NOTICE: Updates to Non-Domiciled CLP and CDL Issuance Effective June 1, 2026
Texas has received approval from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to resume issuing non-domiciled Commercial Learner Permits (CLP) and Commercial Driver Licenses (CDL) to individuals with H-2A (Temporary Agricultural Worker) status starting June 1, 2026.
Eligibility Updates: Per the federal final rule effective March 16, 2026 (91 FR 7044), non-domiciled CDL eligibility is now restricted. Only the following category codes are eligible for issuance:
H-2A - Temporary Agricultural Worker (Issuance begins June 1, 2026)
H-2B - Temporary Non-Agricultural Workers (Pending FMCSA approval)
E-2 - Treaty Investors (Pending FMCSA approval)
Important Note: If your lawful presence is verified under any other category code (including Employment Authorization Document (EAD), Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Temporary Protected Status (TPS), or asylum seekers and refugees), you are currently ineligible for a non-domiciled CLP/CDL under these updated federal guidelines.
How This Affects You:
Existing Licenses: You may continue to use your current, valid non-domiciled CLP/CDL until it expires.
Renewals/Changes: To renew or modify your license, you must provide proof of H-2A status.
Ineligible Categories: If your current license was issued based on an EAD, you will not be eligible to renew your CDL once it expires.
How to Apply (Beginning June 1st ): All transactions must be conducted in person at a Driver License Office. You must bring the following original documents:
Unexpired Foreign Passport
Visa (Expired or Unexpired)
Form I-94 or I-797A (Must show H-2A status)
The resumption of issuance for H-2B (Temporary Non-Agricultural Workers) and E-2 (Treaty Investors) will be announced upon the successful rollout of the H-2A issuance.
Note: All non-domiciled licenses are subject to a maximum 1-year expiration period.
Questions? Please refer to the FMCSA Final Rule (91 FR 7044) for additional details.
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/non-domiciled-cdl-2026-final-rule-faqs
Non-Domicile Commercial Driver License (CDL) and Non-Domicile Commercial Learners Permit (CLP) issuance is temporarily halted effective 09/29/2025. Specifically, first time applications, renewals, and duplicates.
Background: U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced an interim final rule emergency action on 09/26/2025 to restrict who is eligible for a non-domiciled commercial learner’s permits (CLPs) and commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs). The rule Restoring Integrity to the Issuance of Non-Domiciled CDL, effective 09/29/2025, affects all customers who are applying for a non-domicile CLP/CDL and non-U.S. Citizens who are asylum seekers, asylees, refugees, and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients.
In response, effective Monday, September 29, 2025, DPS halted the issuance of ALL non-domiciled CLP/CDLs and CDLs to non-U.S. citizens who are asylees, refugees, and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients.
Customers seeking these services should be informed that DPS will update the website and issue a press release when services resume.
At this time, there is no impact to customers who currently hold a CLP/CDL; however, the cards cannot be reissued or renewed if they fall under the category of non-domicile CLP/CDL, or are asylees, refugees, and DACA recipients.
Additionally, DPS is currently identifying all individuals with a Non-Domiciled CLP/CDL with an incorrect expiration date. * A notice of cancelation will be sent to these individuals and their CLP/CDL privileges will be cancelled or downgraded to a class C license based on their current lawful presence confirmation through SAVE.
Visit the CDL Frequently Asked Questions page for answers to commonly asked questions.
*Update 12/08/2025: Notices have been mailed to impacted individuals. The issuance of Non-Domiciled CLP/CDL has not resumed. Additional information will be provided when available.