FMCSA Waiver Extends Certificates & Licenses Through August 31, 2021
"Many States are experiencing backlogs or reduced hours of operation in their State Driver Licensing Agencies (SDLAs). As a result, many CDL and CLP holders may be unable to renew their CDLs and CLPs or provide medical certificates to their SDLA. In addition, due to limited operations or backlogs, drivers may be unable to obtain appointments for physical examinations with medical examiners to comply with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs)."

To continue the ability of intrastate and interstate CDL and CLP holders and interstate non-CDL drivers to transport goods in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency, this waiver:

  • Waives until August 31, 2021, the requirement that CDL holders, CLP holders, and non-CDL drivers have a medical examination and certification, provided they have proof of a valid medical certification and any required medical variance issued for a period of 90 days or longer and expired on or after March 1, 2021. 

  • Waives until August 31, 2021, the requirement that, in order to maintain the medical certification status of “certified,” CDL or CLP holders provide the SDLA with an original or copy of a subsequently issued medical examiner’s certificate and any required medical variance, provided they have proof of a valid medical certification or medical variance that expired on or after March 1, 2021.  


The following provisions are left to each state to determine whether there is a continued need:

  • States may extend the validity of CDLs due for renewal on or after March 1, 2020 beyond the 8-year maximum period of validity.

  • States may extend the validity of CLPs due for renewal on or after March 1, 2020 beyond the one-year maximum period of validity without requiring the CLP holders to retake the general and endorsement knowledge tests.

  • States may allow CLP holders to take the CDL skills test without waiting 14 days after initial issuance of the CLP.


Until August 31, 2021, FMCSA continues to recognize the validity of commercial driver’s licenses issued by Canadian Provinces and Territories and Licencias Federales de Conductor issued by the United Mexican States when such jurisdictions issue a similar notice or declaration extending the validity date of the medical examination and certification and/or validity of the corresponding commercial driver’s license due to interruption to government service resulting from COVID-19.

Nationwide Network of DOT Medical Examiners
509 SW Frazer Ave.
Pendleton, OR 97801
Phone: (541) 276-6032
Fax: (541) 276-7062
Hours of Operation:
Monday-Thursday 8am to 5pm
Friday 8am to 12pm