Texas Goes Paperless: All-Electronic CDL Medical Certificates Required by June 23

Texas DPS moves to all-electronic CDL medical certificates (mandatory 23 Jun). Exam results must be uploaded by certified medical examiners to FMCSA’s National Registry.

6/16/20252 min read

Beginning June 23, 2025, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) will stop accepting paper medical cards for Commercial Driver License (CDL) holders. From that date forward, certified medical examiners (CMEs) must upload every exam result directly to FMCSA’s National Registry, and DPS will pull status updates exclusively from that federal database. For fleets that still rely on photocopies tucked into driver files, the clock is ticking—this is a zero-excuse, no-grace-period change.

What Just Changed?

Old Process - Driver keeps a paper medical card; carrier scans or mails a copy to DPS.

New Process - (Effective 23 Jun 2025) No paper accepted. CME uploads results straight to FMCSA’s National Registry within 24 hours. DPS updates the driver’s record manually inside a 15-day window. DPS syncs with the National Registry automatically—no upload, no certification.

Bottom line: If a certificate isn’t in the FMCSA system, DPS will treat that driver as “Not Certified” the moment the old card expires.

Who’s Affected?

All Texas-licensed CDL drivers (interstate and intrastate).
Out-of-state drivers renewing in Texas.
Certified Medical Examiners who now carry full upload responsibility—and liability.
Motor carriers that track med-card status in driver qualification files (DQFs).

Why It Matters

Instant Scrutiny – Roadside officers and FMCSA auditors will see lapses in real time; “I left the card in my other wallet” is dead.
Out-of-Service Risk – A driver whose medical certificate isn’t in the database can be parked on the spot.
Inflation-Adjusted Fines – Paperwork violations already sting; missing med-cert data just got more expensive.
Nationwide Trend – Texas is a bellwether state; expect others to follow this digital-only model.

Compliance Checklist for Fleets

Update Driver Files
Save the FMCSA upload confirmation PDF or screenshot for every driver.
Audit Expiration Dates
Cross-check each CDL holder in your portal before June 23.
Train Drivers
Instruct them to book only with registered CMEs—and to confirm the examiner uploaded the results.
Verify the CME
Look up the examiner’s National Registry number before scheduling an appointment.
Document Everything
Keep proof of driver notifications, CME lookups, and upload confirmations in one place.

Corrective Action Plan (CAP) if an Upload Is Missing

Immediate Action
Pull the driver off safety-sensitive duties until certification appears in the Registry.
Root-Cause Analysis
- CME failed to upload? Demand the confirmation number.
- Internal tracking lapse? Update your DQF audit schedule.
Written CAP Submission
Outline the failure, the fix, and the prevention steps—FMCSA and DPS expect documented proof.
Follow-Up Verification
Re-check the Registry within 24-48 hours; file the confirmation in the driver’s record.

Quick FAQ

My driver has a paper card issued on May 30—still valid, right?

Yes, until it expires, but future renewals must be uploaded electronically.

What if the CME uploads late?

DPS will flag the driver “Not Certified.” Your CAP must show how you verified and corrected the CME’s mistake.

Does this apply to out-of-state medical exams?

Yes—any CME must be in the National Registry and must upload electronically for Texas CDL holders.

How DOT Consulting Solutions Can Help

Bulk File Audits – We’ll verify every driver’s medical status in the FMCSA portal before the deadline.
CAP Templates – Rapid-response documentation packages if an upload is missing or late.
CME Verification Service – Monthly cross-checks to ensure your examiners remain certified and compliant.
Driver & Staff Training – Short modules that walk drivers through the new electronic process.

Act Now—June 23 Is Non-Negotiable

Texas DPS has made it clear: no upload, no certification, no exceptions. Protect your drivers and your operation today. Contact DOT Consulting Solutions to schedule a fast compliance review and avoid the costly downtime that comes with “Not Certified” status. Stay road-ready—digital proof is the only proof that counts.