Instances of CDL Revocations for Non-Domiciled Drivers (Mexican & Canadian Citizens)
- CVTA Staff
- May 27
- 2 min read
This post calls attention to a licensing issue that may affect students or new drivers who reside in the United States but are domiciled in Mexico or Canada.
It was recently reported that a state revoked the CDL of a driver who was lawfully present in the U.S. on a U-Visa, completed a full Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) program, and had been issued a non-domiciled CDL. The state later determined that the license should not have been issued under federal CDL regulations.
Under federal law (49 CFR 383.5), CDLs are tied to a driver's state of domicile—not mere residency. A person’s domicile is defined as their fixed and permanent home and the place they intend to return to when absent. While non-domiciled CDLs are permitted under certain conditions (per 49 CFR 383.23 and 384.212), these apply only when the individual’s home jurisdiction does not have a federally approved CDL program.
Due to Memorandums of Understanding recognizing Mexican and Canadian CDLs as equivalent to U.S. CDLs, Mexican or Canadian nationals—even if lawfully residing in the U.S.—cannot be issued non-domiciled U.S. CDLs.
CVTA urges all industry members to review the domicile and licensing status of current and prospective students to ensure compliance with these rules to avoid any similar revocations.
CVTA is actively monitoring this issue and may pursue further clarification with federal and state agencies. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with questions or if you have experienced a similar case.
