The U.S. DOT announced an emergency rule tightening the requirements for obtaining or maintaining a non-domiciled CDL or CLP.
A work permit (EAD) alone is no longer enough. Applicants must now hold certain employment-based visas (e.g., H-2A, H-2B, E-2) to qualify.
Every issuance, renewal, and transfer must undergo immigration status verification via SAVE (Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements).
The expiration of a non-domiciled CDL must match the visa’s legal end date or one year—whichever comes first.
Applicants must appear in person for renewals.
Who is still eligible / ਕੌਣ ਅਜੇ ਵੀ ਯੋਗ ਹੈ
Non-citizens may be eligible only if they have one of the accepted employment-based visa types (H-2A, H-2B, E-2).
Lawful Permanent Residents (green card holders) generally are not subject to this “non-domiciled” restriction. (They’re treated as domiciled residents in many cases.)
Applicants must supply:
Unexpired foreign passport
Valid I-94 / arrival-departure record
Proof of authorized work visa
Other supporting documentation
All documents must be valid at the time of issuance or renewal
What is happening to existing CDLs / ਮੌਜੂਦਾ CDLs ਤੇ ਕੀ ਪ੍ਰਭਾਵ ਹੋਵੇਗ
The rule is interim final and effective immediately, so many restrictions are now in force.
However, DOT states that this rule is prospective (i.e., for new and renewal issuances), but notes that states must audit existing non-domiciled CDLs to identify those that violate the new rules.
In California, more than 25% of non-domiciled CDLs reviewed were improperly issued (licenses valid beyond legal presence).
If a CDL holder fails to comply with the new rules, states must revoke or reissue the CDL as needed.
California has 30 days to comply or risk losing federal highway funding (~$160M in the first year) and possible decertification of its CDL program.
What you must do / ਤੁਹਾਨੂੰ ਕੀ ਕਰਨ ਦੀ ਲੋੜ ਹੈ
Immediately verify your visa class, I-94, and passport validity
Be ready to reapply, re-verify, or surrender a CDL if it no longer meets the new criteria
Watch renewal periods: your CDL may expire earlier than previously scheduled
Keep all supporting documents current and carry them with you
Be prepared to appear in person for renewals
Ask your employer or carrier whether they will assist with compliance
