November 11, 2025
By Logity Dispatch
After weeks of uncertainty, the FMCSA’s non-domiciled CDL rule has been paused by a federal court, reopening the door for thousands of professional drivers who were suddenly shut out of renewal.
The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals granted a stay on the rule, halting its enforcement while a broader legal challenge continues. For drivers, that means one thing: you can renew or apply for your CDL again under the previous rules.
What the Rule Was About
The rule, introduced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) at the end of September, limited non-domiciled CDLs to:
U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents and only three visa categories – H-2A, H-2B, and E-2
That change left many legally authorized drivers – including DACA recipients, asylum seekers, and others with valid work permits – unable to renew or apply.
The decision sparked backlash and led to a lawsuit filed by Public Citizen Litigation Group, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), who argued the rule unfairly sidelined safe, experienced drivers.
What the Court Decided
On November 11, judges issued a stay, pausing the rule while the case continues.
This doesn’t cancel the rule – but it temporarily stops it from being enforced.
That means:
- States can again issue and renew non-domiciled CDLs under the old system.
- Drivers previously blocked can reapply and get back to work.
- The court will decide in the coming weeks whether the rule returns or is struck down for good.
As noted in the AFSCME press release on the lawsuit,
“This pause gives breathing room to drivers who were unfairly caught in regulatory confusion,” said one advocate involved in the case. “It’s a necessary step toward fairness and safety.”
What Drivers Should Do Now
- Reach out to your state licensing agency. Most DMVs are already updating their systems to resume processing applications – check your local site or contact center for details.
- Prepare your documents. Make sure your work authorization and residency proof are current – having them ready will speed renewal.
- Stay informed. The pause is temporary, so keep an eye on official updates from the FMCSA Newsroom or your state’s CDL department.
Bottom Line
For many drivers, this isn’t just a policy shift – it’s a chance to get their livelihood back.
Every license renewed means another professional back on the road, helping move freight and keep America’s supply chain steady.
The pause also shows why awareness matters: regulatory changes can happen fast, and staying informed helps drivers protect their careers.
Logity Dispatch – Helping You Keep Moving
We know how much uncertainty this rule has caused. Now that renewals are open again, we’re here to help you make the most of it — whether you’re renewing your CDL or getting back on the road in a non-CDL role.
Apply for Loads and get rolling again.
