# 2026-12173: Virginia Wants Longer CDLs During Emergencies

2026-12173, Commercial Driver's License: Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles; Application for Exemption, is a Federal Register notice from Transportation Department, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration published 2026-06-17, effective Comments must be received on or before July 17, 2026.; PRIA reads it as touching household money (as of 2026-06-24).

- Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-12173
- As of: 2026-06-24
- Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts.

## Facts
- Document number: 2026-12173
- Title: Commercial Driver's License: Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles; Application for Exemption
- Type: Notice
- Agencies: Transportation Department; Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
- Citation: 91 FR 36648
- Published: 2026-06-17
- Effective: Comments must be received on or before July 17, 2026.
- Comments close: 2026-07-17
- Significant: no
- Touches household money: yes
- Regulation identifier numbers: none
- Last updated: 2026-06-24

## In one line

Virginia Wants Longer CDLs During Emergencies

## Summary

Virginia’s DMV wants permission to let commercial driver’s licenses and learner permits last longer during state emergencies. This change would help drivers keep their licenses valid without rushing to renew them in tough times. If approved, it could save time and hassle for drivers, but the public has until July 17, 2026, to share their thoughts before a final decision is made.

## Abstract

FMCSA requests public comment on the application of the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VA DMV) for an exemption from the Commercial Driver's License (CDL) requirements to permit the Commonwealth of Virginia to extend the validity of CDLs and Commercial Learner's Permits (CLPs) during State-declared emergencies. FMCSA is required by statute to publish a notice explaining each exemption request. This notice does not indicate what decision FMCSA will ultimately reach on the request. After reviewing the application, safety analyses, and public comments submitted, FMCSA will grant or deny the exemption.

## Effects PRIA read

- Extend Virginia CDLs/CLPs 90 Days: benefit, high. Virginia DMV asks permission to let Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDLs) and Commercial Learner's Permits (CLPs) remain valid for up to 90 days during a Governor-declared state of emergency or when an executive order or directive authorizes extensions. If approved, drivers in Virginia could avoid ru…
- Non‑Domiciled Drivers Excluded: cost, medium. The requested exemption would not apply to non-domiciled CDLs or CLPs issued under 49 CFR 383.71(f). The exemption would apply only to individuals who were issued a CDL or CLP after presenting proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency as listed in Table 1 to 49 CFR 383.71.

## 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
- [2026-12173 on federalregister.gov](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/06/17/2026-12173/commercial-drivers-license-virginia-department-of-motor-vehicles-application-for-exemption)
- [2026-12173 as published (PDF)](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-06-17/pdf/2026-12173.pdf)

## Related
- [Previous: 2026-12167, Andrew Jonathan Morgan: Final Debarment Order](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-12167)
- [Next: 2026-12174, Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-12174)
- [All Federal Register documents](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register)

Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-12173 (as of 2026-06-24).