What an Illinois driving record shows and who can see it
Your Illinois driving record is a document kept by the Secretary of State that lists your driving history in the state. It includes traffic violations you've been convicted of, accidents you've been involved in, license suspensions or revocations, and points assessed against your license. The record does not include arrests that didn't result in convictions, or tickets you received but were later dismissed.
Your record is not private. Insurance companies, employers, courts, and law enforcement can all request it. Some employers — particularly those hiring for positions that involve driving or handling sensitive information — routinely check driving records as part of their hiring process. Insurance companies use it to set your rates. If you're involved in a lawsuit, the other party's lawyer can request it.
You can also request your own record at any time. Many people do this to check for errors, to see what information potential employers might find, or to understand why their insurance rates went up.
Key Takeaways
- You can get your Illinois driving record online through the Secretary of State website, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services facility.
- The online method is fastest and costs $7 for a three-year record or $10 for a lifetime record.
- Your record shows convictions, accidents, and license actions, but not dismissed tickets or arrests without conviction.
- You should review your record periodically to catch errors, which do happen and can be corrected.
- Employers and insurance companies can see your record, so knowing what's on it helps you understand decisions they make about you.
Getting your record online through the Secretary of State
The fastest way to get your Illinois driving record is through the Secretary of State's online system. Go to cyberdriveillinois.com and look for the "Driver Services" section. You'll find a link for "Driving Record Inquiry." You'll need your driver's license number and date of birth to start.
You can order a three-year record or a lifetime record. The three-year record costs $7 and shows violations and actions from the past three years. The lifetime record costs $10 and shows your entire driving history in Illinois. You pay by credit card or debit card, and the record is available to view and print when ready after payment.
This method works if you have a current Illinois driver's license or ID card. If your license has been suspended or revoked, you can still order your record this way.
Requesting your record by mail or in person
If you prefer not to order online, you can request your record by mail. Send a letter to the Illinois Secretary of State, Driver Services Department, 501 South Second Street, Room 300, Springfield, IL 62756. Include your full name, date of birth, driver's license number, and specify whether you want a three-year or lifetime record. Include a check or money order for $7 (three-year) or $10 (lifetime) made payable to the Secretary of State.
Processing by mail typically takes one to two weeks. You can also visit a Driver Services facility in person and request your record at the counter. Locations are listed on the Secretary of State website. In-person requests are usually processed while you wait, though during busy times you may need to return later the same day.
Understanding what appears on your record
Your driving record lists every traffic conviction on file with the Illinois Secretary of State. This includes speeding tickets, red light violations, reckless driving, DUI convictions, and other moving violations you were found guilty of or pleaded guilty to. Each entry shows the date of the violation, the type of violation, and the court that handled it.
The record also shows accidents you've been involved in, though only if they were reported to the Secretary of State. Not all accidents appear — minor fender-benders that didn't involve police or insurance claims sometimes don't make it into the state system.
License actions appear on your record as well. This includes suspensions (temporary removal of your license), revocations (permanent removal), and reinstatement dates. Points assessed against your license are also listed. Illinois uses a points system where serious violations add points to your record; accumulating too many points triggers a suspension.
Tickets that were dismissed, acquittals, and arrests that didn't lead to conviction do not appear on your driving record. If you were charged with a violation but the case was dropped or you were found not guilty, that will not show up.
Checking for errors on your record
Mistakes do happen. A violation might be listed under the wrong date, a ticket you paid might still show as unpaid, or a dismissal might not have been recorded. These errors can affect your insurance rates or cause problems during a traffic stop.
Review your record carefully when you receive it. If you spot an error, contact the court that issued the ticket or handled the case. The court can correct the record and send the correction to the Secretary of State. This process usually takes a few weeks. You can also contact the Secretary of State's Driver Services Department directly to report an error, though the court is typically the faster route.
Keep a copy of your corrected record for your files. If an error caused you problems — such as an insurance rate increase — you may want to contact your insurance company with the corrected information.
How long violations stay on your record
Traffic violations remain on your Illinois driving record permanently, though their impact on your insurance rates decreases over time. Most insurance companies stop counting a violation after three to five years, but the violation itself stays in the state system.
Suspensions and revocations also stay on your record. Once your license is reinstated, the reinstatement date appears on your record alongside the original suspension or revocation.
If you received a ticket but it was dismissed or you were acquitted, it will not appear on your record at all, even temporarily. Only convictions are recorded.
Why employers and insurance companies request your record
Employers who hire for driving positions — delivery drivers, truck drivers, taxi drivers, or anyone whose job involves operating a vehicle — routinely request driving records. They want to know about accidents, violations, and license suspensions that might indicate unsafe driving habits. Some employers also check driving records for positions that don't involve driving, as a general background check.
Insurance companies request your record to set your premium. A clean record results in lower rates. Violations, especially serious ones like DUI or reckless driving, cause rates to increase. Accidents also affect your rate, though usually less severely than violations.
If you're explore for a job that involves driving, or if you're shopping for insurance, knowing what's on your record helps you understand the decisions companies make about you. It also gives you a chance to explain violations or accidents if you get the opportunity to do so.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my record if I order it online?
Your record is available when ready after you pay. You can view it and print it right away. There's no waiting period for online orders.
Will a dismissed ticket show up on my driving record?
No. Only convictions appear on your record. If you were charged but the case was dismissed, acquitted, or the ticket was thrown out, it will not show up on your driving record at all.
Can I remove violations from my record?
No, you cannot remove convictions from your record. Violations stay permanently. However, if a violation was recorded in error, you can have it corrected by contacting the court that issued the ticket. Some violations may also be expunged under certain circumstances, but this is rare and requires a court order.
What's the difference between a three-year and lifetime record?
A three-year record shows violations and actions from the past three years and costs $7. A lifetime record shows your entire driving history in Illinois and costs $10. Most employers and insurance companies request the three-year record, but you can order whichever you prefer.
Does my record show parking tickets?
No. Your driving record shows only moving violations — traffic violations committed while driving. Parking tickets are handled separately and do not appear on your driving record.