Oregon’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has halted the issuance of all non-domiciled Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) and Commercial Learner’s Permits (CLPs), effective immediately. This decision follows an emergency interim final rule from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration that took effect on September 29, requiring states to stop issuing these credentials until compliance with updated federal regulations can be ensured.
Non-domiciled CDLs and CLPs, referred to in Oregon as limited-term credentials, are typically issued to individuals who are lawfully residing in the United States on a temporary basis. These licenses are valid only for the duration of lawful presence in the country. The pause affects all types of transactions related to limited-term commercial credentials, including new issuances, renewals, replacements, upgrades, amendments, corrections, reprints, and reissuances.
There are about 1,400 holders of limited-term commercial credentials in Oregon. All these drivers possess Employment Authorization Documents from U.S. Customs and Immigration. According to the DMV, “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.”
The new federal rule introduces stricter requirements for noncitizens seeking these credentials. Eligibility is now restricted to certain employment-based non-immigrant categories with lawful status in the U.S., and online or mail-in renewals have been eliminated in favor of mandatory in-person renewals. While Oregon DMV already meets some aspects of these changes, full compliance will require legislative adjustments as well as updates to administrative rules and computer systems.
Most states issue non-domiciled CDLs and CLPs under specific federal guidelines; however, citizens from Mexico and Canada do not need such credentials because their home countries’ commercial licenses are recognized by the United States.
For questions from news media regarding this change, Chris Crabb at chris.c.crabb@odot.oregon.gov or 971-304-9705 can be contacted. Customers with inquiries may reach out at 503-945-5000 or visit oregondmv.com.
