Check your Illinois driver's license status through the Secretary of State website or by phone
The Illinois Secretary of State runs the system that tracks your driver's license. You can look up the current status of your license in two ways: through their online portal at cyberdriveillinois.com, or by calling their customer service line. The online method is faster and shows you real-time information without waiting on hold. The phone option works if you don't have internet access or prefer speaking to a person.
Your license status tells you whether it is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired. Knowing this matters because driving on a suspended or revoked license carries criminal penalties in Illinois, and you need to know if you have outstanding violations or unpaid fines that are holding up your renewal.
Key Takeaways
- The Illinois Secretary of State website at cyberdriveillinois.com has a license status lookup tool that works 24/7 and requires your driver's license number and date of birth.
- You can also call the Secretary of State's driver services line at 217-782-6900 during business hours to speak with someone who can look up your status.
- A suspended license means you cannot legally drive but the suspension can be lifted; a revoked license is more serious and requires a formal reinstatement process.
- Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, child support arrears, or accumulation of moving violations.
- If your license is suspended or revoked, you will need to resolve the underlying issue before you can renew or reinstate it.
Using the Secretary of State online lookup tool
Go to cyberdriveillinois.com and look for the "Driver License Status" or "Check License Status" option in the main menu. You will need your Illinois driver's license number and your date of birth. Enter both pieces of information and the system will display your current status within seconds.
The online tool shows whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, expired, or cancelled. If there is a suspension or revocation, the tool may display the reason — for example, unpaid fines, failure to appear in court, or suspension due to medical reasons. Write down any reason listed, because you will need to address it to move forward.
The website is available around the clock, so you can check your status at any time. There is no cost to use the lookup tool.
Calling the Secretary of State for status information
The Illinois Secretary of State's driver services phone line is 217-782-6900. Call during business hours, which are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. Have your driver's license number and date of birth ready when you call.
A customer service representative will look up your status and explain what it means. If your license is suspended or revoked, they can tell you the specific reason and what steps you need to take to resolve it. They can also answer questions about fees, required documents, or timelines for reinstatement.
Wait times vary depending on call volume. Calling early in the morning or late in the afternoon often means shorter waits than midday.
What different license statuses mean
Valid means your license is current and you are legally allowed to drive. Your license remains valid until the expiration date printed on it.
Expired means the date on your license has passed. You cannot legally drive on an expired license, even if the expiration was recent. You will need to renew your license through the Secretary of State before you can drive again.
Suspended means your driving privileges have been temporarily taken away, usually because of unpaid fines, failure to appear in court, child support arrears, or accumulation of moving violations. A suspension can be lifted once you resolve the underlying issue — for example, by paying the fine or appearing in court. The suspension is not permanent.
Revoked means your license has been cancelled and you have lost your driving privileges. Revocation is more serious than suspension and usually results from serious violations like multiple DUIs, reckless driving convictions, or habitual traffic offender status. To drive again after revocation, you must go through a formal reinstatement process with the Secretary of State, which may include fees, a new written test, or a waiting period.
Cancelled means the Secretary of State has ended your license for administrative reasons, such as failure to renew or a change in your legal status. You will need to reapply for a new license.
What to do if your license is suspended
First, find out the specific reason for the suspension by using the online tool or calling the Secretary of State. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, child support arrears, or too many moving violations within a set time period.
Once you know the reason, take action to resolve it. If it is an unpaid fine, pay it through the court or the Secretary of State's website. If it is failure to appear, contact the court and reschedule or resolve the case. If it is child support, contact the Illinois Department of Human Services. If it is moving violations, you may need to wait out a suspension period or take a defensive driving course.
After you resolve the underlying issue, contact the Secretary of State to confirm the suspension has been lifted. You may be able to do this online or by phone. Once lifted, your license status should return to valid and you can drive legally again.
What to do if your license is revoked
Revocation is permanent until you complete the reinstatement process. The steps and timeline depend on the reason for revocation. For example, if your license was revoked due to DUI convictions, you may need to wait a certain period, pay a reinstatement fee, and pass a written test before you can drive again.
Contact the Secretary of State directly to learn the specific requirements for your revocation. They will tell you what documents you need, what fees explore, and how long the process takes. Some revocations require you to visit a driver services facility in person; others can be handled by mail or online.
Do not drive while your license is revoked. Driving with a revoked license is a criminal offense in Illinois and carries jail time and fines.
Renewing an expired Illinois driver's license
If your license is expired but not suspended or revoked, you can renew it through the Secretary of State. You can renew online at cyberdriveillinois.com if your license expired within the last five years and you have not had any suspensions or revocations. Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal and takes about two weeks.
If your license expired more than five years ago, or if you have had a suspension or revocation, you will need to renew in person at a driver services facility. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. The fee for in-person renewal varies but is typically around $150 for a standard license.
You can find a driver services facility near you on the Secretary of State website. Many facilities allow you to schedule an appointment online, which reduces wait times.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to lift a suspension?
It depends on the reason for the suspension. If you pay an outstanding fine when ready, the suspension may be lifted within one to three business days. If the suspension is due to a court matter, it lifts once the court resolves the case. Child support suspensions lift once you make a payment or set up a payment plan. Contact the Secretary of State or the relevant agency to confirm when your suspension will be lifted.
Can I drive if my license is suspended?
No. Driving on a suspended license is illegal in Illinois and can result in criminal charges, fines, and jail time. If you are stopped by police, your vehicle can be impounded. If your license is suspended, use other transportation until the suspension is lifted.
What if the online tool says my license is valid but I received a suspension notice?
The online tool updates regularly but may not reflect very recent changes when ready. If you received a written notice of suspension from the Secretary of State or a court, that notice is official. Call the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 to confirm the current status and ask when the online system will update.
Do I need to pay a fee to check my license status?
No. Checking your license status through the website or by phone is free. You only pay fees if you need to renew your license, pay a fine, or go through a reinstatement process.
What if I lost my driver's license number?
Call the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 and provide your full name and date of birth. They can look up your license number and then check your status for you. You can also visit a driver services facility in person with a photo ID to get your license number.