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Starting June 23, 2025, commercial drivers across the U.S. will see a major change in how their DOT physical exam results are handled. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is updating the process to remove paperwork and streamline compliance, making it easier for drivers to stay on the road without extra hassle. What’s Changing?Under the new rule, certified medical examiners will now submit your DOT physical exam results electronically to the FMCSA by midnight of the next calendar day. From there, the FMCSA will send the results directly to your state licensing agency, where your motor vehicle record will be automatically updated. For drivers, that means: In fact, medical examiners are no longer required to hand you a physical certificate at all if you pass. The entire process is now digital and direct. What This Means for YouThis update removes a big administrative burden from drivers. Instead of chasing down paperwork, you can simply focus on completing your DOT physical on time and the system will take care of the rest. But don’t get too comfortable. If you don’t complete your physical on time, your medical certification status may go inactive, and your CDL could be downgraded or suspended. The physical requirements haven’t changed, but the consequences of missing your deadline remain serious. Still Important: Choose the Right DoctorWhile the submission process is getting easier, choosing the right medical examiner still matters. If you’ve ever thought about “doctor shopping” to pass your DOT physical, now’s the time to reconsider. That choice could backfire and impact your career in a big way. To learn more, check out our article Doctor Shopping for DOT Physicals: Consequences, Second Opinions, and More For interviews with trucking professionals, compelling stories, and the latest trends on the road, check out episodes of Beyond the Road, the ATS podcast!
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