Getting an Illinois CDL replacement credential is a straightforward procedure that can be completed through the Illinois Secretary of State (SOS). Motorists can replace CDL license documents by submitting the applicable paperwork and fee payment at a nearby SOS facility. Note that Illinois commercial drivers absent from the state may also be allowed to replace their commercial licenses via alternative methods. Failure to obtain a duplicate CDL when necessary may lead to certain detrimental consequences, such as traffic tickets for driving without a valid credential.

The requirements to apply for a DMV CDL replacement may vary to a certain degree depending on the reason for requesting a duplicate commercial driver’s license. For example, if you are obtaining a replacement driving license due to a change of your personal information, you may be required to furnish additional documents attesting to the change. Check the following sections for detailed information about replacing a CDL credential with the SOS.

When do you need to get a duplicate CDL license in Illinois?

Replacing a stolen or lost CDL drivers license in Illinois is the most common reason for initiating the license replacement procedure. However, you will have to apply for a duplicate CDL under different circumstances as well. For instance, you must also replace a damaged or destroyed CDL license, as you are required to carry a legible driving credential when operating a commercial vehicle.

Other less common situations that require you to replace your CDL license in IL include changing the information on your driving credential and correcting an erroneous license. For instance, if you are making a gender, address or name change, you will be required to furnish the corresponding paperwork testifying to the change to obtain an updated credential.

Documents Required to Replace a CDL in Illinois

When replacing a CDL license in Illinois, you will have to submit certain paperwork so that the SOS verifies your identity and retrieves your record. Note that the paperwork needed for a commercial drivers license replacement does not comprise the full documentation that is needed for a first CDL credential. Also, you may have to furnish additional supporting documentation depending on your circumstances. The following list outlines the types of documents that you will most likely need when applying for a duplicate CDL in IL:

• An identification document bearing your signature, such as:
  • A payment card
  • A government ID card
  • A driver’s license
  • An ID card
  • A passport
• A police report of a stolen driving license, if older than 59 years of age
• Supporting paperwork for a corrected card, if applicable, such as:
  • Proof of state residency, if requesting an address change
  • Proof of a new name, if requesting a name change
  • Proof of gender change, if updating your gender information
• Additional paperwork for a commercial driving license, such as a DOT medical certificate, if required.

How to Replace an Illinois CDL in Person

The standard method to replace a CDL license requires you to submit the applicable items in person at a nearby Secretary of State facility. The standard steps to obtain a CDL replacement in Illinois are outlined below:

1. Fill out the corresponding license replacement application form.
2. Present an identification document and the required supporting paperwork, depending on your circumstances.
3. Submit the old CDL license, if available.
4. Complete any additional steps relevant to commercial drivers, if required to do so.
5. Pay the applicable replacement fee.

After the SOS processes your request for a DMV CDL replacement in IL, it will issue you a temporary photo license with a 90-day validity, which you can utilize until you receive your permanent card by mail within 15 business days. Note that the processing times may vary slightly depending on your reason for requesting a replacement CDL credential.

How to Replace an Illinois CDL by Phone

If you are unable to replace your CDL license in person due a temporary absence from the state, you may be allowed to submit a phone-in request as well. To find out whether you are able to replace a stolen, damaged or lost CDL drivers license over the phone, contact the SOS License and Medical Review Section at 217-782-2720. The will inform you as to whether you are eligible for a temporary CDL replacement or a permanent commercial license replacement.

If you are granted the option replace your Illinois CDL license by phone, you will be required to provide the SOS agent with your personal information and driving license details. If you are planning to return to Illinois within the succeeding 90 days, you can obtain a temporary driving license mailed at your out-of-state address. If your out-of-state duration of stay is longer than three months, you will have to request the application forms first, which will be mailed to your out-of-state address. You can then fill out the IL CDL replacement application and mail it back to the SOS.

Note: You may also be able to provide the needed information by email.

CDL Replacement Fees in Illinois

One of the last steps when replacing a CDL license is paying the applicable fees. The standard CDL replacement fees will only include the cost for a duplicate credential in most cases. The standard fee for a corrected or duplicate license currently amounts to $5. However, certain groups of drivers may also qualify for a free-of-charge CDL replacement in IL. For example, senior motorists older than 59 years of age with lost or stolen credentials will receive a replacement card at no charge if they submit a police report.

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