Non-domiciled CDL programs end in Louisiana, Wyoming and Ohio

Louisiana, Wyoming and Ohio are ending programs that let drivers who are not based in the state get a commercial driver's license. The changes affect drivers who hold or seek a non-domiciled CDL.

Ohio's Bureau of Motor Vehicles said on Oct. 23 that it will stop issuing non-domiciled CDLs. The state has not renewed or issued new ones since FMCSA changed the rules in September 2025.

Ohio reviewed 5,000 non-domiciled CDLs in May. It has already downgraded about 2,000 to standard driver's licenses because the holders did not meet the new FMCSA rules. The other 3,000 will also be downgraded.

Ohio will send a letter to the remaining drivers. The downgrade takes effect 30 days after the notice date. A driver can ask for a BMV hearing to challenge the decision.

Louisiana stopped issuing non-domiciled credentials on Oct. 2, 2025, and its policy says it will not restart. Wyoming stopped in September 2025 and also says it will not resume.

Federal rules now require applicants to hold one of three State Department visa types before a state can issue a non-domiciled credential. The FMCSA final rule took effect in March. The audit found more than 30 states had issued noncompliant licenses or permits, and most faced enforcement actions.

Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, North Dakota, Texas, New Jersey and Missouri are issuing non-domiciled CDLs. North Carolina stopped on Sept. 29, 2025, and Washington has not restarted. As of the beginning of October 2026, Washington has about 3,200 non-domiciled CDL holders, with about 400 licenses expiring by the end of 2026 and about 2,400 expiring before 2030.

Source: Transport Topics — https://www.ttnews.com/articles/more-states-non-domiciled