Nevada is set to cancel over 60 CDLs issued to truckers from Mexico and Canada, as the state begins phasing out non-domiciled commercial licenses to follow new federal rules. The move comes after the FMCSA's emergency rule took effect on September 29, 2025, clamping down on states that issue CDLs to drivers who aren't living in the U.S. long-term.
The big picture: Nationwide, about 980 active truckers in Nevada are affected by the state's changes. Most were on "Limited-Term" licenses, which are given to drivers who don’t have permanent U.S. residency.
- Under federal law, Mexican and Canadian truckers need to be licensed by their home country, not Nevada. Their licenses will be canceled soon.
- The phase-out is meant to "protect federal highway funding, maintain program integrity, and ensure Nevada’s licensing system remains fully compliant," said DMV chief Tonya Laney.
- No new or duplicate non-domiciled CDLs will be issued. Existing ones will expire by their normal end date, based on immigration status.
Why now: The FMCSA cited serious concerns after several bad wrecks in 2025 involving non-domiciled CDL holders. The agency blamed weak rules and poor enforcement by a number of states for unsafe drivers staying on the road.
- Federal officials say only drivers in certain employment visa categories will be allowed to get or renew these licenses now.
- Some states, including California and Texas, are under review after being caught giving out CDLs they shouldn't have.
What’s next: Drivers losing their CDLs in Nevada can apply for a regular driver’s license if they qualify. The state says the change is gradual but DMV offices have already stopped new or duplicate CDL issuances for most non-citizen applicants.
These actions are Nevada’s way of staying on the right side of recent federal trucking laws. State and federal officials will keep a close watch on the process going forward.