(Wright County MN via Facebook)
Minnesota is making truckers aware of a federal mandate that took effect March 20 requiring proof of both legal U.S. domicile and state residency to renew a commercial driver license.
“Driver’s license offices across the state will be unable to accept CDL applications without this documentation. This change is in reference to the federal code 49 CFR 383.71. This is a major change for CDL holders, and failure to comply may result in loss of commercial driving privileges,” an announcement by Wright County License Center states.
The public notice is among several that have been issued by local driver’s license offices about the new CDL requirements.
For example, Isanti County outside Minneapolis also issued a statement about the change and warned drivers that having a current CDL cannot be used to prove Minnesota state residency.
“With amendment to Federal code 383.71 effective March 20, 2025, all commercial drivers are required to provide proof of citizenship/presence and Minnesota residency for every renewal, duplicate (address change, misplaced, etc.), and first-time issuance,” according to Isanti County.
The same requirements also apply to people obtaining a commercial learner’s permit as well as truckers who are transferring a CDL license to Minnesota, or upgrading a CDL license, such as adding new endorsements, changing class or changing card type.
(Isanti County via Facebook)
Acceptable documents to prove state residency, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation, include:
- Government-issued tax form (federal W-2 for prior tax year)
- Current lease agreement
- Mortgage document or home purchase agreement
- Current military orders
- Property tax statement for the current year
- Employment pay stub issued within 60 days
- Vehicle title issued within the past year
- Gas, electric, garbage or water utility bills issued within the last two months
To establish proof of legal U.S. residence, drivers seeking to renew their CDLs also must present a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, certificate of citizenship, naturalization certificate, report or certificate of birth abroad or a U.S. Immigration I-551 permanent resident card, temporary I-551 stamp or Form I-551 MRIV for a permanent resident only.
“CDL holders looking to upgrade their card type to a REAL ID or enhanced license must provide the proper documentation required for a REAL or an enhanced license in addition to proof of domicile and proof of residency as a CDL holder,” the Wright County License Center noted.
