FMCSA Grants Another Six-Month Paper Med Card Extension Through October

Key Details The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued a six-month exemption on April 11, 2026, allowing drivers and carriers nationwide to use paper medical certificates as proof of certification for up to 60 days after issuance. The exemption runs through October 11, 2026, and applies to all states and Washington D.C. Why It Matters Five states have still not implemented the Medical Examiner's Certification Integration rule, which requires digital submission of medical exam results directly to the FMCSA registry. This delay affects drivers and employers who could face penalties while waiting for full system adoption across all states. Background The digital med card rule was originally scheduled for 2018 but faced repeated delays due to IT and cybersecurity challenges. The FMCSA finally implemented the system in June 2025, allowing certified medical examiners to transmit results electronically instead of drivers submitting paper copies to state licensing agencies. What Drivers Should Know The five non-compliant states are still in the implementation phase. During this exemption period, keep paper copies of your medical certificate as backup documentation. Verify your state's status with your licensing agency to understand local requirements and timelines for full digital adoption.