Wisconsin DMV launches new Fed Med card requirement April 13

Release date: April 9, 2025

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is among the first states to implement a new federal regulation that streamlines medical paperwork for commercial drivers.

Beginning April 13, 2025, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will automatically provide the Wisconsin DMV with Commercial Driver License (CDL) holders’ medical information within 48 hours of their DOT physical examination. In the past, the medical certificate, or Fed Med card, would be given to the driver who then had to submit the card to the DMV. The process will now be handled electronically.

“Wisconsin DMV has made it easier than ever for commercial drivers to provide the necessary medical information,” DMV Administrator Tommy Winkler said. “Submitting the required documentation is no longer a multi-step process. Now, after commercial drivers complete their physical, the medical provider will submit the paperwork into the National Registry and FMCSA will automatically transmit it to Wisconsin DMV which updates DMV’s records.”

With this restructured process, known as National Registry II (NRII), DMV will no longer accept paper, in-person, email, faxed or uploaded information after Saturday, April 12, 2025. CDL drivers are still required to maintain valid medical examination certificates. In addition, Wisconsin Tier 3 drivers with exam dates prior to April 13, 2025, as noted on their card, may have to carry their Fed Med cards until they get an updated card showing an exam date after April 13, 2025.

Wisconsin is among the first states to implement the Medical Certification Integration Final Rule. The FMCSA will implement the rule nationwide on June 23, 2025. Wisconsin DMV’s effort to streamline this process will help ensure only drivers who have been medically cleared to operate a commercial motor vehicle are behind the wheel. This is yet another example of how WisDOT provides leadership in the development and operation of a safe and efficient transportation system.