AUSTIN, TX — Texas commercial drivers will soon be required to submit medical certifications electronically as part of a new statewide mandate set to take full effect on June 23.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) announced that the state is transitioning to an electronic system for medical certification submissions for Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) holders. The changes, mandated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), aim to streamline the certification process and increase data accuracy.
Beginning June 23, Certified Medical Examiners must electronically submit all Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) driver medical exam results to both the FMCSA and state licensing agencies. Until that date, Texas will accept both paper and electronic certificates. After June 23, only electronic submissions from examiners listed on the National Registry will be accepted.
Medical certificates issued before June 23 will remain valid until their expiration. However, any new certifications after that date must comply with the electronic format requirements.
DPS said the shift is expected to reduce processing times, eliminate paper-based submissions, and lower the risk of data entry errors. The agency acknowledged that drivers may need time to adjust but emphasized the long-term benefits of the system.
Key benefits of the change include:
- Elimination of paper-based submissions
- Faster processing of certificates
- Fewer data entry errors
- Improved data accuracy
The rule applies to all CDL and CLP holders operating in interstate commerce.
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