Update on Non-Domiciled CDL Issuance
In September 2025, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued an Interim Final Rule (IFR) immediately restricting eligibility for non-domiciled commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs). The rule tightened verification requirements and limited issuance to specific visa categories. The rule did not immediately invalidate existing non-domiciled licenses; instead, it made them ineligible for renewal or upgrade. In response, most states immediately paused issuance of these licenses.
On November 13, following an appeal of the rule and a request for an emergency stay, the federal D.C. Court of Appeals granted the stay.
While a handful of states resumed issuance under the stricter rule requirements, most states remain on hold. However, following the stay, at least two states resumed issuance under pre-rule requirements, and states initiated the cancellation of improperly issued licenses.
This rapidly changing patchwork approach creates operational and compliance challenges for carriers employing affected drivers. Motor carriers should monitor state-specific practices closely and review driver files to evaluate and mitigate risk.
A quarterly newsletter of legal news for the clients and friends of Scopelitis, Garvin, Light, Hanson & Feary
News from Scopelitis is intended as a report to our clients and friends on developments affecting the transportation industry. The published material does not constitute an exhaustive legal study and should not be regarded or relied upon as individual legal advice or opinion.
Update on Non-Domiciled CDL Issuance
In September 2025, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued an Interim Final Rule (IFR) immediately restricting eligibility for non-domiciled commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs). The rule tightened verification requirements and limited issuance to specific visa categories. The rule did not immediately invalidate existing non-domiciled licenses; instead, it made them ineligible for renewal or upgrade. In response, most states immediately paused issuance of these licenses.
On November 13, following an appeal of the rule and a request for an emergency stay, the federal D.C. Court of Appeals granted the stay.
While a handful of states resumed issuance under the stricter rule requirements, most states remain on hold. However, following the stay, at least two states resumed issuance under pre-rule requirements, and states initiated the cancellation of improperly issued licenses.
This rapidly changing patchwork approach creates operational and compliance challenges for carriers employing affected drivers. Motor carriers should monitor state-specific practices closely and review driver files to evaluate and mitigate risk.
News from Scopelitis is intended as a report to our clients and friends on developments affecting the transportation industry. The published material does not constitute an exhaustive legal study and should not be regarded or relied upon as individual legal advice or opinion.