DOT Launches Nationwide Crackdown on Fraudulent CDL Licenses

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has launched an extensive nationwide verification of commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) issued to non-domiciled drivers — those who do not permanently reside in the United States or lack proper state certification.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy revealed the initiative on the FreightWaves podcast What The Truck?!?, describing it as a direct response to “systematic abuse” in the CDL issuance process.

“Our job is to return CDLs to qualified American truck drivers,” Duffy stated firmly. “Individuals living abroad or illegally in the U.S. should not be driving 40-ton trucks on our roads.”

🔍 What’s Being Investigated?

Special scrutiny will be given to states suspected of mass-issuing CDLs to immigrants who do not have a verified, permanent U.S. address. According to DOT officials, some licenses may have been obtained with fake documents or fictitious addresses. In such cases, revocation will be immediate.

The sweeping verification effort is being coordinated with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Border Patrol. Every suspect CDL will be reviewed to confirm the driver’s legal residency and qualifications.

🚚 Why Does It Matter?

This initiative could affect thousands of drivers, especially those who received their CDL through unscrupulous schools or intermediaries. Officials warn that drivers lacking proper legal status or training pose a severe safety risk to the public and create unfair competition for legally employed U.S. drivers.

“This isn’t just about paperwork — it’s about protecting lives and restoring integrity in our industry,” Duffy said.

🗺️ What Comes Next?

The verification program has already begun and will cover all 50 states. The DOT promises the “strictest measures” for violators and vows to work closely with state licensing agencies to prevent future abuses.

Stay tuned with Safety Lane for more updates on this and other critical transportation safety news.

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