Non-Resident CDL

Changes in the law were made to address non-residents wishing to operate a commercial motor vehicle in Texas. For individuals who meet the requirements for a non-resident CDL, the law allows the Department to issue: (1) a temporary non-resident commercial driver license to an applicant who does not qualify for a social security number, or (2) a non-resident commercial driver license to an applicant who presents a social security number.

For the issuance of a temporary non-resident CDL, an applicant 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. (Applicants from Mexico and Canada are not eligible for a non-resident CDL)
  3. Present the following:
    1. A valid passport issued to the applicant by the country of which the applicant is a resident.
    2. A valid temporary worker visa.
    3. A valid Form I-94 Arrival/Departure record, or a successor document.
  4. Not have a valid social security number.
  5. A temporary non-resident CDL will expire on the earlier of:
    1. The 60th day after the license is issued.
    2. The expiration date of the visa presented.
    3. Or the expiration date of the Form I-94, Arrival/Departure record, or successor document.
  6. A temporary non-resident CDL may not be renewed.
  7. Fee is $21.00.

For the issuance of a non-resident CDL an applicant 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. (Applicants from Mexico and Canada are not eligible for a non-resident CDL)
  3. Present the following:
    1. A valid social security number.
    2. A valid passport issued to the applicant by the country of which the applicant is a resident.
    3. A valid temporary worker visa.
    4. A valid Form I-94 Arrival/Departure record, or a successor document.
  4. A non-resident CDL must expire on the earlier of:
    1. The expiration date of the visa.
    2. The expiration date of the Form I-94 Arrival/Departure record, or a successor document.
  5. Fee is $121.00.