FMCSA amends the Federal regulations for State Driver’s Licensing Agencies (SDLAs) issuing commercial driving credentials to foreign-domiciled individuals. Through this interim final rule (IFR), FMCSA restores the integrity of the commercial driver’s license (CDL) issuance processes by significantly limiting the authority for SDLAs to issue and renew non-domiciled commercial learner’s permits (CLPs) and CDLs to individuals domiciled in a foreign jurisdiction. This change strengthens the security of the CDL issuance process and enhances the safety of commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operations.

On November 13, 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit issued a stay pending review of the interim final rule Restoring Integrity to the Issuance of Non-Domiciled Commercial Drivers Licenses (CDL), 90 Fed. Reg. 46,509 (Sept. 29, 2025) that prevents the interim final rule from taking effect until further notice. Accordingly, until further notice, States are not prohibited from issuing non-domiciled CDLs and commercial learner’s permits in accordance with the FMCSA’s regulations and guidance in effect immediately prior to issuance of the interim final rule. States that are subject to a corrective action plan that imposes a pause on non-domiciled CLP and CDL issuance until evidence of compliance with FMCSA’s regulations and guidance, in effect immediately prior to issuance of the interim final rule, has been provided to FMCSA must continue to comply with the requirements of the plan.