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Arizona - New CDL Requirements Coming in February: What You Need to Know

Starting in February, all CDL applicants will be required to provide proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency. This new requirement is part of a more significant effort by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to improve safety on our nation's roads.

If you want to get your CDL in the near future, make sure you know these new requirements and plan accordingly. This blog post will answer some of the questions you could have.

Who is Required to Provide Proof of Citizenship?


All CDL applicants- this includes both new and renewal applications. Proof of U.S. Citizenship can be a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization paper. If you are a lawful permanent resident, you must provide your green card as proof.

Why is the FMCSA Making this Change?


The FMCSA is required to verify all commercial drivers' citizenship or immigration status. This new requirement is part of a larger effort to improve safety on our nation's roads.

According to the FMCSA, "Commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers are an important part of the Nation's transportation system. To ensure that CMV drivers are qualified to operate in interstate commerce, Federal law requires States to certify that each driver meets applicable requirements."

These new requirements will help to ensure that only qualified and safe drivers are operating commercial vehicles on our roads.

What do you need to do if you are looking to get your CDL in the Near Future?


The FMCSA has provided a list of acceptable documents that can be used to prove citizenship or immigration status. This list can be found on their website.

Where can I find more Information?


If you have any questions about these new requirements or need help finding the required documents, you can visit the FMCSA website or contact your local DMV.

Getting your CDL is an important step in starting your career as a commercial driver. By being aware of these new requirements, you can ensure the process goes smoothly, and that you are on the road to success.