What you need to do to reinstate your Illinois license
To reinstate a suspended or revoked Illinois driver's license, you must contact the Illinois Secretary of State's Driver Services Department, pay a reinstatement fee, and resolve whatever caused the suspension in the first place. The process differs depending on why your license was suspended — whether it was for unpaid traffic tickets, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, medical reasons, or another violation. You cannot legally drive until the reinstatement is complete, even if you have a work permit request pending.
If you need to drive for work while your license is suspended, you may be able to obtain a Restricted Driving Permit (also called a work permit) from the Secretary of State, but only if your suspension qualifies for one. Not all suspension reasons allow a work permit. The permit lets you drive to and from work and for work-related purposes only — it is not a full license.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services at 217-782-6900 or visit cyberdriveillinois.com to find out why your license was suspended and what you must do to reinstate it.
- You must pay a reinstatement fee (the amount varies by suspension reason) and resolve the underlying issue — such as paying tickets, appearing in court, or paying child support — before reinstatement is approved.
- A Restricted Driving Permit for work is available only for certain suspension reasons, such as failure to pay child support or suspension for medical reasons, but not for criminal convictions or serious violations.
- Once you submit your reinstatement request and fee, processing typically takes two to four weeks; you will receive written confirmation by mail when your license is reinstated.
- You must carry your Restricted Driving Permit with you at all times while driving, and violating the permit's restrictions can result in additional penalties.
Find out why your license was suspended
Before you can reinstate your license or request a work permit, you need to know the specific reason for the suspension. Call the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services 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 or Social Security number ready. The representative will tell you the suspension reason and what steps you must take to resolve it.
You can also check your driving record online at cyberdriveillinois.com by selecting "Driver Services" and then "Check Your Driving Record." This shows your suspension status but may not explain the reason in detail, so a phone call is usually faster. Write down the exact reason and any case numbers or amounts owed — you will need this information for the next steps.
Resolve the underlying issue that caused the suspension
The Secretary of State will not reinstate your license until you have addressed whatever caused the suspension. Common reasons and what you must do include:
- Unpaid traffic tickets or fines: Pay the full amount owed to the court listed on your ticket. Contact that court directly to confirm the amount and payment methods.
- Failure to appear in court: Contact the court where you were supposed to appear, resolve the underlying case (usually by appearing or paying a fine), and request that the failure-to-appear charge be dismissed.
- Unpaid child support: Contact the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services or the court handling your case to set up a payment plan or make a lump-sum payment.
- Medical suspension: Obtain a medical clearance from your doctor and submit it to the Secretary of State, or complete a medical evaluation if required.
- Suspension for drug or alcohol conviction: Complete any court-ordered programs (such as substance abuse treatment or DUI education) and provide proof to the Secretary of State.
Do not skip this step. The Secretary of State's system is linked to courts, child support agencies, and other state databases. If the underlying issue is not resolved, your reinstatement request will be denied.
Request a Restricted Driving Permit if you need to drive for work
A Restricted Driving Permit allows you to drive only for work-related purposes while your license is suspended. You can request one at the same time you request reinstatement, but it is only available for certain suspension reasons. The Secretary of State will tell you during your phone call whether your suspension qualifies.
Suspensions that typically allow a work permit include those for unpaid child support, medical reasons, or administrative suspensions. Suspensions for DUI convictions, reckless driving, or criminal convictions usually do not may have access to. If your suspension does not may have access to, you cannot legally drive for work until your license is fully reinstated.
To request a Restricted Driving Permit, you will need to submit a form (the Secretary of State will provide the correct one based on your suspension reason) along with proof of employment or a letter from your employer stating that you need to drive for work. Some employers will write this letter; others will not. If your employer refuses, you may still submit the request, but approval is less likely.
Submit your reinstatement request and pay the fee
Once you have resolved the underlying issue, submit your reinstatement request to the Illinois Secretary of State. You can do this by mail, in person at a Driver Services facility, or online through cyberdriveillinois.com if your suspension reason allows online reinstatement.
The reinstatement fee varies depending on the reason for suspension and ranges from $100 to $500 or more. You must include this fee with your request — checks, money orders, and credit cards are accepted. If you are requesting a Restricted Driving Permit at the same time, there may be an additional fee; ask the Secretary of State what the total cost will be.
Mail your request to the Illinois Secretary of State, Driver Services Department, 501 South Second Street, Room 300, Springfield, IL 62756. Include a copy of your proof that the underlying issue is resolved (such as a court receipt showing payment, a medical clearance letter, or a child support payment confirmation). Keep a copy for your records.
Wait for approval and receive your reinstated license
After you submit your reinstatement request, the Secretary of State typically processes it within two to four weeks. You will receive written confirmation by mail when your license has been reinstated. If you requested a Restricted Driving Permit, you will receive that as a separate document.
Do not drive until you receive written confirmation. Driving with a suspended license, even if you have submitted a reinstatement request, is illegal and can result in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension. If you need to drive before your reinstatement is approved, you must have a valid Restricted Driving Permit in your possession.
Once your license is reinstated, the Restricted Driving Permit is no longer valid. You can then drive without the work-only restrictions. If your reinstatement is denied, the Secretary of State will send you a letter explaining why and what additional steps you must take.
Understand the restrictions on a Restricted Driving Permit
A Restricted Driving Permit is not a full driver's license. It allows you to drive only for specific purposes — usually to and from work, during work hours, and for work-related errands. You cannot use it to drive for personal reasons, such as shopping, visiting friends, or running personal errands.
You must carry your Restricted Driving Permit with you at all times while driving. If a police officer stops you and you cannot produce the permit, you will be cited for driving with a suspended license. Violating the permit's restrictions — for example, driving to a restaurant on your day off — can result in additional criminal charges, fines, and an extended suspension.
The permit is valid only for the duration specified by the Secretary of State, usually until your license is reinstated or the suspension period ends. Once your full license is reinstated, destroy the permit and do not use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to work while my reinstatement request is being processed?
Only if you have a valid Restricted Driving Permit in your possession. If you do not have a permit, you cannot legally drive, even if your reinstatement request is pending. Driving without a permit or license is a criminal offense in Illinois and can result in arrest, fines, and jail time.
What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee?
Contact the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services to ask about payment plans or fee waivers. Some suspension reasons may may have access to for reduced fees, but this is not may provide. You can also ask the court or agency that imposed the suspension (such as child support enforcement) whether they offer payment information.
How long does reinstatement usually take?
Processing typically takes two to four weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives your request. If you submit your request by mail, add several days for delivery. Online submissions are usually processed faster. If your request is denied, you will receive a letter explaining why within the same timeframe.
What happens if I drive with a suspended license before my reinstatement is approved?
You can be arrested and charged with driving with a suspended or revoked license, which is a criminal offense in Illinois. Penalties include fines up to $2,500, jail time up to one year, and an additional suspension period. This charge will appear on your driving record permanently.
Can I reinstate my license online?
Some suspension reasons allow online reinstatement through cyberdriveillinois.com, but not all. Call the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 to ask whether your suspension reason qualifies for online reinstatement. If it does, you can submit your request and pay the fee online, and processing is usually faster than by mail.