Check your Illinois driver's license status through the Secretary of State website
The Illinois Secretary of State runs an online tool where you can see whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired. You visit their website, enter your driver's license number and date of birth, and get an when ready answer about your current status. The tool is free and available 24 hours a day.
This is the fastest way to learn about there are any holds on your license before you drive or renew. If your license is suspended or revoked, the system will not tell you why — you will need to contact the Secretary of State's office directly for that information — but you will know something is wrong and can take the next step.
Key Takeaways
- Go to cyberdriveillinois.com and use the "Driver License Status" lookup tool to check in real time.
- You will need your driver's license number and your date of birth to search.
- The system shows whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, expired, or cancelled.
- If your status is not "valid," contact the Secretary of State's office at 217-782-6900 to learn the reason and what to do next.
- The online tool works around the clock and gives you results when ready.
What information you need before you start
Gather your Illinois driver's license number and your date of birth. These are the only two pieces of information the lookup tool requires. You do not need to create an account or log in.
If you do not have your license number handy, look at your physical license card — it is printed on the front. If you have lost your license and do not remember the number, you can call the Secretary of State's Driver Services line at 217-782-6900 and provide your name and date of birth instead.
Steps to check your license status online
- Go to cyberdriveillinois.com in your web browser.
- Look for the "Driver License Status" section on the homepage. It is usually near the top under "Online Services" or a similar heading.
- Click on the "Check Driver License Status" link.
- Enter your driver's license number in the first field.
- Enter your date of birth in the format shown (typically MM/DD/YYYY).
- Click the "Search" or "Check Status" button.
- Read your result on the next screen. It will show one of these statuses: Valid, Suspended, Revoked, Expired, or Cancelled.
The search takes a few seconds. If you enter your information incorrectly, the system will ask you to try again. There is no limit to how many times you can search.
What each license status means
Valid means your license is current and you are allowed to drive. Expired means your license is past its renewal date and you cannot legally drive until you renew it. SuspendedRevokedCancelled
If your status is anything other than "Valid," you should not drive. Driving with a suspended or revoked license is a criminal offense in Illinois and can result in fines, jail time, and a longer suspension.
What to do if your status is not valid
Call the Secretary of State's Driver Services office at 217-782-6900 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time). Have your driver's license number and date of birth ready. The staff member will tell you why your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled, and what steps you need to take to resolve it.
Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, failure to appear in court, or a medical condition reported to the state. Each reason has a different resolution process. For example, if your license is suspended because of unpaid fines, you will need to pay those fines and then request a reinstatement. If it is suspended because of child support, you will need to work with the Illinois Department of Human Services.
The Secretary of State's office can also mail you a written explanation if you prefer. You can request this when you call, or you can visit a Driver Services facility in person to get the details face-to-face.
If you cannot access the online tool
The website may be temporarily unavailable during scheduled maintenance, which the Secretary of State usually announces in advance. If the site is down, try again in a few hours or the next day.
If you are having trouble entering your information or the search is not working, clear your browser's cache and cookies, then try again in a different browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge). If the problem continues, call 217-782-6900 and ask a staff member to look up your status over the phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to see my status online after I renew my license?
The online system updates within one business day after the Secretary of State processes your renewal. If you renewed in person at a facility, your new status should appear by the next morning. If you renewed by mail, allow a few extra days for processing.
Can I check someone else's license status?
No. The lookup tool requires the driver's license number and date of birth, and it is designed for the license holder to check their own status. You cannot search for another person's information.
What if the system says my license is valid but I was told it is suspended?
Call 217-782-6900 when ready. There may be a delay in the system updating, or there may be an error in your record. A staff member can verify your actual status and explain any discrepancy.
Do I need to renew my license if it shows as expired?
Yes. You cannot legally drive with an expired license. You can renew online at cyberdriveillinois.com if you are may be able to access, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services facility. The online renewal is the fastest option if your license has been expired for less than two years.
Is the online status check the same as an official driving record?
No. The status check tells you whether you can legally drive right now. An official driving record shows your complete history, including violations, accidents, and points. You can order an official record from the Secretary of State's website if you need it for insurance, employment, or court purposes.