Alaska Truckers: Keep That Paper Doc, Everyone Else Ditch It!
Published Date: 10/8/2026
Notice
Summary
The FMCSA is giving Alaska drivers with a commercial learner’s permit or license a one-year pass to use a paper medical certificate for up to 60 days, since Alaska hasn’t switched to the new electronic system yet. Drivers in all other states must stop using paper proof starting October 12, 2026. This temporary change helps Alaska drivers and their employers stay compliant without extra costs or hassle for the next year.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Alaska drivers allowed 60-day paper MEC
If your commercial learner's permit (CLP) or commercial driver's license (CDL) was issued by the State of Alaska, you and your employer may use a paper copy of your medical examiner's certificate (MEC) as proof of medical certification for up to 60 days after the MEC was issued. This provisional exemption is effective October 12, 2026 and extends until October 12, 2027, but only if you (and your employer) have a copy of a current, valid MEC issued within the prior 60 days.
Paper MEC no longer valid outside Alaska
If your CLP or CDL was issued by any State other than Alaska (including the District of Columbia), you and your employer may no longer rely on a paper medical examiner's certificate (MEC) as proof of medical certification for any period of time as of October 12, 2026. States other than Alaska are required to use the electronic Medical Examiner's Certification Integration (NRII) system starting October 12, 2026.
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