 11, 2026, a paper medical certificate counts as valid proof for up to 60 days after your physical. The FMCSA explicitly stated there will be no more extensions after this six-month window.
In an administrative announcement, the FMCSA rolled out mandatory, enhanced identity verification requirements for specific users accessing the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse online database.
The days of simple email-and-password registrations are ending. If you or your compliance partners interact with the Clearinghouse, you need to understand these new security protocols immediately.
Tell your drivers to keep a physical paper copy of their medical card after their physical. Keep that paper copy in your driver qualification files until the state system updates.
Source References:
To read the full administrative announcement, visit the official FMCSA Newsroom Release: FMCSA Issues Temporary Exemption to Support NRII Transition.
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