FMCSA Issues New Rule on Non-Domiciled Commercial Driver’s Licenses

On September 29, 2025, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) published a new rule in the Federal Register titled "Restoring Integrity to the Issuance of Non-Domiciled Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDL)."

The rule introduces stricter requirements for how states issue and manage CDLs for non-domiciled individuals—those legally present in the United States but without permanent residency in a particular state.

The full notice can be accessed here: Federal Register Update.

Purpose of the rule

The trucking industry in the United States includes many drivers who come from abroad to work legally in the country. Until now, states have not always applied consistent processes when issuing CDLs to non-domiciled drivers. This inconsistency created risks—both for road safety and for the integrity of the licensing system.

The FMCSA has stated that the new rule is intended to ensure transparency, reduce the potential for fraud, and provide a uniform national standard. By tightening the requirements, the agency seeks to maintain trust in the licensing process while recognizing the important role of drivers who are in the country on a temporary legal basis.

Main provisions

The rule makes several changes that affect how non-domiciled CDLs are issued and maintained:

1. Verification of legal presence

States are now required to verify an applicant's lawful presence in the United States before issuing or renewing a CDL. Only individuals with current legal authorization will be eligible.

2. Expiration dates linked to immigration status

A CDL issued to a non-domiciled driver will expire no later than the end date of the individual's authorized stay in the United States. This prevents situations in which a license remains valid beyond a driver's legal presence.

3. Consistency across states

All states must follow the same standards. This eliminates variations in practice that previously caused confusion or uneven enforcement.

4. Improved accuracy and security of records

States are expected to maintain accurate records and share information effectively. This measure is intended to reduce errors and prevent fraudulent issuance of licenses.

Practical implications

For non-domiciled drivers, the rule establishes clearer expectations. CDLs will now be directly tied to immigration documentation, making it essential that drivers maintain valid and current paperwork.

For motor carriers, the change underscores the importance of monitoring compliance. Fleet managers will need to pay close attention to license expiration dates and verify that drivers' legal status remains active in order to avoid operational disruptions.

While the rule does not limit the ability of qualified individuals to work in the U.S., it raises the standard for documentation and oversight. This may result in additional administrative steps for both drivers and carriers, but it also provides greater certainty that all drivers on the road meet federal requirements.

Broader significance

The new requirements reflect FMCSA's focus on both safety and integrity. A commercial driver's license carries significant responsibility, and the agency has emphasized that the system must be safeguarded against misuse.

By linking CDL validity directly to legal presence, FMCSA aims to strengthen accountability and reduce opportunities for fraud. The uniform standards also help ensure fairness, so that all drivers are held to the same requirements no matter where their license is issued.

At the same time, the rule recognizes the essential contribution of drivers who come from outside the United States to work legally in the trucking sector. The updated process does not exclude these individuals; rather, it clarifies the conditions under which they may participate while maintaining public confidence in the licensing system.

Timeline and next steps

The rule was published on September 29, 2025, and is currently open for public comment until November 28, 2025. During this period, stakeholders—including carriers, drivers, state agencies, and industry associations—can submit feedback to FMCSA before the rule is finalized.

Final implementation details may be adjusted based on the input received. In the meantime, states and carriers are encouraged to review the proposed requirements and consider how they may need to update internal processes once the rule is fully in effect.

Conclusion

The FMCSA's rule on non-domiciled CDLs represents a significant adjustment to how licenses are issued and managed. By requiring stronger verification of legal presence, aligning license expiration with immigration status, and creating consistent standards across states, the agency seeks to improve both safety and trust in the licensing system.

For drivers, the change highlights the importance of maintaining valid documentation. For carriers, it emphasizes the need for diligent compliance oversight. For the industry as a whole, the rule provides a clearer framework that reduces uncertainty and strengthens the integrity of commercial driver licensing.

Further details, including the full text of the rule and instructions for submitting comments, can be found in the Federal Register notice.