California’s commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers who are lawfully present in the United States but not U.S. citizens or permanent residents are now being denied the renewal or issuance of Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs). This follows a new federal directive that tightens eligibility requirements for truck and bus drivers, sparking major concern among immigrant and non-citizen communities.
Federal Action and California’s Compliance
In late September 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation introduced an emergency rule that restricts CDLs and commercial learner permits (CLPs) to citizens, lawful permanent residents, and individuals on specific employment-based visas such as H-2A, H-2B, or E-2. The policy aims to “restore integrity” in the licensing process after federal audits found that several states, including California, had issued CDLs to individuals whose legal presence could not be fully verified.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has now updated its procedures in accordance with the new regulation. As of September 29, 2025, the DMV no longer issues or renews limited-term CDLs for non-domiciled drivers. This means that immigrants with valid work authorization, asylum seekers awaiting adjudication, and DACA recipients are being turned away when attempting to renew their licenses.
Impact on Legally Present Drivers
Many affected drivers have lived and worked in the U.S. for years, holding steady employment in the transportation sector. Some have pending asylum applications or temporary work visas that legally allow them to remain in the country. Under the new rule, however, their driving privileges have been revoked.
One long-time truck driver in California, who has driven commercially for nearly a decade, was denied renewal despite having valid work documents. He expressed frustration that the rule “punishes those following the law” and leaves families without income or stability.
Thousands of drivers across the nation now face similar situations. Without valid CDLs, they cannot operate commercial vehicles or maintain employment with logistics and freight companies. The sudden disqualification has disrupted supply chains and raised concerns among employers who rely on immigrant labor for long-haul and delivery routes.
Federal Justification and State Pressure
Federal officials have justified the move by citing national safety and compliance issues. Transportation authorities claim that previous state licensing systems allowed some CDLs to remain active beyond the period of lawful presence. California was reportedly warned that continued non-compliance could result in the loss of federal highway funding.
The state now faces the difficult task of aligning with the new directive while addressing the impact on lawful residents and immigrant workers. Several advocacy groups have criticized the rule as discriminatory, arguing that it unfairly targets individuals who are legally authorized to work in the U.S.
Industry and Legal Fallout
Trucking companies are warning of potential labor shortages, especially in agriculture, construction, and delivery sectors where immigrant workers form a significant portion of the driving workforce. Industry groups have called on the federal government to reconsider the rule or provide an exemption for drivers with valid employment authorization.
Legal experts anticipate that lawsuits may follow, as affected individuals seek judicial review of the policy. They argue that lawful presence should be sufficient grounds for holding a CDL, especially for those contributing to the economy through legal employment.