FMCSA Issues Emergency Action on Non-Domiciled CDLs: What Drivers and Fleets Must Know

06 October 2025
On September 26, 2025, U.S. Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced emergency measures restricting the issuance of non-domiciled Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs), following findings of significant safety gaps in a nationwide compliance audit.
Key Points of the New Rule:
 
  • Eligibility requirements: Non-U.S. citizens must hold valid employment-based visas and pass a federal immigration status verification via the SAVE system before being issued a CDL.
  • State accountability: States found issuing CDLs without proper checks must bring practices into compliance within 30 days or risk losing federal highway funding.
  • License validity: CMVs issued incorrectly may now be subject to revocation or reissuance.
Why this matters:

For fleets and drivers operating with non-domiciled CDLs or limited-term CDLs, this is the moment to immediately review license status. Non-compliance can result in operational disruptions, penalties, or the inability to legally operate.

At USKO, we continue to monitor these developments closely to support both drivers and partners in meeting federal standards.
 
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