Upcoming Changes to DOT Medical Certification Reporting – Effective June 23, 2025

Starting June 23, 2025, the FMCSA’s Medical Examiner’s Certification Integration Rule will go into effect, fundamentally changing how DOT medical exam results are reported and connected to commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs).

This rule will require certified medical examiners to electronically transmit exam results directly to FMCSA, which will then forward them to state licensing agencies for integration into each driver’s CDL record.

According to FMCSA, this process will establish a more secure, automated system for verifying a driver’s medical qualification.

Let’s take a closer look at what’s changing and for whom.

For Non-CDL Drivers

Before June 23, 2025 (Current Requirements):

• Drivers must:
  • Obtain a DOT physical from a certified medical examiner (ME).
  • Submit their Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC) to their state DMV (often in person or online).
  • Carry a copy of the MEC with them and provide a copy to their employer.
• Carriers must:
  • Retain a copy of the MEC in the Driver Qualification File (DQF).
  • Verify the medical examiner is listed in the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME).
  • Monitor medical expiration dates to avoid compliance gaps.

Starting June 23, 2025 (New Rule):

• Drivers will no longer need to:
  • Submit their MEC to the DMV.
  • Provide a copy of their MEC to the employer (optional for their own records).
• Medical examiners will:
  • Electronically submit results to FMCSA by midnight the next calendar day after the exam (at CNS this is done seamlessly during the appointment).
  • MEC results will then be sent by FMCSA to state DMVs (this is done automatically with their new system).
• State agencies will:
  • Update the CDLIS and driver’s MVR to reflect medical certification status.
• Carriers must:
  • Stop requesting MECs from CDL drivers as of June 2025.
  • Use MVR checks to verify medical certification status (no need to keep a physical MEC on file).
  • Continue monitoring self-certification and make sure it’s up to date.
• Downgrade risk:
  • States will automatically downgrade CDLs if a driver becomes uncertified or their MEC expires — within 60 days of notification.

For Non-CDL Drivers

There are no changes for non-CDL drivers. They are not included in the new FMCSA integration rule.

• Drivers must still:
  • Carry a physical Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC).
  • Provide a copy of their MEC to their employer.
• Carriers must:
  • Retain the MEC in the DQF.
  • Monitor expiration dates and ensure compliance.

How Your Fleet Should Prepare

Now (Before June 2025):

• Audit current DQFs for compliance.
• Make sure MVR monitoring systems are in place.
• Educate CDL drivers about the upcoming changes.
• Prepare internal systems (HR, safety, compliance) for the switch.

By June 23, 2025:

• Stop collecting or storing MECs from CDL drivers.
• Rely on MVRs to verify medical certification.
• Ensure non-CDL drivers are still submitting physical MECs.
• Update orientation/training materials to reflect the new process.

Customize Proactive Safety Management

CNS can help you with the Driver Qualification process. But want more help? Check out our PSM Custom Program. You can choose multiple services that you would benefit from without paying for each service a la carte.

What service do you need?

• Electronic Logging Device Management
• Dashcam Data Management
• Corrective Action Training and Remediation
• Driver Qualification File (DQF) Management
• Driver Training (4 per year)
• New Driver On-boarding
• CSA Score Management
• IFTA Taxes
• DOT Drug and Alcohol Consortium
• Full Licensing and Credential Services
• Vehicle Maintenance Program
• Initial Risk Analysis
• DOT Audit Support
• Policies and Handbooks

If you need help or have any questions, contact us at 888.260.9448 or info@cnsprotects.com and we would be glad to help.