Metrc (Illinois) is updating how transfer manifests capture and validate transportation staff so that drivers are tied to an Illinois-issued transporter license number. This article explains Metrc Support Bulletin IL_IB_0026 (effective 02/09/2026), including the new Employee ID verification step, how to properly use the transporter fields on manifests, and what changed for lab test sample transfers.
Bulletin IL_IB_0026: what it is and when it starts
Bulletin number: IL_IB_0026
Distribution date: 02/04/2026
Effective date: 02/09/2026
Metrc’s stated purpose is to align transfer manifest creation with Illinois requirements by ensuring the person listed as the transporter is validated using their Illinois-issued transporter ID before the manifest is created and used.
What changed in Metrc transfer manifests
New “Employee ID” validation field during manifest creation
When you create a new transfer manifest in Metrc, the transfer window now includes an Employee ID field used to validate that the employee being added as the transporter is actually an approved/validated transporter.
In practical terms, this adds a verification step to the manifest workflow:
- Enter the driver’s Employee ID (the Illinois-issued transporter ID that has been added to Metrc for that employee).
- Select Verify in Metrc.
- Only proceed once the Employee ID shows as successfully verified.
This verification is designed to prevent non-transport-authorized employees from being assigned to transportation activities in Metrc.
Why Metrc is enforcing this
Illinois operators are expected to use state-issued transporter credentials when transporting regulated cannabis items. By validating the Employee ID at the time of manifest creation, Metrc helps ensure the manifest reflects an authorized transporter and reduces compliance risk from incorrect driver assignment.
Using the transporter field correctly (Transport #1)
Metrc emphasizes that the Transport #1 transporter field should contain only a transporter. Operationally, this means:
- Do not select an employee who is not validated/authorized as a transporter.
- Confirm the selected transporter matches the verified Employee ID used for the manifest.
For day-to-day operations, this reduces last-minute manifest edits, rejected or questioned manifests, and delays at pickup or receipt due to mismatched driver credentials.
Illinois lab test sample transfers: what’s different now
Metrc also updated expectations for the Lab Sample Transfer type in light of the Employee Badge/ID validation update.
Driver and vehicle details are no longer required, but still recommended
Metrc indicates that you no longer have to add driver or vehicle information when creating a Lab Sample Transfer. However, Metrc encourages operators to include driver and vehicle details in the Planned Route section when setting up the transfer.
Practically, including this information can still help with:
- Internal chain-of-custody documentation
- Clear handoffs between operations staff and couriers/drivers
- Faster issue resolution if a lab sample is delayed, lost, or questioned
Practical implications for Illinois cannabis operators
1) Add each employee’s Illinois transporter ID in Metrc before shipping
The bulletin’s core operational requirement is straightforward: each employee’s Illinois-issued transporter ID must be added to Metrc prior to creating transfer manifests. If the transporter ID is missing, manifest creation may stall at verification time and disrupt scheduled dispatch.
2) Origin facilities must have the driver’s correct Employee ID
Metrc notes that the origin license needs the driver’s Employee ID to keep transfers moving smoothly. In practice, this often requires tighter coordination between:
- Dispatch/logistics teams assigning drivers
- Metrc data entry staff creating manifests
- HR/compliance teams maintaining employee credential records
3) Expect workflow changes for manifest creation
Because verification happens during manifest creation, many operators will need to adjust SOPs so that driver assignment and transporter ID confirmation occur before the manifest is built, printed, and sent with the load.
Metrc help and training resources referenced in the bulletin
Metrc lists several official support channels for Illinois licensees needing help implementing these changes:
- Metrc Support portal: https://support.metrc.com/
- Metrc Learn training platform: https://learn.metrc.com/
- Metrc Expert: available inside the Metrc system via the knowledge base widget
For first-time portal access, Metrc notes you typically need a username (created at login), your state selection, your facility license number, and a valid email to set a password.
Related compliance tools: labeling and ERP considerations
DistruLabels: free compliant labels that support Metrc Retail ID workflows
While this bulletin focuses on transporter credentials and manifest accuracy, day-to-day compliance often breaks down at the point of packaging and retail-ready identification. DistruLabels is a 100% free tool for creating compliant packaging and retail labels, helping teams consistently produce labels that align with requirements such as including and formatting Metrc-linked identifiers like Metrc Retail ID where applicable.
DistruERP: end-to-end cannabis supply chain management
For larger Illinois operations that need more comprehensive control across purchasing, production, inventory, fulfillment, and compliance workflows, DistruERP is Distru’s full Cannabis ERP platform designed to manage the complete supply chain while reducing the operational friction that can lead to Metrc data errors.
