North Dakota Regains Authority to Issue Non-Domiciled CDLs After FMCSA Compliance Fix

Key Details North Dakota has received FMCSA recertification to resume issuing non-domiciled commercial driver licenses and commercial learner's permits, ending a freeze that began in December 2025. The state was among 24 noncompliant states ordered to halt these services after a federal audit found violations in how credentials were being issued. NDDOT implemented corrective actions and completed an internal review to regain compliance. Why It Matters The preliminary noncompliance notice threatened North Dakota with a loss of $34.95 million in federal funding. The December audit examined 526 non-domiciled licenses and identified deficiencies in procedures, programming, training, and quality assurance. The state will now reissue only about 150 of the 526 licenses that were valid during the audit period. What Drivers Need to Know Applicants for non-domiciled credentials must complete all transactions in person and provide documentation including an unexpired foreign passport and valid immigration documents. Eligible visa holders include H-2A and H-2B temporary workers and E-2 nonimmigrant visa holders. FMCSA limits credential validity to one year. Drivers should schedule appointments through dot.nd.gov for these services.