Overview
- FMCSA ordered Illinois to pause issuing all non‑domiciled CDLs and CLPs, identify and void noncompliant licenses, and warned of possible program decertification and withheld highway funds if the state fails to act within 30 days.
- Federal reviewers said Illinois issued licenses beyond drivers’ lawful‑presence dates or without evidence that lawful presence was verified, citing 29 improper issuances in a 150‑license sample.
- The Illinois Secretary of State’s office disputed the findings as it conducts its own review, said policies are substantially compliant, and noted the state had already paused new non‑domiciled CDLs after earlier federal rule changes.
- DOT says audits in multiple states uncovered systemic noncompliance; New York confirmed an indefinite pause of its non‑domiciled program after a federal order, with unions and city filings warning of job losses and service impacts, including for school buses and transit.
- The enforcement push follows deadly crashes that triggered audits and comes alongside a new federal verification rule finalized this month requiring stricter interagency checks for non‑domiciled CDL applicants.