# 2026-02965: Foreign Truckers Need Visas for U.S. CDLs Starting March 2026-02965, Restoring Integrity to the Issuance of Non-Domiciled Commercial Drivers Licenses (CDL), is a Federal Register rule from Transportation Department, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration published 2026-02-13, effective 2026-03-16 (as of 2026-06-11). - Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-02965 - As of: 2026-06-11 - Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts. ## Facts - Document number: 2026-02965 - Title: Restoring Integrity to the Issuance of Non-Domiciled Commercial Drivers Licenses (CDL) - Type: Rule - Agencies: Transportation Department; Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration - Citation: 91 FR 7044 - Published: 2026-02-13 - Effective: 2026-03-16 - Comments close: not stated - Significant: no - Touches household money: no - Regulation identifier numbers: 2126-AC98 - Last updated: 2026-06-11 ## In one line Foreign Truckers Need Visas for U.S. CDLs Starting March ## Summary Starting March 16, 2026, only foreign drivers with certain verified work visas can get commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) in the U.S. This change helps make sure all commercial drivers are properly checked and safe on the road. It affects non-U.S. residents applying for CDLs and aims to close safety gaps without adding big costs. ## Abstract FMCSA amends the Federal regulations for State Driver's Licensing Agencies (SDLAs) issuing commercial driving credentials to non-domiciled individuals. This final rule reaffirms, with minor changes, the provisions of the interim final rule (IFR) published on September 29, 2025. Specifically, this final rule limits eligibility for non-domiciled Commercial Learner's Permits (CLPs) and Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDLs) for foreign-domiciled individuals to those who hold specific, verifiable employment-based nonimmigrant status. This rule reaffirms the IFR requirements, aligning the issuance of non- domiciled CDLs with FMCSA's statutory mandate to ensure the fitness of all drivers who operate a CMV. By limiting eligibility to statuses subject to enhanced consular vetting of driver history and interagency screening, FMCSA restores the integrity of the CDL system, closes a significant safety gap, and enhances the safety of the traveling public. ## Effects PRIA read - Who Can Get a Non‑Domiciled CDL: cost, high. Starting March 16, 2026, only foreign‑domiciled applicants in specific employment‑based nonimmigrant statuses (H‑2A, H‑2B, and E‑2), certain individuals domiciled in a U.S. territory, and individuals from States whose CDL programs are decertified may be issued non‑domiciled CLPs or CDLs. The agency… - Passport and I‑94 Required Each Time: cost, medium. At every issuance, transfer, renewal, and upgrade of a non‑domiciled CLP or CDL, non‑citizen applicants (except lawful permanent residents) must provide an unexpired foreign passport and an unexpired Form I‑94/I‑94A showing the specified employment‑based nonimmigrant status. The rule makes this a r… - States Must Verify Status and Keep Records: cost, medium. State Driver's Licensing Agencies must query the SAVE system to confirm an applicant's claim to lawful immigration status, retain copies of the application documents for no less than two years, and set the non‑domiciled CLP or CDL expiration to match the Form I‑94/I‑94A or one year, whichever is so… - In‑Person Renewals and Downgrade Rule: cost, low. The rule requires the applicant to be present in person for each renewal of a non‑domiciled CLP or CDL, and it requires State agencies to downgrade a non‑domiciled CLP or CDL if the State becomes aware the holder is no longer eligible. - EAD/DACA Framework Replaced with Bright‑Line Standard: cost, medium. The final rule replaces the prior, more complex framework that allowed issuance based on Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) or DACA indicators with a bright‑line standard requiring an unexpired foreign passport and an I‑94 showing specified employment‑based nonimmigrant status. FMCSA rescind… - Rule Intended to Prevent Fatal Crashes: benefit, high. FMCSA reports it identified 17 fatal crashes in 2025 caused by non‑domiciled CDL holders who would be ineligible under this rule; those crashes resulted in 30 fatalities. The agency says no reviewed crashes were caused by non‑domiciled CDL holders who would remain eligible under the revised rules. ## Related documents - [2026-08144](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-08144): Administrative Rulemaking, Guidance, and Enforcement Procedures, 2026-04-27 - [2026-20734](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-20734): Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Application for Exemption From Aurora Operations, Inc (USDOT #341156), 2026-10-09 - [2026-20649](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-20649): Qualification of Drivers; Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance; Application for Exemption, 2026-10-08 - [2026-20524](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-20524): Agency Information Collection Activities; New Information Collection: Hours of Service of Drivers; Pilot Program To Allow Commercial Driver…, 2026-10-07 - [2026-20476](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-20476): Agency Information Collection Activities; New Information Collection: Hours of Service of Drivers: Pilot Program To Allow Commercial Driver…, 2026-10-06 - [2026-20325](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-20325): Clarification to the Applicability of Emergency Exemptions; Response to Petitions for Reconsideration, 2026-10-05 ## Sources - [2026-02965 on federalregister.gov](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/02/13/2026-02965/restoring-integrity-to-the-issuance-of-non-domiciled-commercial-drivers-licenses-cdl) - [2026-02965 as published (PDF)](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-02-13/pdf/2026-02965.pdf) ## Related - [Previous: 2026-02936, Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Small Electric M…](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-02936) - [Next: 2026-02978, Home Visits in Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers During…](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-02978) - [All Federal Register documents](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register) Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-02965 (as of 2026-06-11).