From 1 July 2026, laminated CAA Medical Certificates are being replaced by electronic versions, emailed to applicants from their Medical Examiners.
Instead of having to print off and laminate a hard copy, from 1 July, Medical Examiners will be able to email a PDF version to the applicant. Pilots and ATCs can keep this on a device, (or print as a hard copy) to remind them of the important dates and requirements of the certificate, and also for inspection if asked.
The important difference is that holders will no longer be issued with the laminated paper certificate by their Medical Examiner.
And while a laminated certificate must be returned if suspended or disqualified, this is no longer necessary with electronic versions.
Medical Examiners will be updated in more detail about the improvements, which will save time, and also the cost of replacing a lost Medical Certificate.
Operators, training organisations, examiners and others who may need to see evidence of medical certification will be advised of the changed format through a range of channels. Importantly, CAA continues to hold the definitive register of Medical Certificates.
Stand-by for further details. All questions should be directed to the Medical Unit at med@caa.govt.nz.
This refers to a PDF version of the medical certificate. It replaces the physical laminated card but does not involve an online certification process.
Yes – medical examiners can still print and laminate medical certificates if requested by pilots or air traffic controllers.
No - The medical certificate must be provided as a separate PDF document. This ensures participants can easily display the certificate when required, while maintaining the confidentiality of other information contained in the MAR and accompanying letter.
Yes – this is preferred. This will help in standardised format of certificate.
No - CAA needs to be notified to know if a participant is unable to access or has lost their medical certificate. The inability to access the digital record of their medical certificate is managed as a lost medical certificate. CAA will issue the certificate holder another electronic copy (replacement) of their medical certificate.
No – you do not need to copy CAA into the email. However, please continue to follow the current process by sending the complete medical assessment documentation to CAA within five working days.
No - as long as they can easily access their digital medical certificate when requested for checks by overseas authorities. The participant can print a medical certificate should they wish to do so.
Yes - Many medical examiners using software have this capability currently. Adobe allows you to add an electronic signature to a PDF medical certificate. A medical examiner can contact CAA at med@caa.govt.nz to request an electronic copy of a medical certificate with their CAA stamp.
No – they can be issued electronically (but must specify the wording for extension).
Yes – your medical certificate is a valid CAA medical certificate. Other authorities, such as CASA, also issue electronic medical certificates.
No - You are only required to send a copy of your medical certificate to your flying school or operator.
Your electronic medical certificate is provided as a PDF and can be saved to the device you normally carry when flying or operating. We recommend saving it to your local files so it can be accessed offline if needed.
At this stage, the certificate cannot be added to Apple Wallet or similar apps, as it is not a wallet enabled or integrated digital certificate.
CAA can be contacted at med@caa.govt.nz if a third party requires verification that you have a valid CAA medical certificate. Please ensure your device is charged and available.
Please contact med@caa.govt.nz for assistance.
CAA can be contacted at med@caa.govt.nz if a third party requires verification of a valid CAA medical certificate.
There may be some slight variability in the look of a CAA medical certificate depending on different software used by CAA medical examiners.
If you have any concerns about the validity of a medical certificate, please contact med@caa.govt.nz.
