Obama Signs Military CDL Act Into Law

President Obama signed the Military Commercial Driver’s License Act of 2012 into law, which allows states to more easily issue commercial driver licenses to members of the armed forces.

The law permits states to issue a CDL to members of the armed forces in the state in which they are stationed, even if they are away from home.

“This legislation aids our veterans in finding work after their military service by cutting red tape and streamlining the CDL process,” said bill sponsor Rep. Larry Bucshon (R-Ind.), after the House had earlier passed the bill.

In addition to allowing military members to apply in the states where they serve, the law allows the Department of Defense to work with states to issue CDLs itself.

That provision is meant to take advantage of the training that some members of the military receive driving heavy vehicles.