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Based on a Texas DPS Press Release (HQ 2025-097):
As of September 29, 2025, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has suspended the issuance of certain Commercial Driver Licenses (CDLs) in compliance with an emergency rule change by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Under the suspension, DPS will no longer issue, renew, or reissue non-domiciled CDLs or Commercial Learner Permits (CLPs), nor any CDL/CLP for non-citizen refugees, asylees, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients.
This action is expected to affect approximately 9,000 CDL holders in Texas.
These categories were not eligible for Hazardous Materials Endorsements (HME) under federal law but previously could obtain standard CDLs prior to this suspension.
Pending applicants in these categories may not continue written or skills testing until services are reinstated. DPS also clarified that it has never issued licenses to asylum seekers who lack approved lawful presence.
The department is working with FMCSA to ensure compliance with the new federal rules and will post updates on its website.
This change follows Governor Abbott’s recent directive for Commercial Vehicle Enforcement (CVE) Troopers and inspectors to conduct English Language Proficiency reviews for commercial vehicle drivers across Texas.
What Is a Non-Domiciled CDL? A non-domiciled Commercial Driver License (CDL) is issued by a U.S. state to individuals who are legally present in the United States but not domiciled in that state—typically foreign nationals authorized to work here. These licenses are governed by federal regulations (49 CFR Part 383) and must clearly display the designation “Non-Domiciled.”
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