Can Alaska CDL drivers still use paper DOT medical cards? With federal medical certification moving toward electronic reporting, trucking companies need to know which documents are still accepted and what they must keep on file.
On October 8, 2026, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced an extension of Alaska’s medical certification exemption. The exemption gives qualifying drivers and their employers more time to use paper certificates, but it does not remove existing DOT medical requirements.
Are Paper DOT Medical Cards Still Accepted in Alaska?
Yes, under certain conditions. From October 12, 2026, through October 12, 2027, drivers with Alaska-issued commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) or commercial learner’s permits (CLPs) can use a valid paper Medical Examiner’s Certificate as proof of medical certification for up to 60 days after issuance.
Drivers must carry a copy, and their motor carrier employers must also have one. The exemption does not extend the certificate’s expiration date or eliminate required DOT physicals. It also does not automatically apply to drivers licensed in other states.
What Happens After 60 Days?
After the 60-day period, employers can no longer rely on the paper certificate as proof under this exemption. The driver’s medical certification does not automatically expire, but employers must follow the applicable federal verification and recordkeeping requirements.
Alaska CDL and CLP holders who are required to maintain medical certification must also continue submitting their certificates to the Alaska DMV. Legible copies can be emailed to doa.dmv.cdl@alaska.gov.
What Should Alaska Fleet Employers Do?
To avoid documentation problems, employers should:
- Confirm eligibility. Check which drivers hold Alaska-issued CDLs or CLPs and qualify for the exemption.
- Track certificate dates. Monitor medical certificate expiration dates and the separate 60-day paper-certificate period.
- Maintain required records. Keep qualifying certificates and verify medical certification through the appropriate records when required.
- Plan DOT physicals early. Make sure drivers complete required examinations before their certifications expire.
These steps can help employers maintain compliance and reduce avoidable disruptions to fleet operations.
Keep Your Drivers Medically Qualified
MedPhysicals Plus provides DOT physicals and occupational health services for Alaska employers, with locations in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Wasilla, Soldotna, and Juneau. DOT physical services and availability vary by location, so employers should contact the appropriate office before visiting.
Need a DOT physical in Alaska for your commercial drivers? Call (907) 561-7587, email admin@medphysicalsplus.com, or visit medphysicalsplus.com.