February 12, 2026 For Immediate Release Contact: Caroline French, (202) 225-2731
Congressman Rouzer Applauds DOT on Finalizing Non-Domiciled CDL Rule
WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman David Rouzer (R-NC-07) applauds U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy for finalizing this rule to close loopholes and restore integrity in our CDL licensing system.
These unqualified non-domiciled drivers pose a significant safety threat to the driving public. In 2025 alone, there were 17 fatal crashes, and 30 deaths caused by non-domiciled drivers who will now, be ineligible to obtain a license, under this rule.
"Public safety on our roads is non-negotiable,"said Representative Rouzer. "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.”
Key Provisions of the Final Rule:
States are now required to use the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) system to verify an applicant’s lawful immigration status.
Applicants must provide an unexpired foreign passport along with the appropriate Form I-94 to verify their legal authorization to work in the United States.
Non-domiciled CDL eligibility is limited to holders of H-2A, H-2B, and E-2 nonimmigrant status holders.
This final rule will be effective 30 days after publication in the Federal Register.
Background:
Ongoing Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) audits have exposed systemic non-compliance in issuing non-domiciled CDLs across several states, including North Carolina, New York, California, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, and Colorado. Following the release of North Carolina’s audit results, Representative Rouzer (R-NC-07) criticized state democrat leadership for permitting unlawful issuance of non-domiciled CDLs for years. The audit of North Carolina's policies found a staggering fifty-four percent improper issuance rate.
On September 29, 2025, The U.S. Department of Transportation issued an interim final rule, “Restoring Integrity to the Issuance of Non-Domiciled Commercial Driver’s Licenses,” which included the same critical provisions outlined above.
On October 3, 2025, Representative Rouzer introduced H.R. 5688, the Non-Domiciled CDL Integrity Act, to codify the U.S. DOT rule and permanently protect Americans’ safety, support American workers, and restore order to our commercial trucking licensing system. This legislation ends the reckless policy of granting CDLs to illegal immigrants who lack the English proficiency and road-rule knowledge needed to safely operate massive commercial vehicles on our highways.
