Sec. Sean Duffy: Over 50% of New York Commercial Driver Licenses Were Issued Improperly

Breaking

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced that a federal audit found more than half of the commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) issued in New York were granted improperly, raising concerns over immigration status verification and public safety. Federal officials say that out of a sample of New York’s non‑domiciled CDLs reviewed by investigators, approximately 53% were issued without sufficient proof of lawful presence or adherence to federal regulations.

As a result, New York has been given 30 days to correct these issues or face the loss of tens of millions of dollars in federal highway funding. Secretary Duffy characterized the situation as more than a technical oversight — saying it reflects systemic problems that jeopardize road safety and accountability.

Details & Background

The Transportation Department’s audit examined how New York issues non‑domiciled commercial licenses — those provided to individuals not permanently residing in the state. Federal rules require that immigration status be verified and that licenses not remain valid beyond a person’s authorized stay in the U.S. Federal investigators found that many licenses were issued for up to eight years regardless of the expiration of work authorizations or legal status.

Federal authorities also found that New York could not adequately demonstrate that it verified the immigration status of some 32,000 active non‑domiciled CDLs it has issued. In some cases, licenses were issued even when a driver’s lawful presence documentation had already expired.

New York DMV officials, however, have defended the state’s practices, arguing they comply with federal requirements and that proper documentation was reviewed. They criticized the federal assessment, contending that the review’s interpretation of compliance standards is flawed. Nevertheless, the Department of Transportation insists that corrective action is necessary to ensure road safety and regulatory compliance.

Reactions

Secretary Duffy has openly criticized New York’s handling of CDL issuance, stating federal investigators uncovered “a dereliction of duty” that requires immediate correction. He has urged Gov. Kathy Hochul to revoke improperly issued licenses and update verification processes to align with federal expectations.

New York officials have pushed back strongly. A DMV spokesperson called Duffy’s statements inaccurate and politically motivated, asserting that the state has abided by all relevant federal rules and that the assessment oversimplifies the regulatory framework. They also argue that immigrants make up a significant portion of the nation’s commercial driving workforce, underscoring the administrative complexities in managing licensure while complying with immigration and transportation laws.

Public safety advocates have weighed in, emphasizing that commercial drivers must be fully qualified, properly vetted, and able to meet national safety standards. Some critics of current federal immigration policy argue that the situation highlights broader issues around how states manage licensing amid complex immigration realities.

Why This Matters to You

This controversy affects not just New York but potentially every state that issues commercial driver’s licenses. CDLs grant drivers the legal authority to operate heavy commercial vehicles — from semitrucks to buses — that are integral to the U.S. economy and public safety. If licensing processes are flawed or fail to rigorously check legal status and qualifications, every American on the road could face increased risk.

Moreover, the threat to withhold federal highway funds places additional pressure on state budgets already stretched by infrastructure needs. Losing tens of millions of dollars could impact road maintenance, transportation projects, and economic activity in affected regions.

The dispute also intersects with broader national debates over immigration enforcement, federal‑state compliance, and public safety standards. How New York responds within the 30‑day deadline may set precedent for other states and shape future federal enforcement priorities.

As federal and state officials continue to negotiate these complex issues, the outcome will have tangible consequences for drivers, taxpayers, and communities across the country — whether in terms of safety on highways or the flow of federal funds supporting essential infrastructure.