685 CDLs issued to unqualified noncitizens by Washington state since 2018

Washington has issued 685 incorrectly issued commercial drivers licenses over the last seven years, a recent investigation revealed. 

The investigation into the state’s issuing of CDLs began after truck driver Harjinder Singh attempted an illegal u-turn in Florida, killing three people earlier this year. Questions regarding his eligibility for his CDL, which he obtained in Washington, prompted an investigation by Washington’s licensing department. This week, the state announced the findings of the investigation, reported Lynnwood Times.

The Washington licensing department has since discovered that Singh was wrongfully issued a CDL, and 685 other individuals were also wrongfully issued CDLs since 2018. All 685 licenses were active when the error was discovered. The 685 number does not include any wrongfully issued licenses that have since lapsed or expired. 

“Errors have been addressed, and DOL is working to make changes in our system, process, procedures, and training to prevent mis-issuances in the future,” said Washington Department of Licensing spokesperson Nathan Olson. 

“failure to follow federal law is a blatant breakdown in its responsibility to protect the public,” a U.S. Department of Transportation spokesperson said. “By handing out standard CDLs to drivers who were never eligible, Washington sent unsafe foreign drivers onto highways across America and put countless families in danger. This is exactly the kind of negligence Secretary Duffy is working to eliminate. Following the law is not optional.”

The 685 license holders have been given an opportunity to update their legal status with the state if they have received their green card or other immigration status changes. Washington has since stopped accepting all non-domiciled CDLs and learners permits.