Federal Rule Targets CDL Issuance Loopholes, Rouzer Says

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman David Rouzer (R-NC-07) is praising the U.S. Department of Transportation for finalizing a rule aimed at tightening requirements for non-domiciled commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs), saying the measure will close loopholes and strengthen roadway safety.

Rouzer applauded U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy following the announcement of the finalized rule, which establishes new verification standards and limits eligibility for certain applicants seeking non-domiciled CDLs.

“These unqualified non-domiciled drivers pose a significant safety threat to the driving public,” Rouzer said in a statement. “Public safety on our roads is non-negotiable. Recent audits have exposed high rates of non-compliance in states across the country, including right here in North Carolina. I commend Secretary Duffy for finalizing this rule to restore integrity to our licensing system and ensure our roads are safe.”

According to information released with the announcement, 17 fatal crashes and 30 deaths in 2025 were attributed to non-domiciled drivers who would now be ineligible to obtain a license under the new rule.

Key Provisions

Under the finalized regulation:

States will be required to use the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) system to confirm an applicant’s lawful immigration status.

Applicants must provide an unexpired foreign passport along with the appropriate Form I-94 to verify legal authorization to work in the United States.

Eligibility for non-domiciled CDLs will be limited to individuals holding H-2A, H-2B, or E-2 nonimmigrant status.

The rule will take effect 30 days after publication in the Federal Register.

Background

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has conducted ongoing audits that identified what officials described as systemic non-compliance in issuing non-domiciled CDLs in several states, including North Carolina, New York, California, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, and Colorado.

Following the release of North Carolina’s audit results, Rouzer criticized state Democratic leadership, alleging unlawful issuance practices. The audit found a reported 54 percent improper issuance rate in North Carolina.

The U.S. Department of Transportation previously issued an interim final rule on September 29, 2025, titled “Restoring Integrity to the Issuance of Non-Domiciled Commercial Driver’s Licenses,” which included provisions similar to those finalized.

On October 3, 2025, Rouzer introduced H.R. 5688, the Non-Domiciled CDL Integrity Act, legislation intended to codify the DOT rule. Rouzer said the proposal aims to permanently protect public safety, support American workers, and reform commercial trucking licensing policies.