01/20/2026
Your paper Federal Medical Certificates will be allowed as official documents for address changes, tier changes, proof of certification, etc for TWO MONTHS after your DOT Physical. This allowance will cease in April where, at that time, no paper certificates will be accepted as official record. At that time, we are being told for now, National Registry II (NRII) is in full effect. This would mean that even though Drs. Rinaldi and Dilley give papers with signatures only the digital input is official record of certification. In order to process paper certificates the exam results HAVE TO BE entered digitally first into the FMCSA system. Once that is done the STATE DOT must take note from there as it is out of the hands of the examiner.
📢 ICYMI: FMCSA Temporary Waiver Update
FMCSA has re-issued a temporary waiver allowing you to use a paper Medical Examiner’s Certificate as proof of medical certification for up to 60 days after issuance.
⚡ Effective: Jan 11 – Apr 10, 2026
âš¡ This helps drivers & carriers transition smoothly to electronic NRII medical certification
✅ Stay compliant
✅ Keep your paperwork ready
✅ Keep on trucking!
🔗 Full details:https://nationalregistry.fmcsa.dot.gov/assets/documents/nriilearningcenter/NRII%20Waiver%20Through%20April%2010%202026.pdf
