CDL Medical Certification Process Changing This Summer

After years of discussion, big changes are coming to how medical certifications are handled for Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) holders. Starting June 23, 2025, Texas Department of Public Safety and all state licensing agencies must be connected to the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME) for electronic medical certification updates.

Key Changes for CDL Drivers and Carriers:

• Elimination of Paper Submissions: CDL drivers will no longer be required to submit their medical certification certificates to their State Driver's License Office. Medical Examiners will submit certifications directly to the NRCME database.

• MVR as Official Record: The driver's Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) will reflect the medical certification status, eliminating the need for drivers to carry paper copies of their Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC).

• No Need to Verify NRCME Status of Examiner: Carriers no longer have to confirm if a medical examiner was listed on NRCME during the exam.

What Is Not Changing:

• CDL holders still must declare their driving type (e.g., interstate vs. intrastate, exempt vs. non-exempt).

• Non-CDL drivers must still provide a physical copy of their medical certificate for driver files.

Until June 23, 2025, CDL drivers should continue to follow the current paper submission process.