Non-Domiciled CDL Integrity Act

Bill Number

H.R. 5688

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Transportation and Public Works

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-03-18: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 35 - 26.

Last Updated

2026-06-24T08:08:55Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The "Non-Domiciled CDL Integrity Act" (H.R. 5688) aims to strengthen the rules for U.S. states when issuing commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) to individuals who do not live permanently in that state (non-domiciled individuals). It focuses on ensuring that only qualified people with proper immigration or residency status receive these licenses, promoting safety and compliance with U.S. immigration laws. A CDL is a special driver's license required for operating large commercial vehicles like trucks.

Key Provisions

• General Rule for Issuance: States can only issue a CDL to someone who operates (or plans to operate) a commercial motor vehicle if that person is domiciled (permanently resides) in the issuing state or in another state that does not issue CDLs.
• Exception for Foreign-Domiciled Individuals:
• Allowed under regulations from the Secretary of Transportation (who oversees the Department of Transportation, or DOT).
• Requirements include:
• Lawful immigration status in the U.S.
• A visa tied to legitimate employment reasons for needing a CDL (e.g., work in trucking).
• The state must verify the applicant's immigration status before issuing, transferring, renewing, or upgrading the license.
• The license is valid for up to 1 year or until the applicant's U.S. stay expires, whichever comes first.
• States must keep records of these issuances for at least 2 years (or longer if required by the Secretary) and provide them to the DOT within 48 hours if requested.
• Special Rules for U.S. Territory Residents (e.g., those domiciled in Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, or Northern Mariana Islands):
• Applicants must show proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status.
• The state must confirm this status before any license actions.
• Record-keeping and prompt sharing with the DOT are required, similar to the foreign exception.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill amends section 31311(12) of title 49, United States Code (the federal law on transportation), specifically subparagraphs (A) and (B). Previously, the law allowed states some flexibility in issuing CDLs to non-domiciled people, but it lacked detailed requirements for immigration verification, visa types, license duration limits, and mandatory record-keeping. The changes add stricter checks to prevent misuse, especially for foreign applicants, while clarifying rules for U.S. territories.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: State departments of motor vehicles (DMVs) will need to implement new verification processes, potentially increasing administrative workload and costs for immigration checks. The DOT will gain more oversight through record access, aiding enforcement.
• On Citizens and Residents: U.S. citizens and permanent residents in territories may face easier access to CDLs in other states with proof of status, but overall, it could reduce competition from unqualified foreign drivers.
• On International Relations: It may affect foreign workers (e.g., in logistics) by limiting CDL access to those with employment-based visas, potentially straining relations with countries whose citizens rely on U.S. trucking jobs, but it aligns with broader U.S. immigration priorities.
• Broader Effects: Could improve road safety by ensuring only vetted drivers hold CDLs, but might slow hiring in industries like trucking that depend on non-domiciled labor.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• States and DMVs: Responsible for compliance, verification, and record-keeping.
• Non-Domiciled Applicants: Foreign nationals and U.S. territory residents seeking CDLs, who must meet new proof requirements.
• Transportation Industry Employers: Trucking and logistics companies that hire drivers, potentially facing delays in onboarding foreign workers.
• Federal Agencies: DOT for regulation and oversight; immigration authorities (e.g., DHS) indirectly, as verifications tie into their systems.
• Workers and Public: Drivers benefiting from clearer rules, and the public gaining from safer commercial vehicle operations.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Reinforces federal authority over interstate commerce and transportation safety under the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution, while integrating immigration enforcement into state licensing without overriding states' rights to issue licenses.
• Constitutional: No major challenges anticipated, as it builds on existing federal CDL standards (from the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986); it avoids equal protection issues by treating U.S. territories consistently with foreign applicants but with citizenship focus.
• Political: Supports immigration control and national security by curbing potential fraud in CDL issuance, appealing to lawmakers focused on border integrity. It could spark debate on balancing labor needs in key industries with enforcement, especially in a politically divided Congress.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Rouzer, David [R-NC-7]

Cosponsors (76)

Rep. Johnson, Dusty [R-SD-At Large], Rep. Crawford, Eric A. "Rick" [R-AR-1], Rep. Harshbarger, Diana [R-TN-1], Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1], Rep. Nehls, Troy E. [R-TX-22], Rep. Ezell, Mike [R-MS-4], Rep. Baird, James R. [R-IN-4], Rep. Edwards, Chuck [R-NC-11], Rep. Bost, Mike [R-IL-12], Rep. Weber, Randy K. Sr. [R-TX-14], Rep. Wied, Tony [R-WI-8], Rep. Stefanik, Elise M. [R-NY-21], Rep. Tenney, Claudia [R-NY-24], Rep. Babin, Brian [R-TX-36], Rep. Bice, Stephanie I. [R-OK-5], Rep. Shreve, Jefferson [R-IN-6], Rep. Webster, Daniel [R-FL-11], Rep. McCormick, Richard [R-GA-7], Rep. Moore, Blake D. [R-UT-1], Rep. McDowell, Addison P. [R-NC-6], Rep. Westerman, Bruce [R-AR-4], Rep. Sessions, Pete [R-TX-17], Rep. Mann, Tracey [R-KS-1], Rep. Moran, Nathaniel [R-TX-1], Del. King-Hinds, Kimberlyn [R-MP-At Large], Rep. Loudermilk, Barry [R-GA-11], Rep. Murphy, Gregory F. [R-NC-3], Rep. Obernolte, Jay [R-CA-23], Rep. Moore, Tim [R-NC-14], Rep. Mills, Cory [R-FL-7], Rep. Harrigan, Pat [R-NC-10], Rep. Gill, Brandon [R-TX-26], Rep. Begich, Nicholas J. [R-AK-At Large], Rep. Fitzgerald, Scott [R-WI-5], Rep. Simpson, Michael K. [R-ID-2], Rep. Van Orden, Derrick [R-WI-3], Rep. Donalds, Byron [R-FL-19], Rep. Lee, Laurel M. [R-FL-15], Rep. Fong, Vince [R-CA-20], Rep. Grothman, Glenn [R-WI-6], Rep. Knott, Brad [R-NC-13], Rep. Collins, Mike [R-GA-10], Rep. McGuire, John J. [R-VA-5], Rep. Perry, Scott [R-PA-10], Rep. Joyce, John [R-PA-13], Rep. Moore, Barry [R-AL-1], Rep. Meuser, Daniel [R-PA-9], Rep. Mast, Brian J. [R-FL-21], Rep. Bresnahan, Robert P. [R-PA-8], Rep. Yakym, Rudy [R-IN-2] and 26 more

Recent Actions

• 2026-03-18: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 35 - 26.
• 2026-03-18: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
• 2026-03-18: Subcommittee on Highways and Transit Discharged
• 2025-12-01: Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
• 2025-10-03: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
• 2025-10-03: Introduced in House
• 2025-10-03: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Non-Domiciled CDL Integrity Act — issued 2025-10-03 — PDF (4 pages)