A non-domicile CDL or CLP is a special driver license or permit issued to someone who lives in another state or country that does not have the same driver license testing standards as the United States.
To apply, you must:
- Meet all CDL requirements
- Be a resident of a country whose licensing standards do not meet the US testing and licensing standards. (Per 49 CFR 383.73(f)(2), applicants holding a commercial driver's license from Canada or Mexico are not eligible for a non-domicile CDL/CLP.)
- Surrender any driver license or identification card previously issued*
- Present the following documents at the driver license office:
- A valid passport issued to you by the country of which you are a resident,
- Either:
- A form I-94, Arrival/Departure record or a successor document, or
- Unexpired employment authorization document; and
- Acceptable proof of Texas residency, if not previously provided
- Pay the required $121 fee
NOTE: A non-domicile CDL is not eligible for a hazardous material endorsement.
NOTE: You will need to provide your Social Security Number (SSN). It will be verified electronically with the U.S. government. If it cannot be verified, your driver license cannot be issued or renewed. Learn more about this process at our Social Security Number website.
*It is illegal for a person who operates a commercial motor vehicle to have more than one driver's license at any time.
- Under the single license provisions of 49 CFR 383.21, a driver holding a commercial driver's license issued under the Canadian National Safety Code or a new Licencia Federal de Conductor issued by Mexico is prohibited from obtaining a non-domiciled CDL, or any other type of driver's license, from a State or other jurisdiction in the United States.
Residents of Canada and Mexico
Canada and Mexico have the same commercial driver's license testing standards as the United States.
Therefore, individuals who live in Canada and Mexico can use their commercial drivers license (CDL)to drive commercial vehicles in Texas.
As of September 1, 2023, Mexican truck drivers with the Licenica Federal de Conductor must have a US work visa to driver outside the Texas border counties. Transporation Code §522.015
Frequently Asked Questions
1. If a person has a Canadian or Mexican CDL, can they apply for a Texas CDL if they can provide employment authorization and a passport?
No, in order to be eligible for a CDL, the applicant must be able to provide proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency.
2. If a person has a Canadian or Mexican CDL, can they apply for a Texas CDL if they have a permanent residency card? Do they have to surrender the Canadian or Mexican CDL?
Yes, an applicant who provides proof of lawful permanent residency with a valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card may obtain a Texas CLP/CDL and will have to surrender the valid Canadian or Mexican CDL to Texas.
3. If a person has a Canadian or Mexican CDL, can they apply for a Class C Texas Driver License while retaining the Canadian or Mexican CDL?
No, a driver holding a CDL under the Canadian National Safety Code or a new Licencia Federal de Conductor issued by Mexico is prohibited from obtaining a non-domicile CDL, or any other type of driver's license, form a State or jurisdiction in the United States.
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
DACA is a program that protects young immigrants who were brought to the United States as children from deportation and allows them to work legally for a renewable period of two years.
Citizen of other countries with DACA status can obtain a non-domiciled CDL or CLP as long as they never held a commercial driver license and are able to meet all CDL requirements.
To apply, you must:
- Meet all CDL requirements,
- Be a citizen of another country with DACA status,
- Surrender any driver license or identification card previously issued,
- Present the following documents at the driver license office:
- Unexpired Employment Authorization Document with a category C33,
- A form I-797 (Notice of Action) that indicates DACA approved,
- Acceptable proof of Texas residency, if not previously provided
- Pay the required $121 fee
