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Colorado joins multistate challenge to federal demand for CDL data
ColoradoBiz Staff //August 14, 2026//
Deposit Photos
Deposit Photos
Colorado joins multistate challenge to federal demand for CDL data
ColoradoBiz Staff //August 14, 2026//
In Brief:
- Colorado joins 21-state coalition against federal data demand
- Coalition files lawsuits against U.S. Department of Transportation
- Federal agencies seek five years of commercial driver license records
- Colorado attorney general Phil Weiser cites loss of data control
Colorado has joined a multistate coalition challenging the Trump administration’s demand for a database containing personal information on about 17 million commercial driver’s license holders.
The coalition filed two lawsuits Aug. 13 against the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and Department of Homeland Security. The legal actions seek to block the release of the data before an Aug. 17 deadline.
The Commercial Driver’s License Information System contains drivers’ names, birth dates, Social Security numbers, license numbers and licensing states. The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators manages the system using records owned by the states.
The lawsuits allege federal agencies violated privacy laws and the Administrative Procedure Act by seeking five years of records without public notice, restrictions on how the information could be shared or consultation with states. The coalition also alleges the federal government threatened to withdraw more than $10 million in grants and contracts if the association did not provide the records.
“Once Colorado’s data is in FMCSA’s hands, we would lose control and oversight of confidential records,” Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser said.
The federal government said it needs the information to verify licenses and conduct motor carrier safety reviews. The states contend that they are responsible for verifying applicants’ identities, medical fitness, immigration status and driving histories.
The coalition includes 21 attorneys general, the District of Columbia and Pennsylvania. Minnesota joined the case against the Department of Homeland Security.
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