On November 5, 2025, the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles announced that it would be immediately suspending the issuance and renewal of limited-term commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) and commercial learner’s permits (CLPs) to comply with federal law. This announcement came after new CDL regulations were issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
What Is a Limited-Term CDL?
A limited-term CDL is a driver’s license used to operate large commercial vehicles, such as semi-trucks and passenger buses, that is reserved for foreign nationals who are temporarily working in the United States. These licenses only last for as long as the authorized holder legally remains in the U.S., with a maximum of one year if no expiration date exists. Limited-term commercial driver’s licenses must be renewed upon expiration using proof of continued legal presence in the country.
Nevada Has Begun to Phase Out its Limited-Term CDL Program
As of November, the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has started to discontinue limited-term CDLs and CLPs. It has placed a temporary pause on issuing and renewing them as it phases out the program completely. This decision came in response to the FMCSA issuing its Interim Final Rule on September 29, 2025, with standards that significantly limit state authority for issuing and renewing non-domiciled commercial licenses.
What Motivated the Nevada DMV Program’s Suspension?
The FMCSA’s Interim Final Rule requires states to align their commercial licensing systems with the new national standards for certain visa categories right away. Failure to comply comes with the risk of losing state funding and financial assistance from the Federal-Aid Highway Program. Tonya Laney, director of the Nevada DMV, gave this statement: “Nevada is taking a proactive, responsible approach to comply with the new federal requirements. By phasing out the Limited-Term CDL program, we are protecting federal highway funding, maintaining program integrity, and ensuring that Nevada’s licensing system remains fully compliant with national standards.”
What Does This Mean for Commercial Drivers in Nevada?
For the approximately 980 active limited-term CDL holders in Nevada, the new rule means they will be unable to renew their licenses for the foreseeable future. Nevada will allow these existing licenses to expire naturally; they will not be cancelled prematurely. Once they expire naturally, however, they will not be eligible for renewal in Nevada. In addition, 62 active license holders from Mexico and Canada will have their licenses canceled based on the new federal rule, which now requires them to be licensed in their home countries.
Drivers with limited-term CDLs and CLPs in Nevada may apply for a non-commercial driver’s license (NCDL) or driver authorization card (DAC) if they meet eligibility requirements. No new limited-term commercial driver’s licenses or learner’s permits will be issued by the Nevada DMV at this time. Drivers who meet federal domicile and immigration eligibility requirements may still apply for standard CDLs in Nevada. However, many drivers affected by the new rule will not qualify under the updated federal requirements.
What Happens Next?
On November 13, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit issued a stay pending review of the Interim Final Rule that prevents the rule from taking effect until further notice. This legal matter is still ongoing. If the new federal ruling affects you or you want more information, you are encouraged to verify your CDL status, consult with a lawyer about your immigration standing and continue monitoring the Nevada DMV website for updates.