Industry Update: NRII – Paper Medical Cards May Continue (Pending FMCSA Decision)
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has petitioned FMCSA to allow carriers and drivers to continue relying on a paper Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC) while all states complete implementation of the electronic Medical Certification Integration rule.
Although the electronic reporting requirement took effect June 23, 2025 — eliminating the routine use of paper cards — not every state’s licensing system is fully aligned yet. CVSA is requesting a one-year exemption that would permit drivers to use a paper MEC for up to 60 days after issuance as proof of medical certification.
Until FMCSA issues a final determination, carriers should continue monitoring driver qualification records closely and be prepared for both electronic verification and paper documentation scenarios depending on state readiness.
Lee Trans is tracking this development and assisting fleets with compliant Driver Qualification file management and verification processes.
You can learn more about the National Registry of Medical Examiners direct from FMCSA at https://nationalregistry.fmcsa.dot.gov/nriilearning-center,
For updates or information on how Lee Trans can support this Driver Qualification requirement, visit www.leetrans.com.