Non-Domiciled Commercial Program

On 9/26/25, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued an interim final rule - effective on September 29, 2025 - that makes changes to eligibility requirements for non-domiciled Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDLs) and Commercial Learner's Permits (CLPs) nationally.

FMCSA directed states to pause issuance of non-domiciled CDLs and CLPs until they can ensure full compliance with the updated regulations.  With the program on pause, the RMV will not be processing any applicants for non-domicile commercial permits/driver’s licenses. The RMV is determining how long it will take to make system changes to comply with new rule. While this research is happening, the RMV has placed a hold on the existing non-domiciled credential records to prevent issuance.

New applicants are required to meet the new rules as of September 29, 2025.

New Requirements

Documentation Requirements:

• Foreign nationals must provide an unexpired passport AND Form I-94/I-94A showing approved employment-based status at every issuance, transfer, renewal, and upgrade action. Employment Authorization Cards (EAC) are no longer an acceptable form of identification for a Non-Domiciled Commercial credential.
   
• Only individuals with specific employment-based nonimmigrant visas can now obtain non-domiciled CDLs:
  • H-2A (Temporary Agricultural Workers),
  • H-2B (Temporary Non-Agricultural Workers),
  • E-2 (Treaty Investors)
     
• Eliminates credential eligibility for asylum seekers, refugees, DACA recipients, and others who previously qualified with Employment Authorization Documents (EADs).

In-Person Transactions Required

• All Non-Domiciled CDL transactions must be conducted in person. This applies to every renewal, transfer, upgrade, amendment, endorsement, correction, reprint or other duplication of a previously issued Non-Domiciled CLP or CDL.

Interim Final Rule