Removing The Non-Domicile Status From Your CDL Permit
To help legally authorized students convert a Non-Domiciled CDL Permit (CLP) into a Regular (Domiciled) CDL Permit, we put together these step by step instructions:
If you live here legally, work here, and have a Social Security number – you qualify for a regular CDL. ‘Non-Domicile’ only applies to people who don’t live in the U.S. full-time.
If you live here legally, work here, and have a Social Security number – you qualify for a regular CDL. ‘Non-Domicile’ only applies to people who don’t live in the U.S. full-time.
Who This Applies to
CDL Students who:
- Are legally in the U.S.
- Have work authorization (EAD or work visa)
- Hold a Social Security number
- Live full-time in the state where they’re getting their CDL
- Currently have a Non-Domiciled CDL Permit
STEP-BY-STEP:
HOW TO GET RID OF “NON-DOMICILE” CDL Permit
What’s Needed?
Remove Non-Domicile Status From CDL Permit
Important Note About Expiration Dates
Your CDL permit or license may or may not expire at the same time as your work authorization. This is completely normal. You’ll just need to renew your CDL after your visa or EAD card is renewed or it could be denied. If you’re unable to renew your work authorization, you won’t be able to renew your CDL license.
2025 New Rules for Non-Domicile CDLs for Non-U.S. Residents
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) found that some states were giving out commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) to foreign drivers who weren’t supposed to get them. Because of this, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy announced new emergency rules to make sure licenses are given out correctly and safely.
Under these new rules, there are stricter steps for people who are not from the U.S. but want a CDL or need to renew one:
- Only people with certain work visas (H2B, H2A, or E-2) and a valid Form I-94 can get or renew a CDL.
- Applicants must also show a valid foreign passport each time they get or renew their CDL.
- Applicants must go to the office in person to renew their CDL.
- State driver’s license agencies (SDLAs) must use a federal database called SAVE to check that the applicant’s immigration and work status are correct.
- SDLAs must keep copies of all the documents for at least two years and show them to the federal government if asked.
If a state finds out, or is told by a federal agency, that a non-domicile CDL driver got a license by mistake or no longer has legal work status, then the state must take away that person’s commercial driving privileges within 30 days.
Secretary Duffy also said the DOT will keep auditing states to find those that gave out CDLs illegally.
States named so far include California, Washington, Texas, Colorado, Pennsylvania, and South Dakota. Other states are expected to run their own checks, too. If they don’t, they could lose some federal highway funding.
Immigrants CAN Get A CDL License!
As long as you legally live and work in the U.S., you are still eligible for a regular CDL license. The “Non-Domicile” label is simply a documentation issue and not a barrier to your trucking career.
If you’d like help understanding this process or want to get started on your CDL training, contact us today.
