The CDLIS Modernization Grant is authorized by Section 4123 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). This act establishes a program for modernizing CDLIS, including adding additional security features, upgrading the communications network, integrating medical certificate information, improving self-auditing and expanding the system's capability to exchange information.

The SAFETEA-LU included a total appropriation of $28 million for Fiscal Years 2006 through 2009 towards the modernization of CDLIS.