Pennsylvania’s procedures for issuing commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) to non-U.S. residents are receiving renewed attention following recent federal actions and a high-profile arrest involving a Pennsylvania-issued CDL.

In October 2025, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) identified Pennsylvania as one of six states issuing non-domiciled CDLs in a manner not fully consistent with federal regulations. FMCSA cited concerns about verifying lawful presence and ensuring that CDL expiration dates do not extend beyond an applicant’s authorized length of stay. Following that notice, PennDOT voluntarily paused issuing, renewing, transferring, or upgrading non-domiciled CDLs and commercial learner’s permits.

Last week, the issue resurfaced after the arrest of a 31-year-old Uzbek national in Kansas who held a valid Pennsylvania non-domiciled CDL. Federal officials allege the individual had terror-related ties. Although the driver possessed federal work-authorization documents at the time of issuance, the case prompted renewed questions about documentation and verification procedures across states.

In addition to the October findings, the U.S. Department of Transportation has now warned Pennsylvania that up to approximately $75 million in federal highway funding could be withheld if the state does not fully correct the compliance issues identified in FMCSA’s review.

Governor Josh Shapiro and PennDOT officials maintain that the Commonwealth uses the federal SAVE (Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements) system to verify lawful presence and that their internal reviews have not shown a case in which an ineligible individual was knowingly issued a CDL. Federal officials, however, say further improvements to documentation and record-matching procedures are required.

State lawmakers are preparing additional oversight. Senator Judy Ward, chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, has announced a committee hearing to examine PennDOT’s CDL and REAL ID verification processes and gather testimony from state and federal officials.

PMTA will continue to track these developments and provide updates to members as more information becomes available.