Does the state on my DL have to be the same as the company I work for?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Switcher, Sep 13, 2021.

  1. Switcher

    Switcher Light Load Member

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    I have an IL CDL and just moved to AZ. I don't know how long I'll be here and don't want to get the AZ license yet, because if I have to move back to IL (family stuff), IL won't accept an out of state CDL and I don't want to go through school again.

    I'm not opposed to working for companies that are based in other states, but if I do go to where they're located, do I have to get my license transferred to the new state?

    Is IL the only state that doesn't accept out of state CDLs?
     
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  3. Frank Speak

    Frank Speak Road Train Member

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    You have to have a license for your resident state (where you reside). Most states give you 30-45 days to do that.
     
  4. Moose1958

    Moose1958 Road Train Member

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    I can't give you a yes or a no reply. I have no idea what Arizona's residency requirements are! 99% of the time you might be able to live in another state other than the state your CDL is issued from, but then there is that 1% when it could come back to bite you later. I understand that "life" happens. I am 100% sympathetic to your situation. Find out what those residency requirements are and thread lightly once they have elapsed!
     
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  5. Wasted Thyme

    Wasted Thyme Road Train Member

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    So you're saying that you can't, for example, live in Indiana and work in Illinois? That makes no sense to me.
     
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  6. Moose1958

    Moose1958 Road Train Member

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    As far as your CDL being issued by the same state your carrier is based out of, that is a NO! There is no requirement! If you look deeper the OP is kinda asking a question in the title and a bit of a different one in the comment!
     
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  7. Wasted Thyme

    Wasted Thyme Road Train Member

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    Yeah but his comment about IL is throwing me off. What does he mean they won't accept an out of state CDL?
     
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  8. Moose1958

    Moose1958 Road Train Member

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    I have heard that the state makes you do all the testing over. That is what the OP is talking about!
     
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  9. GYPSY65

    GYPSY65 Road Train Member

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    If I understand this correctly

    You moved and want to be legit in Az

    You might move back to Illinois but if you do, then they would not recognize an out of State CDL therefore requiring you to do school again

    If that’s true I’d never go to Illinois but I think something is missing or misunderstood??

    In your case. If it’s all true then I’d just put my address in your parents or siblings address until you decide and have Az as a winter home not requiring a license change
     
    Last edited: Sep 13, 2021
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  10. ZVar

    ZVar Road Train Member

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    It looks like AZ has a fairly lax requirement to change license.

    From New to AZ - Welcome! | ADOT
    Resident Definition
    State law requires that you obtain an Arizona vehicle registration and driver license, immediately if any of the following apply:

    • You work in Arizona (other than for seasonal agricultural work).
    • You are registered to vote in Arizona.
    • You place children in school without paying the tuition rate of a nonresident.
    • You have a business with an office in Arizona that bases and operates vehicles in this state.
    • You obtain a state license or pay school tuition fees at the same rate as an Arizona resident.
    • You have a business that operates vehicles to transport goods or passengers within Arizona.
    • You remain in Arizona for a total of seven months or more during any calendar year, regardless of your permanent residence.
     
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  11. Switcher

    Switcher Light Load Member

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    Thanks fellas, yeah I ended up asking several questions.

    I reached out to a few recruiters for companies that aren't based in either IL or AZ, that's what was on my mind when I created the thread's title.
     
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