Paper medical cards no longer accepted as proof for most CDL drivers

Commercial drivers can no longer use a paper medical examiner certificate to prove they are medically qualified. The rule change took effect on October 12, 2026. Carriers must now rely on electronic records submitted by medical examiners to verify driver fitness.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration required electronic submission of medical exam results years ago. Several states needed extra time to update their systems. Waivers allowed paper cards to remain valid during that transition period. Those waivers have now ended for all states except Alaska.

Drivers licensed in Alaska and their employers keep a temporary exemption. They may continue to use a paper certificate as proof of qualification for up to sixty days after the exam date. This special allowance will end on October 12, 2027.

The physical qualification standards for commercial drivers have not changed. Drivers must still pass a medical exam to operate a commercial motor vehicle. The update only changes how carriers prove that the exam was completed.

Carriers should verify that their medical examiners are submitting results electronically. Driver qualification files must show electronic certification instead of a paper card for all non-Alaska drivers.

Source: Land Line — https://landline.media/paper-med-cards-out-except-for-cdl-holders-in-one-state/