What You Need to Do to Reinstate Your Illinois License
Your Illinois driver's license is reinstated through the Secretary of State's office, not through a court or a separate agency. The process depends on why your license was suspended or revoked — whether it was for unpaid traffic fines, a DUI conviction, accumulating too many points, or another reason. Each reason has different requirements, different fees, and different waiting periods before you can even begin.
The first step is always the same: contact the Secretary of State's Driver Services department to find out the specific reason your license was suspended or revoked and what you must do to clear it. You cannot reinstate a license without addressing the underlying cause. Once you have done that — paid fines, completed a required program, waited out a suspension period — you submit a reinstatement request, pay the reinstatement fee, and pass any required tests.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Secretary of State's Driver Services at 217-782-6900 or visit cyberdriveillinois.com to learn the exact reason your license was suspended or revoked.
- Different suspension reasons require different steps: unpaid fines must be paid, DUI convictions require an alcohol education program and a medical evaluation, and point suspensions require a waiting period.
- The reinstatement fee is $100 for most suspensions and $250 for DUI-related revocations, and you must pay it before your license is restored.
- After clearing the underlying issue and paying the fee, you may need to pass a written test, vision test, or both, depending on how long your license was suspended.
- You can request reinstatement by mail, in person at a Secretary of State facility, or online through the cyberdriveillinois.com portal if your suspension reason qualifies.
Finding Out Why Your License Was Suspended or Revoked
The Secretary of State maintains a record of every suspension and revocation. You can check your driving record online at cyberdriveillinois.com by entering your driver's license number and date of birth, or you can call Driver Services at 217-782-6900 during business hours. The record will show the suspension or revocation date, the reason code, and the date you become may be able to access for reinstatement.
Common suspension reasons include accumulating 12 or more points within 12 months, failing to pay traffic fines or court costs, failing to appear in court, driving with a suspended license, and driving without insurance. Common revocation reasons include DUI convictions, reckless driving convictions, and habitual traffic offender status. Each carries different requirements and timelines.
Clearing the Underlying Reason for Suspension
Before you can reinstate your license, you must resolve whatever caused the suspension. If your license was suspended for unpaid fines or court costs, you must pay them in full. Contact the court that issued the ticket or the municipality where you received the violation to confirm the exact amount owed and the payment method they accept.
If your suspension was for accumulating points, you must wait out the suspension period — typically 12 months from the suspension date for a first suspension. If your license was revoked for a DUI, you must complete an alcohol education program approved by the Secretary of State, obtain a medical evaluation from a physician, and wait the required period before you are may be able to access for reinstatement. The waiting period for a first DUI revocation is typically one year; for a second or subsequent DUI within 20 years, it is longer.
If your suspension was for driving without insurance, you must obtain proof of current insurance and submit it to the Secretary of State. If you were suspended for failing to appear in court or failing to pay a fine, you must resolve the court case first — contact the court directly to find out what is required.
Submitting Your Reinstatement Request
Once you have cleared the underlying issue, you submit a reinstatement request to the Secretary of State. You can do this by mail, in person at a Secretary of State facility, or online through the cyberdriveillinois.com portal. The online method is fastest if your suspension reason qualifies — not all do, so check the website first.
By mail, send a completed process for Reinstatement of Driver's License (form DSD A-138) along with proof that you have resolved the suspension cause, your reinstatement fee of $100 (or $250 for DUI-related revocations), and a copy of your driver's license or state ID. Mail it to the Secretary of State, Driver Services, 501 South Second Street, Springfield, Illinois 62756. Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks.
In person, visit any Secretary of State facility with the same documents and fee. Processing at a facility is usually when ready, though you may need to pass a written or vision test before your license is physically restored. Find the nearest facility at cyberdriveillinois.com.
Passing Required Tests After Reinstatement
Depending on how long your license was suspended and the reason for suspension, you may be required to pass a written test, a vision test, or both before your reinstatement is complete. If your suspension was for 12 months or longer, you will typically need to pass the written test again. If your suspension was for a DUI, you will need to pass both the written test and a vision test.
You can schedule a test appointment at any Secretary of State facility or take the test when you submit your reinstatement request in person. The written test covers Illinois traffic laws and safe driving practices and is the same test new drivers take. You are allowed to miss no more than 6 questions out of 35. The vision test checks that you can read a standard eye chart at 20 feet.
Reinstatement Fees and Payment Methods
The reinstatement fee for a standard suspension is $100. For a revocation related to a DUI conviction, the fee is $250. These fees are non-refundable and must be paid before your license is restored, even if you have already paid fines or court costs related to the original violation.
The Secretary of State accepts payment by check, money order, credit card, or debit card. If you are paying by mail, include a check or money order with your reinstatement request. If you are paying in person, you can pay by any of these methods at the facility. If you are paying online, you can use a credit or debit card through the cyberdriveillinois.com portal.
Timeline and What to Expect
The total time to reinstatement depends on how long you must wait to clear the underlying cause. If your suspension was for unpaid fines and you pay them when ready, you can request reinstatement right away and receive your license within two to three weeks by mail or when ready in person. If your suspension was for accumulating points, you must wait 12 months from the suspension date before you can even request reinstatement.
If your revocation was for a DUI, you must wait at least one year from the revocation date, complete an alcohol education program, and obtain a medical evaluation. Only after all three are done can you request reinstatement. The entire process from DUI conviction to restored license typically takes 18 months to two years.
After you submit your reinstatement request, the Secretary of State will review it and notify you by mail whether it was approved or denied. If approved, your license is restored on the date of approval. If you submitted in person and passed any required tests, your license is restored when ready and you receive a new physical license card in the mail within one to two weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Driving with a suspended or revoked license is illegal in Illinois and can result in additional charges, fines, and an extended suspension. You must wait until your license is officially restored before you drive.
What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee right now?
The Secretary of State does not offer payment plans for reinstatement fees. You must pay the full amount before your license is restored. If you are facing financial hardship, contact the Secretary of State's Driver Services office to ask about any available options specific to your situation.
Do I need a lawyer to get my license reinstated?
No. The reinstatement process is administrative and does not require legal representation. However, if your suspension was related to a court case you did not resolve, or if you are unsure about the reason for your suspension, speaking with a lawyer may help you understand your options.
What if my suspension was for driving without a license or with a suspended license?
You must resolve the underlying reason for the original suspension first. For example, if your license was suspended for unpaid fines and you then drove with a suspended license, you must pay the original fines before you can request reinstatement. The driving-with-suspended-license charge does not create a separate suspension; it is a criminal matter handled by the court.
How do I know if I am may be able to access for reinstatement right now?
Check your driving record at cyberdriveillinois.com or call Driver Services at 217-782-6900. Your record will show the suspension date and the date you become may be able to access for reinstatement. If you have already cleared the underlying cause, you are may be able to access to request reinstatement when ready.