California and Oregon Suspend Issuance of Non-Domiciled CDL Amid Federal Rule Tightening

At the end of 2025, two states — California and Oregon — announced the suspension of issuance and renewal of non-domiciled CDL. The decision was a direct result of emergency measures by federal regulators aimed at strengthening safety control and compliance with immigration requirements in the field of commercial transportation.

At the end of September 2025, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) published an Interim Final Rule, tightening the issuance process for non-domiciled CDL. The document was posted in the Federal Register and took effect immediately, without the standard public comment period.

The essence of the changes:

• states are required to conduct stricter checks on the legal status of drivers;
• confirmation of the right to work in the USA becomes a key condition;
• federal oversight on how states issue and renew such licenses is strengthened.

In explanatory materials, the FMCSA emphasized that the measure's goal is to "restore the integrity of the non-domiciled CDL issuance system and eliminate gaps affecting road safety." These provisions are outlined in the official publication in the Federal Register.

Both states were already under increased scrutiny by the FMCSA due to previously identified discrepancies in CDL issuance procedures. Following the release of the interim rule, the regulator demanded immediate compliance with the new federal requirements.

The California Department of Motor Vehicles confirmed that it temporarily cannot issue or renew non-domiciled CDL until the updated conditions are met. The official DMV notice states that the changes are specifically related to federal directives and the state's obligations to the FMCSA. These clarifications are published on the California DMV website.

Oregon made a similar decision, suspending both new applications and renewals for drivers without permanent residency in the USA. According to state estimates, the measure affected over a thousand active and potential drivers.

In November 2025, the situation became even more complicated. A federal appeals court issued an administrative stay, temporarily freezing the FMCSA's emergency rule until the completion of legal proceedings.

Commenting on the court's decision, the FMCSA noted that the suspension applies to the rule itself but does not cancel the obligations of states already under corrective measures or federal oversight. The agency's corresponding message states that safety and the integrity of the licensing system remain a priority. Details are outlined in the FMCSA's official statement on the court order — Order Granting Administrative Stay.

For drivers with non-domiciled status, the consequences are immediately felt:

• inability to renew CDL in California and Oregon;
• risk of temporary loss of the right to commercial driving;
• need to seek alternative states or await clarifications.

For motor carriers, this means staffing instability and additional legal risks when hiring drivers with temporary immigration status.

As of early 2026, the situation remains dynamic. Expected:

• further court decisions on the FMCSA's interim rule;
• possible clarifications or new instructions for states;
• adjustments at the DMV level depending on the outcome of the case.

One thing is clear: the issue of non-domiciled CDL has become a federal priority, and in the coming months, the industry will have to adapt to stricter and more centralized control.