http://www.avweb.com/eletter/archive...3222-full.html

Under a new rule released today by the FAA, student pilots will no longer get
their student pilot certificate from an aviation medical examiner. Instead,
they can apply in person at a FSDO, through a designated pilot examiner, with a
Part 141 flight school or a CFI. The TSA will vet the application, and then a
plastic certificate will be sent to the student by the Civil Aviation Registry.
Earlier proposals to charge a $22 fee and require a photo have been withdrawn.
Student pilots still will have to visit an AME to acquire a separate medical
certificate. The new rule takes effect April 1.