Frequently Asked Questions - Nonresident Commercial Driver License or Permit
- How do I apply for a Nonresident Commercial Driver License or Permit?
- Who is not eligible for a Nonresident CDL?
- Can I apply for a hazardous materials endorsement on a Nonresident CDL license or permit?
- If I currently hold a Missouri CDL permit or license, will I be exempt from the Nonresident CDL requirements at the time of my next renewal?
- Do I have to take all commercial written and skills tests to apply for a nonresident CDL license or permit?
- Can a “Farm Related Services Waiver”, also referred to as a Seasonal CDL, be issued to applicants who are not U.S. citizens or Permanent Resident Aliens?
How do I apply for a Nonresident Commercial Driver License or Permit?
To be eligible for a nonresident CDL the applicant must provide:
- Missouri CDL written and skills testing
; - Proof of identity;
- Proof of lawful presence;
- Proof of Missouri residence address;
- Social security number (card or verbal); and
- Employment verification letter from a Missouri employer on company letterhead, dated within thirty (30) days that includes the following information:
- Company name and address;
- Company telephone number;
- Contact person’s name, for secondary verification if required;
- Statement indicating the applicant (by name) is currently employed as a commercial driver or in training to become a commercial driver for the employer; and
- Signature of company official or authorized representative.
Who is not eligible for a Nonresident CDL?
- Applicants who are US Citizens or permanent resident aliens (1-551 card holder) must meet Missouri resident CDL requirements.
- Applicants who are citizens of Mexico or Canada cannot obtain or renew a Missouri CDL. They must apply for a CDL in their country since their testing and licensing standards meet FMCSA requirements and that is their place of domicile.
Can I apply for a hazardous materials endorsement on a Nonresident CDL license or permit?
No. Applicants who are only eligible for a nonresident CDL may not add or retain a hazardous materials endorsement. A hazardous materials endorsement may only be issued to drivers who are U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent resident aliens.
If I currently hold a Missouri CDL permit or license, will I be exempt from the Nonresident CDL requirements at the time of my next renewal?
No. If your immigration status at the time of license upgrade or renewal makes you ineligible for a resident CDL, you will be required to meet nonresident CDL employment and residence address verification requirements. If you are unable to meet those requirements, you must downgrade to a noncommercial license.
Do I have to take all commercial written and skills tests to apply for a nonresident CDL license or permit?
Yes. The testing requirement must be met to be eligible for a nonresident CDL.
Can a “Farm Related Services Waiver”, also referred to as a Seasonal CDL, be issued to applicants who are not U.S. citizens or Permanent Resident Aliens?
No. A Farm Related Services Waiver (Seasonal CDL) to waive the commercial written and skills testing cannot be issued to an applicant who is only eligible for a nonresident CDL license. He or she must take all written and skills test and provide the required employment verification letter as noted in question 1 above.