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Ohio to Scrutinize 5,000 Non-Domiciled CDLs Under Federal Standards

Ohio's Bureau of Motor Vehicles will review roughly 5,000 commercial driver's licenses held by non-permanent residents following stricter federal eligibility criteria. The FMCSA issued updated guidance in September 2025 that narrowed acceptable immigration documentation for non-domiciled CDL holders. Ohio halted new non-domiciled CDL issuances and has not renewed any since the federal directive. The state's approximately 406,000 total CDL holders include those unaffected by the review. Drivers receiving notices of non-compliance face downgrade to standard Class D licenses within 30 days, barring commercial vehicle operation. To maintain eligibility, drivers must hold unexpired Employment Authorization Documents or foreign passports with valid I-94 records. Compliant drivers will receive confirmation notices. Ohio stated it will not resume issuing new non-domiciled credentials and will decline renewals upon expiration of existing ones.