What you pay to reinstate a suspended license in Illinois

Illinois charges a $100 reinstatement fee to restore a suspended driver's license in most cases. This is a flat fee set by the state, not something that varies by the reason for suspension or how long your license was suspended. You pay it to the Secretary of State's office, either in person at a Driver Services facility or by mail when you submit your reinstatement paperwork.

The $100 covers the administrative cost of processing your reinstatement and issuing a new license document. It is separate from any other fines, court costs, or fees you may owe related to the reason your license was suspended in the first place — those are handled through the court system or the agency that suspended your license.

Key Takeaways

  • Illinois charges a $100 reinstatement fee to restore any suspended driver's license through the Secretary of State.
  • This fee is the same regardless of why your license was suspended or how long the suspension lasted.
  • You must pay the reinstatement fee before your license will be restored, even if you have completed other requirements like paying court fines or serving a suspension period.
  • You can pay the fee in person at a Driver Services facility or by mail when submitting your reinstatement request.

When you owe the reinstatement fee

You owe the $100 reinstatement fee once your suspension period has ended and you are ready to restore your driving privileges. The timing depends on why your license was suspended. If your suspension was for a set number of months or years, you can request reinstatement once that time has passed. If your suspension was conditional — meaning you had to complete something like a DUI education program or pay a court fine — you can request reinstatement once you have completed or paid what was required.

The reinstatement fee is not optional. You cannot drive legally until you have paid it and the Secretary of State has processed your reinstatement. Driving on a suspended license, even if you have met all other requirements, is a separate criminal offense in Illinois.

How to pay the reinstatement fee

You have two main ways to pay and submit your reinstatement request: in person or by mail. If you go in person, you can visit any Driver Services facility operated by the Illinois Secretary of State. You will need to bring your suspended license, proof of identity, and payment. The facility will accept cash, check, or card, depending on the location. Processing usually takes a few minutes, and you may receive a temporary driving permit on the spot while your new license is mailed to you.

If you submit by mail, you will need to send a completed reinstatement request form (available on the Secretary of State website) along with your suspended license, a copy of your ID, and a check or money order for $100 to the address listed on the form. Mail processing takes longer — typically two to three weeks — so you will not be able to drive legally during that time.

Other costs tied to your suspension

The $100 reinstatement fee is only what you owe to the Secretary of State. Depending on why your license was suspended, you may also owe money to other agencies or the court system. For example, if your suspension was due to unpaid traffic fines, you must pay those fines before the Secretary of State will process your reinstatement. If your suspension was related to a DUI, you may owe court costs, fines, or fees for a required education program.

Before you pay the $100 reinstatement fee, contact the agency that suspended your license to confirm you have met all other requirements. This might be the court that handled your case, the Illinois Secretary of State's Driver Services division, or the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation if your suspension was related to a professional license issue. Paying the reinstatement fee without meeting these other requirements will not restore your license.

What happens after you pay

Once the Secretary of State receives your $100 payment and verifies that you have met all suspension requirements, your license will be reinstated. If you paid in person, you may receive a temporary permit when ready and your new physical license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. If you paid by mail, the entire process takes two to three weeks.

Your reinstated license will have the same number and expiration date as your original license, unless your license was already expired during the suspension period. If it expired, you will need to renew it separately, which involves an additional fee and may require you to retake the written or driving test depending on how long it has been expired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get the reinstatement fee waived or reduced?

No. The $100 reinstatement fee is set by Illinois law and cannot be waived or reduced by the Secretary of State. If you are experiencing financial hardship, you may be able to set up a payment plan with the court or agency that imposed the suspension, but that is separate from the reinstatement fee itself.

What if I lost my suspended license or never received it?

You can still request reinstatement. Bring a copy of your ID and any documentation showing your license number when you go in person, or include a copy with your mail request. The Secretary of State can look up your record and process the reinstatement without the physical license card.

Do I have to renew my license at the same time I reinstate it?

No. Reinstatement and renewal are separate processes. You pay $100 to reinstate a suspended license. If your license has also expired, you will need to renew it separately later, which involves a different fee and process process.

How long does reinstatement take if I pay in person?

If you pay in person at a Driver Services facility and all your paperwork is correct, your reinstatement can be processed the same day. You will receive a temporary permit to drive while your new license is mailed to you, which usually arrives within one to two weeks.