A non-domiciled CDL is a commercial driver’s license issued by a U.S. State to an applicant who is not domiciled in that state (often a foreign-domiciled individual who passed U.S. testing). By federal regulation the card must prominently display the word “Non-domiciled” on the CDL or CLP – commercial learner’s permit. Because that indicator is often printed as plain text on the front of the card (and not necessarily encoded in the barcode), OCR plus visual inspection matters, as barcode-only checks can miss the indication.
Background & federal rule changes
As is the case with any driver’s license, ID, passport, etc, federal rules governing state issuance and procedures for non-domiciled CLPs/CDLs must be taken into consideration. There are specific eligibility rules, required verification, and that the word “Non-domiciled” must appear on the face of the CDL/CLP.
In late September 2025 FMCSA (U.S. DOT) published an Interim Final Rule (IFR) significantly tightening issuance and renewal of non-domiciled CDLs and requiring enhanced checks. The rule also prompted many licensing agencies to pause or change issuance policies while they update systems and procedures.
Because of the federal rule and ongoing state responses, the landscape around non-domicile CDL issuance and regulations is constantly evolving, and logistics and trucking companies are seeking ways to electronically verify non-domicile CDLs.
Limited-Term vs. Non-Domiciled CDLs: What’s the Difference?
While the terms “Limited-Term CDL” and “Non-Domiciled CDL” are sometimes used interchangeably, they refer to different regulatory concepts under FMCSA and AAMVA guidelines.
Non-Domiciled CDL
A Non-Domiciled Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is issued to a driver who is not domiciled in a U.S. state but is legally authorized to work or reside temporarily in the United States. These drivers are typically foreign nationals holding an unexpired foreign passport and an approved I-94 Arrival/Departure Record or Employment Authorization Document (EAD). “Non-domiciled” must appear prominently on the face of the CDL or CLP. Citizens of Mexico and Canada are not eligible for a U.S. non-domiciled CDL because their home countries’ commercial driver’s licenses meet FMCSA reciprocity standards.
Limited-Term CDL
A Limited-Term CDL is issued to a driver who is domiciled in a U.S. state but whose lawful presence or immigration status has an expiration date. The “Limited Term” designation reflects that the CDL’s validity cannot extend beyond the individual’s period of legal presence in the U.S. These licenses are often issued to temporary residents, visa holders, or lawful permanent residents with pending status updates. The phrase “Limited Term” must also appear on the front of the CDL and is often embedded in the barcode.
Key Differences
| Feature | Non-Domiciled CDL | Limited-Term CDL |
| Residency/Domicile | Holder is not domiciled in any U.S. state | Holder is domiciled in the issuing state |
| Primary Holder Type | Foreign nationals (EAD or I-94) | Temporary lawful residents |
| Label on ID | “Non-Domiciled” | “Limited Term” |
| Validity Period | Matches work authorization or I-94 expiration | Matches lawful presence expiration |
| Eligibility for Canada/Mexico citizens | Not eligible | Possible if domiciled and legally present |
Verification Implications
When scanning an ID, Non-Domiciled CDLs require OCR-based recognition to detect the printed indicator while Limited-Term CDLs may include the designation in both barcode and text, making them easier to detect using standard barcode-based ID verification systems.
How non-domiciled status appears on CDLs
The “non-domicile” indication can appear in a couple different ways based on the state’s ID template. All states are required to include printed text. Per federal regulation mentioned above, the word “Non-domiciled” must be clearly printed on the face of the issued CDL or CLP. It does not need to be immediately adjacent to “Commercial Driver’s License” or “CDL”, but the visual presence on the card is required.
Barcode encryption plus front text indication is another method of identifying non-domiciled CDLs and CLPs. Some states include the non-domiciled marker in both machine-readable zones (PDF417 barcode) and visually on the front; other states only print it on the front. Therefore, multi layer CDL and CLP verification techniques are recommended. Combining Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and barcode security checks is suggested to reliably detect non-domiciled CDLs when dual indication is present.
Non-domiciled CDL indications by state
Non-domicile CDLs in Alabama
Alabama does not issue non-domiciled CDLs or CLPs to individuals who are not residents of the state.
Non-domicile CDLs in Alaska
Alaska issues non-domiciled CDLs through the DMV as long as eligibility criteria are met. The word “Non-domiciled” must be prominently displayed on the CDL or CLP. The resident applying for a non-domiciled CDL or CLP in Alaska must also carry a valid driver’s license from their home jurisdiction.
Non-domicile CDLs in Arizona
Arizona issues non-domiciled CDLs and CLPs as long as the individual has a lawful presence in the US. Eligible applicants must provide proof such as a work visa. The indication for non-domiciled CDLs in Arizona is by clearly printing the word “non-domiciled” on the face of the license.
Non-domicile CDLs in Arkansas
Arkansas does not issue non-domiciled CDLs or CLPs to individuals who are not residents of the state.
Non-domicile CDLs in California
Historically, California has issued non-domiciled CDLs, however, as of September 29, 2025, the state has stopped issuing the license type after the IFR mentioned above was released. With over 62,000 CDLs and 5,000 CLPs in California being non-domiciled, the state only has 30 days to bring their compliance standards up to par with new regulations otherwise FMCSA will withhold federal highway funds starting at $160 million.
Non-domicile CDLs in Colorado
Historically, Colorado has issued non-domiciled CDLs, however, as of September 29, 2025, the state has stopped issuing the license type after the IFR mentioned above was released. There is currently no plan to begin reissuing non-domiciled CDLs and CLPs in Colorado.
Non-domicile CDLs in Connecticut
Connecticut issues non-domiciled CDLs but there are limitations due to the new IFR restrictions. Connecticut can only issue non-domiciled CDLs to specific non-U.S. citizens with specific employment-based visas such as H-2A, H-2B or E-2 visas. The indication for non-domiciled CDLs in Connecticut is by clearly printing the word “non-domiciled” on the front of the license.
Non-domicile CDLs in Delaware
Delaware issues non-domiciled CDLs as long as the state first ensures it has the practical ability to revoke, suspend, or cancel these licenses and disqualify the holder under the same conditions as a resident. For those carrying a Delaware non-domiciled CDL or CLP, the word “non-domiciled” must be printed clearly on the front of the ID and not just in the barcode.
Non-domicile CDLs in District of Columbia
Washington D.C. does not issue non-domiciled CDLs. The D.C. DMV only issues commercial driver’s licenses to residents who hold a valid D.C. driver’s license and meet the residency requirements. Drivers who are not residents of D.C. must convert their out-of-state CDL to a D.C. license if they stay in the area for more than 30 days.
Non-domicile CDLs in Florida
Historically, Florida has issued non-domiciled CDLs, however, as of September 29, 2025, the state has stopped issuing the license type after the IFR mentioned above was released. There is currently no plan to begin reissuing non-domiciled CDLs and CLPs in Florida.
Non-domicile CDLs in Georgia
Historically, Georgia has issued non-domiciled CDLs, however, as of September 29, 2025, the state has paused issuing the license type after the IFR mentioned above was released. Georgia will begin re-issuing non-domiciled CDLs and CLPs once they make system, procedural, and card updates as required by the new ruling.
Non-domicile CDLs in Hawaii
Hawaii does not issue non-domiciled CDLs under recent federal regulations that significantly restrict their issuance. Due to the IFR ruling above, a driver would need to establish legal domicile in Hawaii to get a CDL.
Non-domicile CDLs in Idaho
Historically, Idaho has issued non-domiciled CDLs, however, as of September 29, 2025, the state has stopped issuing the license type after the IFR mentioned above was released. There is currently no plan to begin reissuing non-domiciled CDLs and CLPs in Idaho.
Non-domicile CDLs in Illinois
Historically, Illinois has issued non-domiciled CDLs, however, as of September 29, 2025, the state has stopped issuing the license type after the IFR mentioned above was released. There is currently no plan to begin reissuing non-domiciled CDLs and CLPs in Illinois.
Non-domicile CDLs in Indiana
Historically, Indiana has issued non-domiciled CDLs, however, as of September 29, 2025, the state has stopped issuing the license type after the IFR mentioned above was released. There is currently no plan to begin reissuing non-domiciled CDLs and CLPs in Indiana.
Non-domicile CDLs in Iowa
Iowa does not issue non-domiciled CDLs to individuals who are not residents of Iowa, except for very specific circumstances allowed by federal regulations. Iowa requires proof of residency to get a CDL, which is a key requirement for the license.
Non-domicile CDLs in Kansas
Historically, Kansas has issued non-domiciled CDLs, however, as of September 29, 2025, the state has stopped issuing the license type after the IFR mentioned above was released. There is currently no plan to begin reissuing non-domiciled CDLs and CLPs in Kansas.
Non-domicile CDLs in Kentucky
Kentucky issues non-domiciled CDLs but there are limitations due to the new IFR restrictions. Kentucky can only issue non-domiciled CDLs to specific non-U.S. citizens with specific employment-based visas such as H-2A, H-2B or E-2 visas. The indication for non-domiciled CDLs in Kentucky is having “non-domiciled” printed clearly on the front of the CDL or CLP.
Non-domicile CDLs in Louisiana
Louisiana issues non-domiciled CDLs but there are limitations due to the new IFR restrictions. Their issuing rules appear to have been updated in February 2025, as opposed to the recent IFR ruling from September, but given the compliance with the updated ruling, Louisiana can continue issuing non-domiciled CDLs to specific non-U.S. citizens with specific employment-based visas such as H-2A, H-2B or E-2 visas. The indication for non-domiciled CDLs in Louisiana is having “non-domiciled” printed clearly on the front of the CDL or CLP.
Non-domicile CDLs in Maine
Historically, Maine has issued non-domiciled CDLs, however, as of September 29, 2025, the state has stopped issuing the license type after the IFR mentioned above was released. There is currently no plan to begin reissuing non-domiciled CDLs and CLPs in Maine.
Non-domicile CDLs in Maryland
Historically, Maryland has issued non-domiciled CDLs, however, as of September 29, 2025, the state has stopped issuing the license type after the IFR mentioned above was released. There is currently no plan to begin reissuing non-domiciled CDLs and CLPs in Maryland.
Non-domicile CDLs in Massachusetts
Historically, Massachusetts has issued non-domiciled CDLs, however, as of September 29, 2025, the state has stopped issuing the license type after the IFR mentioned above was released. There is currently no plan to begin reissuing non-domiciled CDLs and CLPs in Maine.
Non-domicile CDLs in Michigan
Historically, Michigan has issued non-domiciled CDLs, however, as of September 29, 2025, the state has stopped issuing the license type after the IFR mentioned above was released. There is currently no plan to begin reissuing non-domiciled CDLs and CLPs in Michigan.
Non-domicile CDLs in Minnesota
Historically, Minnesota has issued non-domiciled CDLs, however, as of September 29, 2025, the state has stopped issuing the license type after the IFR mentioned above was released. There is currently no plan to begin reissuing non-domiciled CDLs and CLPs in Minnesota.
Non-domicile CDLs in Mississippi
Historically, Mississippi has issued non-domiciled CDLs, however, as of September 29, 2025, the state has stopped issuing the license type after the IFR mentioned above was released. There is currently no plan to begin reissuing non-domiciled CDLs and CLPs in Mississippi.
Non-domicile CDLs in Missouri
Historically, Missouri has issued non-domiciled CDLs, however, as of September 29, 2025, the state has stopped issuing the license type after the IFR mentioned above was released. There is currently no plan to begin reissuing non-domiciled CDLs and CLPs in Missouri.
Non-domicile CDLs in Montana
Montana can issue non-domiciled CDLs, but under specific federal and state regulations that have been tightened recently. These licenses are limited to individuals who meet strict criteria, such as being domiciled in a foreign country with dissimilar licensing standards or being in a prohibited state that cannot issue CDLs. The indication for non-domiciled CDLs in Montana is having “non-domiciled” printed clearly on the front of the CDL or CLP.
Non-domicile CDLs in Nebraska
Historically, Nebraska has issued non-domiciled CDLs, however, as of September 29, 2025, the state has stopped issuing the license type after the IFR mentioned above was released. There is currently no plan to begin reissuing non-domiciled CDLs and CLPs in Nebraska.
Non-domicile CDLs in Nevada
Nevada does not issue non-domiciled CDLs or CLPs to individuals who are not residents of Nevada. Nevada requires proof of residency within 30 days to transfer an existing CDL.
Non-domicile CDLs in New Hampshire
New Hampshire does issue non-domiciled CDLs to non-citizens who meet specific requirements, although federal rules have recently been tightened to require stricter eligibility criteria for such licenses. To get one, applicants must generally provide proof of their immigration status with specific employment-based visas such as H-2A, H-2B or E-2 visas, pass the required tests, and complete a commercial driver’s license application. The indication for non-domiciled CDLs in New Hampshire is having “non-domiciled” printed clearly on the front of the CDL or CLP.
Non-domicile CDLs in New Jersey
Historically, New Jersey has issued non-domiciled CDLs, however, as of September 29, 2025, the state has stopped issuing the license type after the IFR mentioned above was released. There is currently no plan to begin reissuing non-domiciled CDLs and CLPs in New Jersey.
Non-domicile CDLs in New Mexico
Historically, New Mexico has issued non-domiciled CDLs, however, as of September 29, 2025, the state has stopped issuing the license type after the IFR mentioned above was released. There is currently no plan to begin reissuing non-domiciled CDLs and CLPs in New Mexico.
Non-domicile CDLs in New York
New York does issue non-domiciled CDLs to non-citizens who meet specific requirements. To get one, applicants must generally provide proof of their immigration status with specific employment-based visas such as H-2A, H-2B or E-2 visas. Prior to this rule, eligibility was broader, but the new regulations significantly limit the types of non-U.S. citizens who can obtain one by requiring an employment-based visas above and a federal immigration status check. The indication for non-domiciled CDLs in New York is having “non-domiciled” printed clearly on the front of the CDL or CLP, however it is not always encoded in the barcode.
Non-domicile CDLs in North Carolina
Historically, North Carolina has issued non-domiciled CDLs, however, as of September 29, 2025, the state has stopped issuing the license type after the IFR mentioned above was released. There is currently no plan to begin reissuing non-domiciled CDLs and CLPs in North Carolina.
Non-domicile CDLs in North Dakota
Historically, North Dakota has issued non-domiciled CDLs, however, as of September 29, 2025, the state has stopped issuing the license type after the IFR mentioned above was released. There is currently no plan to begin reissuing non-domiciled CDLs and CLPs in North Dakota.
Non-domicile CDLs in Ohio
Historically, Ohio has issued non-domiciled CDLs, however, as of September 29, 2025, the state has stopped issuing the license type after the IFR mentioned above was released. There is currently no plan to begin reissuing non-domiciled CDLs and CLPs in Ohio.
Non-domicile CDLs in Oklahoma
Historically, Oklahoma has issued non-domiciled CDLs, however, as of September 29, 2025, the state has stopped issuing the license type after the IFR mentioned above was released. There is currently no plan to begin reissuing non-domiciled CDLs and CLPs in Oklahoma.
Non-domicile CDLs in Oregon
Historically, Oregon has issued non-domiciled CDLs, however, as of September 29, 2025, the state has stopped issuing the license type after the IFR mentioned above was released. There is currently no plan to begin reissuing non-domiciled CDLs and CLPs in Oregon.
Non-domicile CDLs in Pennsylvania
Historically, Pennsylvania has issued non-domiciled CDLs. However, as of September 29, 2025, the state has stopped issuing the license type after the IFR mentioned above was released. Out of 389,880 commercial driver license (CDL) holders in Pennsylvania, 11,572 are non-domiciled. The Pennsylvania DOT is awaiting feedback on what inconsistencies and non-compliance points were noted in when issuing non-domiciled CDLs and CLPs. Until that time, the state will not begin reissuing non-domiciled CDLs and CLPs.
Non-domicile CDLs in Rhode Island
Historically, Rhode Island has issued non-domiciled CDLs. However, as of September 29, 2025, the state has stopped issuing the license type after the IFR mentioned above was released. There is currently no plan to begin reissuing non-domiciled CDLs and CLPs in Rhode Island.
Non-domicile CDLs in South Carolina
Historically, South Carolina has issued non-domiciled CDLs. However, as of September 29, 2025, the state has stopped issuing the license type after the IFR mentioned above was released. There is currently no plan to begin reissuing non-domiciled CDLs and CLPs in South Carolina.
Non-domicile CDLs in South Dakota
Historically, South Dakota has issued non-domiciled CDLs. However, as of September 29, 2025, the state has stopped issuing the license type after the IFR mentioned above was released. While only issuing somewhere around 160 non-domiciled CDLs yearly, they are still working quickly to ensure new compliance standards are met so that they may begin reissuing the license type.
Non-domicile CDLs in Tennessee
Tennessee does not issue non-domiciled CDLs or CLPs to individuals who are not residents of the state.
Non-domicile CDLs in Texas
Historically, Texas has issued non-domiciled CDLs – more than 50,000 in the last 10 years. However, as of September 29, 2025, the state has stopped issuing the license type after the IFR mentioned above was released. There is currently no plan to begin reissuing non-domiciled CDLs and CLPs in Texas.
Non-domicile CDLs in Utah
Historically, Utah has issued non-domiciled CDLs. However, as of September 29, 2025, the state has stopped issuing the license type after the IFR mentioned above was released. There is currently no plan to begin reissuing non-domiciled CDLs and CLPs in Utah.
Non-domicile CDLs in Vermont
Historically, Vermont has issued non-domiciled CDLs. However, as of September 29, 2025, the state has stopped issuing the license type after the IFR mentioned above was released. There is currently no plan to begin reissuing non-domiciled CDLs and CLPs in Vermont.
Non-domicile CDLs in Virginia
Historically, Virginia has issued non-domiciled CDLs. However, as of September 29, 2025, the state has stopped issuing the license type after the IFR mentioned above was released. There is currently no plan to begin reissuing non-domiciled CDLs and CLPs in Virginia.
Non-domicile CDLs in Washington
Historically, Washington has issued non-domiciled CDLs – around 1,800, or 16% of total issuances yearly. However, as of September 29, 2025, the state has stopped issuing the license type after the IFR mentioned above was released. There is currently no plan to begin reissuing non-domiciled CDLs and CLPs in Washington.
Non-domicile CDLs in West Virginia
West Virginia does not issue non-domiciled CDLs or CLPs to individuals who are not residents of the state.
Non-domicile CDLs in Wisconsin
Historically, Wisconsin has issued non-domiciled CDLs, however, as of September 29, 2025, the state has stopped issuing the license type after the IFR mentioned above was released. There is currently no plan to begin reissuing non-domiciled CDLs and CLPs in Wisconsin.
Non-domicile CDLs in Wyoming
Historically, Wyoming has issued non-domiciled CDLs, however, as of September 29, 2025, the state has stopped issuing the license type after the IFR mentioned above was released. There is currently no plan to begin reissuing non-domiciled CDLs and CLPs in Wyoming.
How to ensure compliance when scanning non-domicile CDLs and CLPs
For organizations verifying CDLs, non-domiciled licenses pose unique challenges. The “non-domiciled” indicator is typically only printed on the front of the license, not encoded in the barcode. This creates some limitations; barcode-only scanners cannot detect non-domiciled status on most states’ IDs. To properly verify these IDs, organizations must use an ID scanning solution with Optical Character Recognition (OCR), which can read the printed text on the card.
Without OCR, and an ID authentication software with templates for these IDs, it is impossible to confirm whether a CDL is non-domiciled, creating compliance risks for motor carriers, law enforcement, and employers in regulated industries. As more states become compliant with new federal guidelines, and more states begin issuing non-domiciled CDLs and CLPs again, ensuring the IDs are legitimate becomes paramount.
