Switching license to new state?

Swapping a CDL from one state to another is easy in most cases.
You go to the DMV and pay for the license and all tests that are needed.
In most cases you do not have to take any tests.
In recent years a few states have started breaking the federal guidelines and have started to require you to have the license in the other state for a set time period before you can swap it over. Normally a few months.

 

In order to switch your license in IL, you have to take the written and driving tests. They started this last year and I think IL is the only one to do this.

 

I heard they are trying to repeal that in illinois, I hope so !!

 

They should repeal it. They are stepping way past the bounds that they were permitted under the CDL act.
The concept of the CDL is that it is a license that is equal in all states. The written tests are exactly the same in all states. The things you need to pass on the driving portion are the same as well.
The only difference is in what the DMV in each area chooses to use in the backing portion. They have a list of skills to choose from. Some states choose the easy ones and some will make you do the harder backs.

The States took the balls out of CDL right out of the gate. It was supposed to be a federal license. But the states got mad and got all up in arms about state rights.
So the government backed off on that part and made it into a state license.
I have had mine in Maryland, Louisiana, New York and Florida. I have never retaken any test.
But you do have to pay for each endorsement like you took the test.

 

Hmm. Oddly enough it does seem like this falls under Federal authority and the power of Regulating Interstate Commerce. I guess it would depend on whether the truck was intrastate or interstate. I think the Federal license for interstate OTR guys would have actually made some sense.

I'm on the southern border of Michigan about to start with an Indiana company. I can get by with a commute but I'm thinking of relocating to Fort Wayne or possibly even Indianapolis.

 

You have to have an address in IL before you can switch it over. I don't know why the recruiter told you that, I have lived in KY and drove for companies that were in different states.But what ticks companies off is that they have to do taxes for the state you live in on your payroll. Unless its something that IL has started its illegal to have a lic in one state(IL) and live in another.

 

What you plan to do is irrelevant. You are required to be a resident and show proof that you are a resident before you can obtain a CDL.

"1.9 Documentation Required to Obtain a CDL
As is required for any driverʼs license, CDL applicants are required to show documentation verifying their identity, age,
Illinois residency, signature and Social Security number."

Best regards

 

If you establish the residence in Illinois and have a CDL, Illinois law since the scandal with the George Ryan issues, require all to take the entire license and driving test for the cdl.

Information can be obtained on the website for Illinois Secretary of State.

 

Why do you want to move to IL? You like higher taxes?
And as RoadMedic said they changed the rules after that pay for the CDL sandal! I wonder if they supply the trucks for out of staters that move in without a truck? I bet that will change when the cost of the trucks goes up!