Illinois DSD CDL 27: Military CDL Even Exchange Form Guide

Illinois DSD CDL 27: Military CDL Even Exchange Form Guide – Active-duty service members and recent veterans with qualifying military commercial motor vehicle (CMV) experience can convert that training into a civilian Illinois Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) more quickly through the Even Exchange program. The official form for this process is Illinois Secretary of State Form DSD CDL 27.

This form allows eligible applicants to request a waiver of both the CDL knowledge (written) tests and the skills (driving) tests when applying for an initial Illinois CDL. It is one of two military waiver options offered by the Illinois Secretary of State. The companion form, DSD CDL 26, covers the Skills Test Waiver only.

The program is authorized under federal regulations (49 CFR 383.77) and administered by the Illinois Secretary of State. It recognizes the rigorous training military drivers receive and helps qualified service members and veterans transition into civilian trucking careers.

What Is Form DSD CDL 27?

Form DSD CDL 27 is the official Illinois application titled “Application for Exchange of U.S. Military Commercial Driving Experience for Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).” It is used exclusively for the Even Exchange option of the Military CDL Waiver Programs.

When approved, the form permits qualified applicants to skip both the knowledge tests and the skills tests required for an initial CDL. In some cases, certain endorsement tests may also be waived if the military experience supports them.

You can download the current fillable PDF directly from the Illinois Secretary of State:

Download Illinois Form DSD CDL 27 (PDF)

The form is also listed on the official Commercial Drivers Publications and Forms page.

Who Qualifies for the Even Exchange Program?

To use Form DSD CDL 27, you must meet these core requirements set by the Illinois Secretary of State:

You are an active military service member or were discharged within the past 12 months.
You are applying for an initial Illinois CDL only (the program cannot be used for upgrades, restriction removals, or changes to an existing CDL).
You hold (or recently held) one of the specific military occupational specialties (MOS/Ratings) listed on the form, along with the required military commercial driving training and experience.
You can provide documentation supporting your experience, and your Commanding Officer (or authorized military representative) must certify the application.

Federal guidance from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) identifies common qualifying occupations that states may recognize for knowledge-test waivers, including:

U.S. Army: 88M (Motor Transport Operator), 92F (Fueler), 14T (Patriot Launching Station Operator)
U.S. Marine Corps: 3531 (Motor Vehicle Operator)
U.S. Navy: EO (Equipment Operator)
U.S. Air Force: 2T1 (Vehicle Operator), 2F0 (Fueler), 3E2 (Pavement and Construction Equipment Operator)

Illinois follows the federal framework and lists the exact qualifying MOS/Ratings on Form DSD CDL 27 itself. Always check the current form for the precise list, as it is the controlling document.

Applicants must still satisfy all other Illinois CDL requirements, including age, proof of legal presence, medical self-certification (and a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate if required), payment of fees, and any applicable background checks.

Even Exchange vs. Skills Waiver — Key Differences

Illinois offers two distinct military pathways:

Even Exchange (Form DSD CDL 27) — Available only to service members with the specific MOS/Ratings listed on the form. Waives both knowledge and skills testing (and possibly certain endorsements).
Skills Waiver (Form DSD CDL 26) — Available to any service member with qualifying military CMV training and experience, even without the listed MOS/Ratings. Waives only the skills test; knowledge tests are still required.

Both options are limited to an initial CDL. Choose the form that matches your military occupational specialty and experience level.

How to Complete and Submit Form DSD CDL 27

Download the current fillable PDF from the official Illinois Secretary of State website.
Complete all sections accurately, including personal information, military service details, MOS/Rating, vehicle experience, and driving record certifications.
Have your Commanding Officer (or authorized military representative) review, complete the certification section, and sign the form.
The Commanding Officer must submit the fully completed application and supporting documentation by email to the Illinois CDL Division at [email protected].
The CDL Division reviews and verifies the application. Both the Commanding Officer and the applicant will be notified of the decision.
If approved, you will receive an approval notice. Present this notice, along with all required identification, proof of legal presence, medical documentation, and payment, at an Illinois CDL facility.
Pay the standard CDL issuance fee and complete any remaining non-testing requirements.

Do not submit the form yourself unless specifically instructed. The Commanding Officer is responsible for the official submission.

What Happens After Approval?

Once the CDL Division approves your Even Exchange application:

You must appear at an Illinois CDL facility within the stated approval window.
Bring the approval notice, acceptable identification documents, proof of legal presence and Illinois domicile (if required), Social Security number documentation, and any medical certificate needed for your self-certification category.
Pay the applicable CDL fee.
Because knowledge and skills testing are waived, you can typically complete the licensing process more quickly than standard applicants.

Note that hazardous materials (H) endorsements still require a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security threat assessment and the related knowledge test in most cases. Passenger (P) and school bus (S) endorsements that require skills testing are generally not waived under this program.

Additional Requirements for All Illinois CDL Applicants

Even with a successful Even Exchange application, you must still meet these standard requirements:

Be at least 18 years old for intrastate operation or 21 for interstate commerce or passenger transport.
Hold a valid base Illinois driver’s license (or meet transfer rules if applicable).
Provide proof of legal presence and domicile.
Self-certify your medical status and submit a current Medical Examiner’s Certificate if operating in non-excepted interstate commerce.
Pay all required fees.
Pass any remaining tests not covered by the waiver (for example, certain endorsement knowledge tests).

Full details appear on the official Illinois Commercial Driver’s License page and in the current Illinois Commercial Driver’s License Study Guide.

Where to Get Help and Current Information?

For the most up-to-date rules, contact the Illinois Secretary of State CDL Division:

Phone: 1-800-252-8980 (select option 3, then option 5) or 217-785-3108
Email for military applications: [email protected]

Official resources:

Why the Even Exchange Program Matters?

The U.S. trucking industry continues to face driver shortages. By recognizing military CMV experience, Illinois and other participating states help qualified service members and veterans enter the civilian workforce faster while maintaining high safety standards. Form DSD CDL 27 is the key document that makes the knowledge-and-skills waiver possible for those with the right military occupational specialties.

Always download the latest version of the form from the official Illinois Secretary of State website and follow the current instructions. Requirements can be updated, and only the official form and CDL Division guidance are authoritative.

If you are a service member or recent veteran with commercial driving experience, complete Form DSD CDL 27 with your Commanding Officer’s assistance and take the next step toward an Illinois CDL.