Illinois CDL Resources
Illinois Secretary of State — Driver Services
This page collects official CDL resources for Illinois: the state licensing agency, CDL handbook, testing locations, and renewal information. All links go directly to official Illinois government sources. Requirements change — always verify current procedures directly with the Illinois Secretary of State — Driver Services.
Official resources to check first
Illinois CDL resources are managed by the Secretary of State (ilsos.gov). Verify current requirements at ilsos.gov.
No direct CDL handbook link is listed for Illinois yet. Visit the Illinois Secretary of State — Driver Services website and look for a "CDL Manual," "Commercial Driver Handbook," or similar link.
CDL licensing through Illinois Secretary of State
Illinois CDL licensing is managed by the Secretary of State's office (not DMV — Illinois does not have a separate DMV agency). CDL applicants take knowledge tests at Illinois SOS driver services facilities. After passing, a Commercial Learner's Permit is issued. The CLP must be held at least 14 days before the CDL skills test. New Class A and Class B applicants must complete ELDT before the skills test. Illinois uses both state and third-party CDL skills testers.
Illinois CDL renewal
Illinois CDL holders renew their CDL through the Secretary of State. CDL renewals require a valid DOT medical certificate. Illinois CDL holders adding endorsements pay a separate fee per endorsement. The Illinois Secretary of State website (ilsos.gov) provides current fee schedules, location finders, and renewal eligibility information. Always confirm current procedures at ilsos.gov — state CDL requirements and fees change periodically.
Before you apply or renew
These steps apply regardless of state. Verify each requirement directly with the Illinois Secretary of State — Driver Services before beginning the application process.
- Verify your CDL class (A, B, or C) matches the vehicles you intend to operate.
- Check whether you need endorsements (HazMat, Tanker, Passenger, School Bus, Doubles/Triples) and confirm state testing requirements for each.
- Confirm you hold a valid DOT medical certificate (MCSA-5876) and that it is current before applying or renewing.
- If you are a new CDL applicant, confirm whether ELDT (Entry-Level Driver Training) applies to your situation — see the ELDT overview.
- Gather required documents — identity, residency, and any existing license — before visiting a testing location.
- Confirm current fees and testing appointment availability directly with the Illinois Secretary of State — Driver Services.
Medical certificate
CDL holders operating in interstate commerce must carry a current DOT medical certificate issued by a certified medical examiner on the FMCSA National Registry. Illinois state requirements for submitting or updating medical certification vary — check the Illinois Secretary of State — Driver Services website for the current procedure.
For Illinois-specific medical certificate submission procedures, start at the Illinois Secretary of State — Driver Services website .
- Learn about medical card requirements: DOT Medical Card Explained
- Track expiration dates: Medical Card Expiration Tracker
ELDT — Entry-Level Driver Training
Federal ELDT requirements apply to new Class A and Class B CDL applicants and to certain endorsements. Training must be completed at a provider listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR). The Illinois Secretary of State — Driver Services does not administer ELDT — training is completed at a registered provider before you schedule the skills test.
- Find an ELDT provider: FMCSA Training Provider Registry
- See who needs ELDT: Who Needs ELDT?
- ELDT for small fleets and owner-operators: ELDT for Small Fleets
Federal references
Last reviewed: May 29, 2026. Links go to official state agency websites. Verify that your browser shows the official state government domain before submitting any forms or payments.