Nonresident Commercial Driver License (CDL)

DPS may issue a:

  1. Temporary, 60-day nonrenewable, nonresident CDL to an individual who does not have a Social Security Number, or
  2. Nonresident CDL to an individual who presents a valid Social Security Number.

NOTE: A nonresident is not eligible for a hazardous material endorsement.

Residents of Mexico and Canada

Individuals who hold a valid CDL from Mexico or Canada have reciprocity with the U.S. and may use that license to operate a commercial motor vehicle in Texas. Since Mexico and Canada residences have reciprocity, they do not qualify for a nonresident or nondomicile CDL.

   Issuance of Temporary Nonresident CDL

Individuals who have lawfully entered the U.S. but have not received a Social Security Number (SSN) yet may be eligible for a temporary nonresident CDL. (Once the SSN is received, the individual must then apply for a nonresident CDL.)

To apply, an individual must:

  1. Meet all CDL requirements
  2. Be a resident of a country whose licensing standards do not meet the testing and licensing standards established by 49 CFR 383
  3. Present the following documents at the driver license office:
    1. A valid passport issued to the individual by the country of which the individual is a resident,
    2. A valid temporary worker visa, or
    3. A valid Form I-94 Arrival/Departure record or a successor document.
  4. Pay the required $21 fee

Expiration
A temporary nonresident CDL may not be renewed and will expire on the date that comes first among the following options:

  1. 60th day after the CDL is issued,
  2. Expiration date of the visa presented, or
  3. Expiration date of the Form I-94, Arrival/Departure record or successor document.
   Issuance of Nonresident CDL

Individuals with a valid Social Security Number may be eligible for a nonresident CDL.

To apply, an individual must:

  1. Meet all CDL requirements
  2. Be a resident of a country whose licensing standards do not meet the testing and licensing standards established by 49 CFR 383
  3. Present the following documents at the driver license office:
    1. A valid Social Security Number,
    2. A valid passport issued to the individual by the country of which the individual is a resident,
    3. A valid temporary worker visa, or
    4. A valid Form I-94 Arrival/Departure record or a successor document.
  4. Pay the required $121 fee

Expiration
A nonresident CDL will expire on the date that comes first among the following options:

  1. The expiration date of the visa, or
  2. The expiration date of the Form I-94 Arrival/Departure record or a successor document.