DOT Cracks Down on Illegally Issued Non-Domiciled CDLs — What Carriers Need to Know

The Department of Transportation has sent a clear message to the states: CDL rules are not optional, and shortcuts will cost real money.

In a recent enforcement action, the U.S. Department of Transportation revealed that a federal audit uncovered serious violations in how Minnesota issued non-domiciled commercial driver’s licenses. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, roughly one out of every three non-domiciled CDLs reviewed in the state was issued improperly.

The fallout could be significant. Minnesota has been given 30 days to correct the violations or risk losing more than $30 million in federal highway funding.

This is not just a state politics issue — it’s a road safety issue that affects every carrier and driver operating in the system.

What Went Wrong in Minnesota

Federal auditors found multiple failures in Minnesota’s CDL issuance process, particularly involving drivers who were not legally eligible to hold a non-domiciled CDL. Among the violations identified were licenses issued to individuals whose legal authorization to remain in the United States had already expired, as well as licenses issued without proper verification of lawful presence.

In other cases, individuals were granted non-domiciled CDLs despite being prohibited under federal rules. These are not paperwork errors or technical glitches — they are direct violations of long-standing FMCSA regulations.

From a safety perspective, this matters. CDL standards exist to ensure that drivers operating large commercial vehicles meet consistent qualifications nationwide. When states bypass those requirements, the integrity of the entire system is compromised.

Federal Response: Fix It or Lose Funding

Following the audit, FMCSA formally notified Minnesota’s governor and public safety officials that corrective action is required immediately. The federal government has instructed the state to halt the issuance of new non-domiciled CDLs until compliance is restored.

Minnesota has also been directed to identify every unexpired non-domiciled CDL that fails to meet federal standards, revoke licenses that were improperly issued, and reissue only those that fully comply with federal law. In addition, the state must conduct a comprehensive internal review of its CDL processes, including training, quality control, system programming, and oversight failures.

The message from Washington is blunt: meet federal standards or face financial consequences.

Why This Matters to Carriers

For carriers who follow the rules, this enforcement effort levels the playing field. When CDLs are issued improperly, compliant carriers are forced to compete against operators who may not meet the same standards for qualification, communication, or safety.

FMCSA leadership has made it clear that enforcement is no longer selective. States that ignore federal CDL requirements are now under nationwide review, and Minnesota is not alone. Similar compliance issues have already been identified in other states during this ongoing audit.

For carriers, this signals increased scrutiny across the board — not just of drivers, but of the systems that allow unsafe or unqualified operators into the industry.

The Broader Crackdown on CDL Integrity

This action is part of a larger federal initiative aimed at restoring trust in the CDL system. Following an executive directive focused on truck driver roadway safety, the Department of Transportation launched a nationwide audit of state CDL issuance practices.

At the same time, the Department has introduced measures intended to support legitimate drivers and carriers, including expanded truck parking funding, modernization of driver resources, and the removal of unnecessary regulatory burdens. The goal, according to DOT leadership, is not to punish lawful drivers — but to enforce standards that protect everyone on the road.

One key area of renewed focus is English language proficiency. Under updated guidance, commercial drivers who cannot meet long-standing English language requirements may now be placed out of service. This enforcement aligns with federal rules that have existed for decades but were inconsistently applied.

What Comes Next

The DOT has stated that audits will continue nationwide, and states will be held accountable for how they issue CDLs — particularly non-domiciled licenses. For carriers and drivers operating legally, this is a sign that enforcement is shifting back toward consistency and safety.

For those cutting corners, the message is equally clear: the window is closing.

The Bottom Line

This enforcement action is about more than one state. It’s about restoring credibility to the CDL system and ensuring that every commercial driver operating on U.S. highways meets the same federal standards.

For professional carriers, compliance is not just a requirement — it’s a competitive advantage. As federal oversight tightens, those who run clean, follow the rules, and invest in safety will be the ones still standing.