FMCSA Changes Are Rolling Out

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is modernizing!

The FMCSA is rolling out a new, streamlined registration system in 2025. This one-stop platform will make it easier for new applicants to register and for existing businesses to manage their information. It will also include specialized user roles for individuals and businesses that support registered entities.

One of the biggest changes coming soon is the implementation of the National Registry II (NRII) final rule. These updates will impact commercial learner’s permit (CLP) and commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders, medical examiners, motor carriers, state driver’s licensing agencies (SDLAs), and even law enforcement officers. In this post, we’ll break down what these changes mean and how they’ll affect you.

Key NRII Rule Changes, Starting June 23rd, 2025:

• Electronic Transmission of Results:

  • FMCSA will electronically send exam results (qualified, unqualified, voided) and medical variance info (e.g., exemptions, SPE certificates) to SDLAs.

• State Driver’s Licensing Agencies (SDLAs):

  • SDLAs will update driver records in CDLIS with electronically received exam results and restrictions.

• No More Paper Certificates:

  • Medical examiners won’t issue paper certificates, and drivers will no longer need to submit them to SDLAs.

• Motor Carrier Responsibilities:

  • Motor carriers must use CDLIS driver MVR to verify medical certification, not paper certificates.

  • Carriers must record medical certification and variances in the driver’s qualification file.

Who Is Impacted By NRII And How?

• For Drivers (CLP/CDL Holders)

  • No longer submit paper medical certificates to SDLAs.

  • Results are sent electronically to SDLAs and posted to driver records.

  • The electronic results transmitted to the SDLAs will be the official proof of medical certification. A requested original/paper Medical Examiner’s Certificate, Form MCSA-5876, from the medical examiner cannot be used by the driver as official proof of medical certification.

• For SDLAs

  • Must post electronically received medical exam results and variance info to CDLIS driver records.

• For Motor Carriers

  • No longer verify paper medical certificates.

  • Must use CDLIS driver MVR for medical certification verification.

• For Medical Examiners

  • No longer required to issue the original/paper Medical Examiner’s Certificate, Form MCSA-5876, to CLP applicants and CDL holders.

  • Must correct submission errors if results don’t match SDLA records.

• For Law Enforcement

  • Must use only the electronic results transmitted to the SDLA and posted to the CDLIS driver MVR as official proof of medical certification for drivers.

What Next?

As these NRII changes take effect, it’s a good idea for everyone involved to get familiar with their updated responsibilities. Switching to electronic records is a big step toward making the certification process simpler, safer, and less of a paperwork headache.

Got questions? Reach out to your local SDLA or check out the FMCSA’s NRII Learning Center for more info.

Happy Trails!