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Limited-Term Commercial Driver's License and Commercial Learner's Permit Updates

Effective Sept. 29, 2025, Oregon DMV stopped issuing limited-term (non-domiciled) CDLs and CLPs.


Oregon DMV is no longer issuing limited-term (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 makes changes to eligibility requirements for limited-term CDLs and CLPs. The rule requires states to immediately stop issuing these credentials until they can ensure compliance with updated regulations.

Federal information is available at https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/.

FAQs


A non-domiciled CDL or CLP is a Commercial Driver's License or Commercial Learner’s Permit ​issued by a U.S. state to citizens of a foreign country who are legally in the U.S. on a temporary basis without permanent U.S. resident status or U.S. citizenship. Oregon calls these limited-term licenses. ​​

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. These commercial licenses and permits were issued to individuals lawfully residing in the U.S. on a temporary basis. ​

Asylum seekers, asylees, refugees, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, and individuals granted an Employment Authorization Document.​​

This ruling has a broad impact, not only for limited-term CDL and CLP holders, but also trucking companies, third-party testers, and businesses that employ these credential holders. There are approximately 1,400 limited-term CDL and CLP holders in Oregon. This action does not affect anyone’s legal status in the U.S., only their ability to obtain a commercial driving privilege. ​​

No, this does not impact CDL or CLP holders with a credential that is not limited term.​​

No. Oregon DMV no longer issues any type of limited-term CDL or CLP credential: original, transfer, upgrade, renewal, replacement, amendment, correction, reprint or reissue of a previously issued limited-term commercial credential.​​

Oregon DMV is not actively cancelling limited-term CDLs or CLPs. The new rule requires Oregon DMV to cancel an existing limited-term CDL or CLP if the agency learns the credential holder’s legal status has changed so they are no longer eligible for the issuance under the old rule. ​​

Yes, drivers with a valid CDL or CLP, regardless of type, can continue to drive commercial vehicles. However, those holding a limited-term CDL or CLP will be unable to renew or replace their credential. ​​

No, the rule does not allow any issuance of limited-term CDLs and CLPs.​​

Oregon DMV already complies with some of the changes made by the rule. Full compliance would require both statutory and administrative rule changes, extensive computer system changes and more. We do not know when, or if, we’ll be able to again issue limited-term CDLs and CLPs.​​

No. Even though you meet the conditions, Oregon DMV is not permitted to issue any limited-term CDLs or CLPs until we are compliant with the new federal rule.​​

Six months. Oregon DMV does not expect to come into compliance and restart issuances within this timeframe. If a customer receives their permanent resident card within six months, they can still use the CDL test results to apply for a standard full-term CDL.​​

No. Oregon DMV cannot schedule or administer any tests for limited-term CDL or CLP holders or applicants.  ​​

A public announcement will be made, and the Oregon DMV website will be updated. ​​