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How to Renew a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in Illinois

Updated on Thu, 4/28/2011

Renewing a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in Illinois is a relatively simple process compared to applying for a new CDL.

PROCEDURES FOR RENEWING YOUR COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSE

  1. A renewal notice will be sent to you indicating when your current CDL will expire. If your CDL has been lost or stolen, you will need to apply for a replacement CDL or duplicate CDL, rather than a renewal. If your license was stolen and you are over the age of 60, you will be issued a free replacement license provided you present a police report about the theft.
  2. You must renew your CDL in person, at your local Secretary of State VSD office.
  3. You will have to pass a vision test. If you do not want to take a vision exam at the VSD you must complete and submit the vision test when you go to renew your license.
  4. You will have to take a written test every other time you renew your license. But if you have a clean driving record, this test will be waived.
  5. You will need to take a road test if you are 75 years or older.
  6. Bring the following items with you to the local VSD office, when renewing your commercial driver's license:
  7. Your current Illinois commercial driver's license.
  8. If you do not have your current driver's license you will have to present other acceptable forms of identification. All documents have to be presented in their original form.
  9. All commercial drivers must carry a valid Illinois Department of Transportation (DOT) medical card at all times.

D. You must also bring the correct CDL renewal fee. Fees vary, depending on your age and the endorsements on your CDL. Check with your local Secretary of State VSD office on the exact fee before arriving for the renewal.

HAZARDOUS MATERIAL ENDORSEMENT (HAZMAT)

If your CDL includes a Hazardous Material Endorsement that you wish to retain, you must undergo a fingerprint and background check by the Transportation Security Administration. You will have to begin the process 30 days before your CDL expires to allow sufficient time for processing.

  1. You must pay a non-refundable fee of $89.25 to initiate the process. Call the Integrated Biometrics Technologies (IBT) Help Desk at 1-877-429-7746, or visit their website at www.hazprints.com.
  2. Contact one of the locations listed on the IBT site to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.
  3. Bring your commercial driver's license and social security card to the IBT office on the scheduled date.
  4. An approval letter will be mailed to you from the TSA, indicating that you have successfully completed the background check.
  5. Bring the TSA approval letter to your local Secretary of State VSD office and you will be permitted to test for HAZMAT at the time of renewal.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION