Since June, the FMCSA has required medical examiners to electronically submit commercial drivers’ physical exam results within 24 hours. The rule, called the National Registry Integration Initiative (NRII), also removed the obligation for drivers to carry paper copies of their medical certificates.

The problem is that only 37 states are compliant, while 12—including California, Florida, and New York—are not yet ready. Since then, just one additional state has advanced, leaving a significant gap.

To avoid penalties for drivers, the FMCSA issued a temporary waiver allowing paper copies to be used for 15 days after issuance. As delays continued, the agency extended the allowance to 60 days, with the waiver set to expire on October 12.

In the meantime, the FMCSA recommended that medical examiners continue providing paper copies and that drivers keep them to prevent fines or work disruptions. However, the agency has not confirmed whether the waiver will be extended beyond October.

What should drivers do?

• If you are in a non-compliant state, make sure your doctor gives you a paper copy.

• Verify the validity of your certificate before going on the road.

• Plan renewals early if your certificate is set to expire near October.

Conclusion

Although digital certification is designed to simplify the system, state delays create uncertainty. For now, carrying a paper copy remains the safest way to avoid being placed out of service over an administrative issue.