What’s Changing for the CDL Driver & CLP Driver ?
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Georgia (GA): February 24, 2025
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Wisconsin (WI): April 13, 2025
What CDL/CLP Drivers and Employers Need to Do to Prepare
To ensure compliance and avoid disruptions, here’s what you should do before the transition:
- Stay Updated on Transition Dates
Each SDLA must switch to the new system by June 23, 2025, but the exact timing will vary by state. Check with your SDLA regularly for announcements about when the change will take effect. If your fleet includes drivers licensed in multiple states, you may need to juggle different processes until every SDLA has transitioned. - Follow the Current Process Until Notified
Until your SDLA officially adopts the new system, CDL and CLP drivers must continue submitting physical copies of their medical certificates as required. Stopping too early could lead to compliance issues, so don’t assume the new process is in place until you’re told. - Prepare for the Transition
Employers should update internal workflows and train staff on the new procedures. If your operations span multiple states, be ready to maintain more than one process for updating Driver Qualification (DQ) files until all SDLAs are on board with the automated system. - Inform Non-CDL Drivers
If your fleet includes non-CDL drivers, reassure them that their medical certification process isn’t changing. This update applies only to CDL and CLP holders.
What Happens After the Transition?
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For Carriers:
You’ll no longer need to verify that the CME was listed on the National Registry— that’s handled automatically. However, you’ll still need to place the driver’s MVR in the DQ file within a new timeframe, which has yet to be specified by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). (More on this below.) -
For CDL/CLP Drivers:
You’ll still need to self-certify your driving tier (interstate or intrastate) and medical certification status (Excepted or Non-excepted) when applying for, renewing, or upgrading your CDL or CLP. The automation only covers the submission of the medical certificate itself.
Uncertainties to Watch For
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Issuance of Medical Cards
After June 23, 2025, CDL drivers might not receive physical medical cards. With a potential 48-hour delay before the new certification appears on the MVR, drivers could lack immediate proof of certification if their old one expires.-
Tip: Schedule medical exams well in advance of expiration dates to avoid gaps.
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Updated Timeframe for MVRs in the DQ File
Currently, carriers have 15 days to place an MVR in the DQ file. Post-transition, this window will likely shrink, but the exact timeframe is still unknown. Keep an eye out for FMCSA updates on this change.
Keys to Remember
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Monitor State-Specific Dates:
Carriers with drivers in multiple states will need to track each SDLA’s implementation schedule. This might mean managing multiple processes temporarily. -
Stick to the Current Process Until Told Otherwise:
Don’t stop submitting medical certificates until your SDLA confirms the switch. Premature changes could risk non-compliance. -
Plan for a Shorter MVR Window:
Expect a tighter deadline for placing MVRs in the DQ file—likely less than 15 days—once the new system is in place. -
Schedule Exams Early:
Encourage drivers to complete medical exams ahead of time to prevent certification lapses during the transition.
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Key Citations
- https://www.transportation.ohio.gov/ – Ohio Department of Transportation
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www.fmcsa.dot.gov – Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
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nationalregistry.fmcsa.dot.gov – National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME)
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dds.georgia.gov – Georgia Department of Driver Services
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wisconsindot.gov – Wisconsin Department of Transportation
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www.aamva.org – American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA)
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www.cvsa.org – Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA)