WASHINGTON — The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is expanding a nationwide review of state-issued commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs), and Illinois has received a warning of potential decertification.
Illinois CDL Program Faces Federal Scrutiny
The U.S. Department of Transportation issued a “Preliminary Determination of Noncompliance” to Illinois Governor JB Pritzker on Tuesday, revealing systemic failures in the state’s issuance of non-domiciled CDLs – licenses for drivers who are not U.S. Citizens or permanent residents. This follows similar warnings to officials in North Carolina in January, and to California and Pennsylvania late last year.
The Department of Transportation’s audit of Illinois found “significant violations” in nearly 20% of 150 driver records sampled. Regulators discovered instances where CDLs were issued to foreign nationals even after their legal presence in the U.S. Had expired. The state also reportedly failed to adequately verify the lawful presence of applicants, sometimes relying on expired documentation.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated, “I need our state partners to understand that they work for the American people, not illegal immigrants who broke the law illegally entering our country and continue to break it by operating massive big rigs without the proper qualifications.”
Immediate Actions and Potential Consequences
The federal government has ordered Illinois to immediately halt the issuance of new and renewed non-domiciled CDLs and commercial learner’s permits. The state is also required to conduct an internal audit and initiate rescinding noncompliant licenses.
If Illinois does not address the identified deficiencies, the FMCSA could withhold 4% of its federal-aid highway funds in 2027, amounting to roughly $64.3 million. This potential withholding could increase to 8%, or $128.6 million, in subsequent years of noncompliance.
Illinois has 30 days to respond to the Department of Transportation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a non-domiciled CDL?
A non-domiciled CDL is a commercial driver’s license granted to drivers who are not U.S. Citizens or permanent residents.
What prompted the federal audit of Illinois’ CDL program?
The audit was prompted by a broader federal push, directed by an executive order issued by President Trump, to audit state licensing agencies for irregularities in non-domiciled licensing.
What could happen if Illinois fails to comply with the DOT’s demands?
If Illinois fails to correct the deficiencies, the FMCSA could withhold federal-aid highway funds, potentially reaching $128.6 million annually, or even decertify the state’s CDL program entirely.
As Illinois responds to these findings, will the state be able to demonstrate sufficient changes to its CDL issuance process to avoid federal penalties?
