FY 2026 Commercial Driver's License Program Implementation (CDLPI) | Apply Online

FY 2026 CDL Program Implementation (CDLPI) Grant - FAQs

1) What is the FY 2026 Commercial Driver's License Program Implementation (CDLPI) grant?

The FY 2026 CDLPI grant is a discretionary federal funding opportunity offered by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It provides financial assistance to support the operation, modernization, and improvement of the national Commercial Driver's License (CDL) program.

2) Who is the federal awarding agency for this opportunity?

The awarding agency is the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

3) What is the main purpose of the CDLPI grant?

The purpose is to help states and other eligible organizations strengthen and improve CDL program administration and integrity, including licensing processes, testing oversight, driver history record completeness/accuracy, and compliance with disqualification requirements.

4) Is this funding competitive or formula-based?

This opportunity is discretionary, meaning awards are competitive and subject to agency review criteria rather than being distributed by formula.

5) What is the guiding principle behind the national CDL framework referenced in this grant?

The national CDL framework is built around "One Driver - One License - One Record." This means each commercial driver should have one licensing credential and one consolidated driving history record that can be used reliably for safety oversight and enforcement.

6) What types of improvements does the grant emphasize?

The grant emphasizes improvements that protect and strengthen the integrity of CDL issuance and tracking, including proper knowledge and skills testing, complete and accurate driver history records, and correct application and recording of driver disqualifications.

7) What does the grant say about knowledge and skills testing?

A major focus includes ensuring that knowledge and skills testing is properly conducted before a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) and/or CDL is issued.

8) What is a Driver History Record (DHR) in the context of this opportunity?

In this opportunity, a Driver History Record (DHR) is the record maintained for each individual who holds a CLP or CDL. The grant emphasizes keeping DHRs complete and accurate so safety-critical information is consistently captured.

9) What kinds of information should be captured in the Driver History Record (DHR)?

The opportunity highlights capturing safety-critical information such as violations, convictions, administrative actions, and licensing status consistently for CLP/CDL holders.

10) Does the grant address CDL disqualifications?

Yes. The opportunity supports compliance with regulations related to driver disqualifications, including ensuring disqualifying offenses and sanctions are imposed as required and reflected correctly in the driver's record.

11) What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this grant?

The Funding Opportunity Number is FM CDL 26 001.

12) What is the CFDA/Assistance Listing number for this program?

The CFDA/Assistance Listing number is 20.232.

13) What type of funding instrument is used?

The funding instrument is a grant.

14) What is the funding activity category?

The opportunity falls within the transportation funding activity category.

15) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility includes a broad set of entity types: state governments; local governments (county, city, or township); public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status (excluding higher education institutions); and for-profit entities, including small businesses and for-profit organizations other than small businesses.

16) Can state governments apply?

Yes. State governments are explicitly listed as eligible applicants.

17) Can local governments apply?

Yes. Local governments, including county, city, or township governments, are listed as eligible.

18) Are institutions of higher education eligible?

Yes. Both public/state-controlled institutions of higher education and private institutions of higher education are eligible.

19) Are tribal governments eligible?

Yes. Federally recognized Native American tribal governments are eligible to apply.

20) Are nonprofits eligible?

Yes. Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status are eligible, excluding higher education institutions.

21) Are for-profit organizations eligible?

Yes. For-profit entities may apply, including small businesses and for-profit organizations other than small businesses.

22) When was the opportunity created?

The listing reflects a creation date of May 18, 2026.

23) What is the application deadline?

The original closing date is June 17, 2026.

24) About how many awards does FMCSA expect to make?

FMCSA anticipates making about 60 awards.

25) What is the award ceiling listed for this opportunity?

The listing includes an award ceiling of $105,183,605.

26) What does "award ceiling" mean here?

As described in the listing, the award ceiling reflects the maximum amount tied to the opportunity as published. Depending on how the agency structures the competition, it is often interpreted as the maximum potential award amount or the maximum amount available under the announcement.

27) What should applicants generally align proposed work with?

Applicants would typically align proposed work with measurable improvements to CDL program integrity, testing oversight, driver record accuracy, and the proper application of disqualifications, all of which support commercial motor vehicle safety and consistent national enforcement.