What You Need to Do to Reinstate Your License
To reinstate a suspended driver's license in Illinois, you must first contact the Secretary of State's office to find out why your license was suspended and what specific steps are required. The reason for suspension determines what you do next — some suspensions require you to pay a reinstatement fee, others require proof that you've resolved the underlying issue (like paying traffic fines or completing a required course), and some require both. Once you've completed the required steps, you submit proof to the Secretary of State, pay the reinstatement fee if one applies, and your license becomes valid again.
The process typically takes two to four weeks from the time you submit all required documents, though it can be faster if you handle everything in person at a Secretary of State facility. You cannot drive legally while your license is suspended, even if you've started the reinstatement process.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Secretary of State's Driver Services Department first to learn the specific reason your license was suspended and what you must do to reinstate it.
- Different suspension reasons require different actions — some need only a fee payment, others need proof you've paid fines or completed a course, and many need both.
- You can reinstate your license by mail, online, or in person at a Secretary of State facility, depending on the type of suspension.
- The reinstatement fee in Illinois is $70 for most suspensions, though some suspension types have different fees or no fee at all.
- Your license is not valid until the Secretary of State confirms reinstatement, so do not drive until you receive written confirmation.
Find Out Why Your License Was Suspended
Call the Secretary of State's Driver Services Department at 217-782-6900 or visit their website to look up your suspension record. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. The staff member will tell you the exact reason for suspension and what you must do to reinstate your license.
Common suspension reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, driving under the influence (DUI) conviction, failure to maintain auto insurance, unpaid child support, or failure to pay a toll. Each reason has its own reinstatement requirements. For example, if your license was suspended for unpaid fines, you must pay those fines before reinstatement. If it was suspended for a DUI, you may need to complete a substance abuse course and install an ignition interlock device.
Write down the suspension reason and the exact steps required. Ask the staff member whether you can handle reinstatement by mail, online, or whether you must appear in person. Some suspension types can only be handled at a Secretary of State facility.
Complete the Required Actions for Your Suspension Type
Once you know why your license was suspended, take the specific action required. If you owe traffic fines, pay them to the court listed on your ticket or suspension notice. If you failed to appear in court, contact the court to reschedule or resolve the matter. If your suspension is related to child support, contact the Illinois Department of Human Services or the court handling your case.
For DUI-related suspensions, you will need to complete a Substance Abuse Assessment and Education Program (SAAEP) through an approved provider. The Secretary of State's website lists approved providers in your area. You will also need to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle if required by your suspension type — this is a device that tests your breath before the car will start. The provider will give you documentation showing you completed the program, which you will need to submit with your reinstatement request.
For suspensions related to failure to maintain insurance, you must obtain an SR-22 form from your insurance company. This form proves you have the required liability coverage. Your insurance company will file it directly with the Secretary of State, but you should confirm it was received before submitting your reinstatement request.
Keep all receipts, completion certificates, court documents, and proof of payment. You will need these to show the Secretary of State that you have completed the required steps.
Submit Your Reinstatement Request and Fee
You can reinstate your license by mail, online through the Secretary of State's website, or in person at a Secretary of State facility. The online option is fastest if your suspension type allows it — you can upload documents and pay the fee when ready. Check the Secretary of State's website to see which method applies to your suspension reason.
If you are mailing your request, send it to the Secretary of State's Driver Services Department at 501 South Second Street, Springfield, Illinois 62756. Include a completed reinstatement form (available on the Secretary of State's website), copies of all required documents (proof of paid fines, course completion certificates, insurance documentation, etc.), and a check or money order for the reinstatement fee. Do not send cash.
The reinstatement fee is $70 for most suspensions in Illinois. Some suspension types, such as those related to child support, may have different fees or no fee. The Secretary of State's website lists the fee for your specific suspension type. Include the fee with your request or pay it online if you are using the online reinstatement option.
What Happens After You Submit Your Request
The Secretary of State will review your documents to confirm you have completed all required steps. If everything is in order, your license will be reinstated and you will receive written confirmation by mail or email, depending on how you submitted your request. This typically takes two to four weeks, though it can take longer if documents are missing or incomplete.
If your request is incomplete or documents are missing, the Secretary of State will send you a notice explaining what is needed. You will have a set amount of time to submit the missing information. If you do not respond, your reinstatement request will be denied and you will need to start over.
Once you receive confirmation that your license has been reinstated, it is valid when ready. You can legally drive again. If you submitted your request by mail, you do not need to wait for a new physical license card to arrive — your reinstated license is valid as soon as the Secretary of State confirms it.
Reinstate Your License in Person at a Secretary of State Facility
If you prefer to handle reinstatement in person or if your suspension type requires it, visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility. Bring your driver's license (or state ID), all required documents proving you have completed the necessary steps, and payment for the reinstatement fee. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at most facilities.
The Secretary of State operates multiple facilities across Illinois. Find the location nearest you on their website and check the hours before you go. Some facilities require appointments, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Call ahead to confirm what documents you need to bring and whether an appointment is required.
When you arrive, tell the staff member you are there to reinstate your suspended license. They will review your documents, confirm you have completed all required steps, process your fee payment, and reinstate your license on the spot. You will receive written confirmation when ready, and your license is valid right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until the Secretary of State sends you written confirmation that it has been reinstated. Driving with a suspended license is illegal and can result in additional fines, criminal charges, and further suspension. Wait for official confirmation before driving.
What if I cannot pay my traffic fines all at once?
Contact the court that issued the fines and ask about a payment plan. Many courts allow you to pay fines in installments. Once you have arranged a payment plan, ask the court for written confirmation. You may be able to reinstate your license while paying the fines under the plan, though some courts require full payment before reinstatement. Ask the Secretary of State's Driver Services Department whether your specific situation allows reinstatement during a payment plan.
How long does reinstatement take if I do it online?
Online reinstatement typically takes five to ten business days if all your documents are complete and correct. In-person reinstatement at a Secretary of State facility is usually when ready. Mail reinstatement takes two to four weeks. Check the Secretary of State's website to see the current processing time for your suspension type.
Do I need a new physical license card after reinstatement?
Your reinstated license is valid when ready upon confirmation from the Secretary of State, even if you do not yet have a new physical card. If your original license card was suspended, you can request a replacement card at the same time you reinstate your license, or you can request one later. There is a small fee for a replacement card.
What if the Secretary of State denies my reinstatement request?
The Secretary of State will send you a written notice explaining why your request was denied. Usually this means documents were missing, incomplete, or did not meet the requirements. Follow the instructions in the denial notice to correct the problem and resubmit. You can also call Driver Services to ask what went wrong and what you need to do differently.