The Texas Department of Public Safety has suspended the issuance of certain commercial driver licenses in response to new emergency rules from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration—rules prompted by a nationwide audit that exposed widespread violations of federal law, including in Texas.
Effective immediately, DPS will no longer issue or renew non-domicile CDLs, commercial learner permits, or any commercial licenses for refugees, asylees, or DACA recipients.
The agency confirmed the suspension also halts any pending applications or testing for drivers in those categories. Those who already hold these licenses are expected to receive further guidance as DPS works with federal officials on next steps.
“This action is part of the department’s ongoing commitment to keeping Texas roads safe,” DPS said in its announcement late Monday.
The move follows an explosive audit by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which revealed that several states—including Texas—failed to properly verify immigration status before granting commercial driving privileges. In some cases, licenses were issued to ineligible foreign nationals, with expiration dates extending beyond their legal stay in the United States.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy called the findings “a direct threat to the safety of every family on the road,” vowing immediate reforms.
As part of the federal directive, all commercial license renewals for noncitizens must now be conducted in person, and expiration dates must align with the individual’s visa status or be limited to one year, whichever comes first.
Earlier this month, Gov. Greg Abbott directed DPS to begin enforcing English-language proficiency reviews for commercial drivers, in line with President Donald Trump’s order tightening federal licensing standards.
The new federal rules and Texas’ compliance measures are now in effect statewide. DPS says updates will be posted on its website as it works with federal officials to restore limited services under the revised guidelines.
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