Oregon DMV stops issuing all limited-term CDLs/CLPs

Oregon DMV stops issuing all limited-term Commercial Driver's Licenses and Commercial Learner's Permits in compliance with federal guidance

Oct. 1, 2025

News media questions: Chris Crabb, [email protected], 971-304-9705

Customer questions: 503-945-5000, oregondmv.com

SALEM -- Oregon DMV has stopped issuing non-domiciled Commercial Driver's Licenses and Commercial Learner's Permits until further notice. The change is due to a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration emergency interim final rule that went into effect Sept. 29. The rule requires states to stop issuing non-domiciled CDLs and Commercial Learner's Permits until they can ensure compliance with updated regulations.

These commercial licenses and permits are issued to individuals who are lawfully residing in the U.S. on a temporary basis. Oregon DMV refers to non-domiciled credentials as limited term, because they are limited to the length of time the holder is lawfully allowed to be in the U.S. The pause includes every type of issuance: original, transfer, upgrade, renewal, replacement, amendment, correction, reprint or reissuance of a previously issued limited-term commercial credential.

Drivers who meet the federal requirement can continue to drive commercial vehicles in Oregon. However, they will be unable to renew or replace their credential. There are approximately 1,400 limited-term credential holders in Oregon, all of whom have an Employment Authorization Document from U.S. Customs and Immigration.

The interim final rule imposes strict requirements for lawfully present noncitizens to obtain these credentials. Changes include limiting eligibility to those holding lawful status in the U.S. for certain employment-based, non-immigrant categories and eliminating online and mail-in renewals in favor of mandatory in-person renewals. Oregon DMV already complies with some of the changes made by the rule; however, full compliance will require both statutory and administrative rule change, extensive computer system changes and more.

All but a handful of states issue non-domiciled Commercial Driver's Licenses and Commercial Learner Permits, and all that do must follow specific Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration guidelines. Citizens of Mexico and Canada do not require non-domiciled credentials because the U.S. recognizes those countries' commercial licenses.

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