Start with your local Secretary of State office

A hardship license in Illinois — officially called a Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP) or Restricted Driving Permit (RDP) depending on your situation — is issued by the Illinois Secretary of State, not by local courts or police. In southern Illinois, you contact the Secretary of State's Driver Services division directly to request one, either in person at a regional office or by mail.

The Secretary of State maintains a network of facilities across the state. For southern Illinois counties, the closest full-service office is typically in Springfield (the state capital), though some larger cities in the region have limited services. You can find the exact address and hours for your nearest location on the Secretary of State's website under "Driver Services Facilities."

Before you call or visit, understand that the Secretary of State will only issue a hardship license if your regular license has been suspended or revoked and you meet specific legal conditions. The type of hardship license available to you depends on why your license was suspended — whether it was for a DUI conviction, unpaid traffic tickets, failure to appear in court, or another reason.

Key Takeaways

  • The Illinois Secretary of State's Driver Services division issues hardship licenses, not local courts or police departments.
  • You must have a suspended or revoked license and meet specific legal conditions to receive a hardship license; the Secretary of State will review your case.
  • A Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP) is available for DUI-related suspensions if you install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle.
  • A Restricted Driving Permit (RDP) may be available for non-DUI suspensions, such as unpaid fines or failure to appear, depending on the reason for suspension.
  • You can request a hardship license by visiting a Secretary of State Driver Services office in person or submitting a request by mail with required documents.

What documents you need to bring or send

The exact documents required depend on the type of hardship license you are seeking and the reason your license was suspended. However, most requests require your current identification, proof of residence (such as a utility bill or lease), and documentation related to the suspension itself.

For a Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP) related to a DUI suspension, you will need proof that you have installed an approved ignition interlock device in your vehicle. The Secretary of State maintains a list of certified vendors in Illinois. You must have the device installed before you explore for the permit, and you will need the vendor's documentation showing the installation date and device serial number.

For a Restricted Driving Permit (RDP) related to other suspensions, you may need to show proof that you have resolved the underlying issue — for example, proof of payment if your license was suspended for unpaid fines, or a court document showing you have addressed a failure-to-appear charge. The specific requirements vary, so contact the Secretary of State before gathering documents to confirm what applies to your case.

How to reach the Secretary of State by phone

The Illinois Secretary of State's main phone line for Driver Services questions is 217-782-6900. This number connects you to the Springfield headquarters, where staff can answer questions about hardship licenses, explain what documents you need, and tell you whether you are may be able to access based on your suspension reason.

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 the reason your license was suspended ready when you call. Staff can also direct you to the nearest Driver Services facility in southern Illinois or explain the mail-in process if you prefer not to visit in person.

If you are calling from outside Illinois, the same number works. Be aware that call wait times can be long during peak hours, particularly early in the week. If you cannot reach someone by phone, you can also submit questions through the Secretary of State's website contact form, though responses by email typically take longer than a phone call.

Regional Secretary of State offices serving southern Illinois

Southern Illinois is served by the Springfield Driver Services facility, located at 501 South Second Street, Springfield, IL 62701. This is the primary full-service office for the region and handles all types of hardship license requests, including Monitoring Device Driving Permits and Restricted Driving Permits.

Some larger cities in southern Illinois may have limited-service facilities that handle renewals and replacements but do not process hardship license requests. Before traveling to an office, call ahead to confirm that the location you plan to visit handles hardship permits. The Secretary of State's website lists all facilities and their services.

Hours vary by location but are generally 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Some offices have reduced hours on certain days or may close for state holidays. Check the specific facility's hours on the Secretary of State's website before you visit.

What happens after you submit your request

After you submit your hardship license request — either in person or by mail — the Secretary of State will review your documents and your driving record to determine whether you meet the legal requirements. This review typically takes 5 to 10 business days if you explore in person, and longer if you mail your request.

If you are approved, the Secretary of State will issue your hardship license and either hand it to you on the spot (if you applied in person) or mail it to the address you provided. The permit will specify what restrictions explore — for example, a Monitoring Device Driving Permit may restrict you to driving only to work, school, medical appointments, or to the ignition interlock vendor for device maintenance.

If you are denied, the Secretary of State will send you a written explanation of the reason. Common reasons for denial include not meeting the waiting period required by law, failure to install an ignition interlock device (for MDDP requests), or an outstanding issue related to your suspension that has not been resolved. If you are denied, you can reapply once you have addressed the issue.

Understanding the difference between MDDP and RDP

An MDDP (Monitoring Device Driving Permit) is available if your license was suspended due to a DUI or related alcohol-related offense. To receive an MDDP, you must install an approved ignition interlock device in your vehicle at your own expense. The device prevents the vehicle from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. Once installed, you can drive with restrictions — typically limited to essential trips such as work, school, medical care, or device maintenance.

An RDP (Restricted Driving Permit) is available for non-DUI suspensions, such as those resulting from unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or accumulation of too many points on your driving record. An RDP does not require an ignition interlock device but may have other conditions, such as proof that you have paid outstanding fines or resolved a court issue. The availability and terms of an RDP depend on the specific reason for your suspension and how long you have been suspended.

Not all suspension reasons make you may be able to access for either permit. For example, if your license was suspended for medical reasons or because you failed a vision test, neither an MDDP nor an RDP may be available. The Secretary of State will tell you during your initial contact whether a hardship license is an option in your case.

If you cannot visit in person

You can request a hardship license by mail if you cannot visit a Secretary of State office in person. read the appropriate form from the Secretary of State's website — either the MDDP process or the RDP process, depending on your situation. Complete the form, gather the required documents, and mail everything to the Springfield Driver Services office at 501 South Second Street, Springfield, IL 62701.

Include a cover letter explaining your request and listing the documents you are enclosing. Mail your request using a method that provides tracking, such as certified mail, so you can confirm receipt. Processing times for mail requests are typically 10 to 15 business days from the date the Secretary of State receives your materials, though this can vary depending on how busy the office is.

If you have questions about what to include in your mail request, call the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 before you send anything. Staff can confirm which documents you need and whether your situation makes you may be able to access, which saves time and reduces the chance your request will be delayed or denied due to missing information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive at all while my license is suspended if I don't have a hardship license?

No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Illinois and can result in additional criminal charges, fines, and jail time. A hardship license is the only legal way to drive during a suspension, and you must follow all restrictions listed on the permit.

How much does a hardship license cost?

The Secretary of State charges a fee for issuing a hardship license, though the exact amount varies depending on the type of permit. Call 217-782-6900 to ask about the current fee for your situation. You will pay this fee when you submit your request, either in person or by check if you mail your process.

What if I was suspended in another state but now live in southern Illinois?

Illinois can only issue a hardship license for suspensions imposed by Illinois. If your suspension is from another state, you will need to contact that state's Department of Motor Vehicles. However, if you have moved to Illinois and established residency, you may be able to request a new Illinois license once your suspension period ends, depending on the circumstances.

How long does a hardship license last?

The duration depends on the type of permit and the reason for your original suspension. Some hardship licenses last for the entire suspension period, while others are valid for a shorter time and must be renewed. The Secretary of State will tell you the expiration date when your permit is issued.

Can I appeal if my hardship license request is denied?

Yes. If you are denied, the Secretary of State's letter will explain the reason and describe your right to request a hearing. You can request a hearing before a hearing officer to challenge the denial. Contact the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 for information about the hearing process and important date.