FMCSA Accuses Colorado of Systemic Violations in Issuing Non-Domiciled CDL

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reported a systemic failure in the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) operations related to issuing non-domiciled commercial driver's licenses (non-domiciled CDL). As a result, the state could lose up to $24.5 million in federal funding if it does not address the violations within the specified timeframe.

According to FMCSA, a federal audit revealed that a significant portion of non-domiciled CDL and CLP (commercial learner permit) issued in Colorado do not meet federal regulations (49 CFR Parts 383 and 384).

As stated in the agency's official notice, the problems are not isolated but systemic. FMCSA directly characterized the situation as a “systemic breakdown” in the state's processes.

Key violations include:

• Issuing CDL with a validity period exceeding the driver's lawful stay in the U.S.;
• Lack of proper verification of applicants' immigration status;
• Insufficient internal control and audit of DMV procedures.

This is detailed in the industry publication Overdrive Online.

FMCSA has given Colorado 30 days to rectify the identified violations. Otherwise, the agency may initiate the suspension of federal transportation grants.

Federal regulator's requirements include:

• Immediately suspend the issuance of non-domiciled CDL and CLP;
• Identify all previously issued licenses that do not meet requirements;
• Revoke incorrect licenses and issue new ones only after full verification;
• Implement corrections in IT systems and DMV procedures.

FMCSA emphasizes that similar measures have already been applied to other states and are a standard tool of federal oversight.

FMCSA previously stated that the issue of non-domiciled CDL is a nationwide concern. In the agency's official clarification, it is stated that the goal of the audits is to “restore the integrity of the licensing system and protect road safety in the U.S.”

In one of FMCSA's explanatory materials, it is noted that states are required to strictly synchronize the validity periods of CDL with the driver's legal status, and any deviations are considered a violation of federal law. These points are outlined in FMCSA's official publication: Fact Sheet: Protecting America’s Roads – Restoring Integrity to Non-Domiciled CDLs.

Colorado authorities confirmed that some non-domiciled CDL have already been revoked, and the issuance of new licenses has been temporarily suspended. The official DMV page states that the state is working to align procedures with federal requirements and is awaiting further instructions from FMCSA.

Current information for drivers is published on the Colorado DMV – CDL General Information website.

For drivers with non-domiciled status, the situation creates significant uncertainty. Even with a valid CDL, there is a risk of subsequent revocation. For carriers, this means the need for:

• Re-verifying drivers' documents;
• Increased attention to the status of non-domiciled CDL;
• Monitoring FMCSA and state decisions in the coming months.

The case with Colorado clearly shows: federal regulators are moving from recommendations to strict control, and the consequences can be significant for the entire trucking industry.