Officials in Oregon have paused the issuance of all non-domiciled commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) as the state works to fully comply with an emergency federal rule.
On October 1, 2025, officials announced that the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has stopped issuing all non-domiciled CDLs and Commercial Learner’s Permits (CLPs) until further notice.
The pause includes every type of license issuance, including original, transfer, upgrade, renewal, replacement, amendment, correction, reprint or re-issuance of a previously issued limited-term commercial credential.
“Drivers who meet the federal requirement can continue to drive commercial vehicles in Oregon. However, they will be unable to renew or replace their credential. There are approximately 1,400 limited-term credential holders in Oregon, all of whom have an Employment Authorization Document from U.S. Customs and Immigration,” the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) noted in a statement.
The indefinite pause on issuing non-domiciled CDLs and CLPs comes following a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) emergency interim final rule that places several restrictions the issuance of non-domiciled CDLs and CLPs.
While the FMCSA emergency rule allows for the issuance of non-domiciled CDLs and CLPs for certain applicants, Oregon opted for a complete pause on issuance to ensure full compliance with the new requirements:
“The interim final rule imposes strict requirements for lawfully present noncitizens to obtain these credentials. Changes include limiting eligibility to those holding lawful status in the U.S. for certain employment-based, non-immigrant categories and eliminating online and mail-in renewals in favor of mandatory in-person renewals. Oregon DMV already complies with some of the changes made by the rule; however, full compliance will require both statutory and administrative rule change, extensive computer system changes and more.“
“The rule requires states to stop issuing non-domiciled CDLs and Commercial Learner’s Permits until they can ensure compliance with updated regulations,” officials said.
Other states that have announced action in compliance with FMCSA’s emergency final rule include South Carolina and Texas.
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