The Texas Department of Public Safety has resumed issuing non-domiciled commercial driver's licenses and learner permits to temporary agricultural workers after receiving federal approval under revised U.S. Department of Transportation rules.
This move comes less than three months after new Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations sharply narrowed eligibility for non-domiciled CDLs, limiting them to holders of H-2A, H-2B and E-2 visas.
Texas officials said the state currently has authorization to process only H-2A CDL and commercial learner permit applications, while guidance for H-2B and E-2 visa holders is expected later.
Applicants seeking a non-domiciled CDL must appear in person at a DPS driver's license office and provide an unexpired foreign passport, visa documentation and proof of H-2A status.
Under federal rules, the licenses cannot be valid for more than one year.
The announcement comes as federal officials intensify scrutiny of non-domiciled CDL programs nationwide.
Several other states have paused or reassessed their non-domiciled CDL programs amid concerns over federal compliance standards and the potential loss of highway funding.
Eight other U.S. states that have received federal approval to resume issuing non-domiciled CDLs include North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Delaware, Utah, Rhode Island, Minnesota, and New Jersey.
The scope of the change is significant, with approximately 200,000 non-domiciled CDL holders nationwide facing challenges under the new regulations.
The change is significant as it affects the livelihood of thousands of temporary agricultural workers in Texas.
