The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) just kicked off a nationwide checkup on how states are handing out non-domiciled Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs).

What’s new: New DOT Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced on June 27, 2025 that every state is getting a fresh look, after growing concerns that some states may be letting unqualified folks get CDLs if they’re not living there.

• This review follows an April 2025 order that told the DOT to look for unusual patterns or problems in how non-domiciled CDLs are issued.
• The DOT wants to make sure only qualified and legal drivers get behind the wheel of rigs across state lines.

Duffy said, “Our audit is about protecting the safety of families on the road and upholding the integrity of CDLs held by America’s truckers.”

Between the lines: Some of this action is being tied to recent border policy disputes, with officials sounding alarms about possible loopholes being used to slip through the system.

The FMCSA has also been directed to run a thorough compliance check to identify states that may be cutting corners, according to the Transportation Department.

What’s next: States could be forced to change their licensing processes if investigators find anything out of line. The Pro-Trucker Package, a set of new proposals aimed at helping working drivers, is also part of the DOT’s latest moves.