What You Need to Do to Get Your License Back
A suspended license in Illinois means the state has temporarily taken away your driving privilege, but you can restore it by meeting specific requirements and paying a reinstatement fee. The exact steps depend on why your license was suspended — the most common reasons are unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, or medical reasons — so your first move is to find out the reason from the Illinois Secretary of State.
Once you know why it was suspended, you will need to resolve that issue (pay the fine, appear in court, arrange child support payments, or provide medical clearance), then request reinstatement through the Secretary of State's office. The process takes roughly two to four weeks after you submit everything, and you cannot legally drive until the suspension is lifted.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Illinois Secretary of State to learn the exact reason your license was suspended, because different reasons require different steps to fix it.
- You must resolve the underlying issue — pay fines, appear in court, arrange child support, or provide medical documentation — before the state will lift the suspension.
- The reinstatement fee is $100 for most suspensions, though some reasons (like medical suspension) may not require a fee.
- You can request reinstatement by mail, online through the Secretary of State website, or in person at a Driver Services facility.
- After reinstatement is approved, you will receive a new license in the mail within two weeks.
Find Out Why Your License Was Suspended
Call the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services line at 217-782-6900 or visit their website at cyberdriveillinois.com. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. The representative will tell you the exact reason for the suspension and what you need to do to fix it.
Write down the reason and any case or citation numbers you are given. This information is essential because it determines your next step. For example, if the suspension is due to unpaid traffic fines, you need to pay those fines. If it is due to failure to appear in court, you need to contact the court and resolve that case. If it is due to unpaid child support, you need to contact the Illinois Department of Human Services.
Resolve the Underlying Issue
The suspension will not be lifted until you address whatever caused it. Here are the most common scenarios:
Unpaid traffic fines or court costs: Contact the court listed on your citation or ticket. You can pay by phone, mail, or in person at the courthouse. Ask for a receipt or confirmation number showing the fine is paid.
Failure to appear in court: Call the court that issued the suspension and explain your situation. You may need to appear in person or have an attorney appear on your behalf. The court will tell you what is required to clear the failure to appear.
Unpaid child support: Contact the Illinois Department of Human Services at 1-800-447-6983. You will need to either pay the full amount owed or set up a payment plan. Once you have done so, ask for written confirmation.
Medical suspension: Obtain the required medical documentation from your doctor (usually a form provided by the Secretary of State) and submit it to the medical review section. No reinstatement fee is typically required for medical suspensions.
Suspended for driving without insurance: Obtain proof of current auto insurance from your insurance company and keep it with you. You will need to show this when you request reinstatement.
Request Reinstatement From the Secretary of State
Once you have resolved the underlying issue, you can request reinstatement. You have three options: by mail, online, or in person.
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 name, date of birth, driver's license number, the reason for the suspension, and proof that you have resolved the issue (receipt for paid fines, court documentation, child support agreement, medical clearance, or insurance proof). Include a check or money order for $100 made payable to the Secretary of State, unless your suspension was medical-related.
Online: Visit cyberdriveillinois.com and look for the reinstatement request option. You will need to upload scans or photos of your proof documents and pay the $100 fee by credit card or debit card. This is the fastest method and typically processes within two weeks.
In person: Visit any Driver Services facility in Illinois. Bring your driver's license, proof that you have resolved the issue, and $100 in cash or card. A staff member will review your documents and submit your reinstatement request on the spot.
What Happens After You Request Reinstatement
The Secretary of State will review your request and the documentation you provided. If everything is in order, your suspension will be lifted. You will receive a letter confirming the reinstatement, and a new license will be mailed to you within two weeks.
Do not drive until you receive written confirmation that your suspension has been lifted. Driving on a suspended license is illegal and can result in additional fines, criminal charges, and a longer suspension. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, some Driver Services facilities can issue a temporary driving permit on the day of reinstatement.
If Your Reinstatement Request Is Denied
The Secretary of State may deny your request if the documentation you submitted does not prove the underlying issue was resolved, or if there is a second reason for the suspension you were not aware of. You will receive a letter explaining why.
If this happens, contact the Secretary of State again to find out what additional documentation or steps are needed. Sometimes the issue is straightforward that a court or agency has not yet reported the resolution to the state system, which can take a few extra days. Ask how long you should wait before resubmitting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Driving on a suspended license is illegal in Illinois, even if you have submitted a reinstatement request. You must wait for written confirmation that the suspension has been lifted before you drive. If you need to drive for work or medical reasons before reinstatement is approved, ask the Secretary of State about a temporary driving permit.
What if I cannot afford the $100 reinstatement fee?
Contact the Secretary of State Driver Services line to discuss your situation. Some circumstances may allow for a payment plan or fee waiver, though this is not may provide. You will need to explain your financial hardship and provide documentation.
How long does reinstatement take?
Online requests typically process within two weeks. Mail requests take three to four weeks. In-person requests at a Driver Services facility are usually processed the same day, though your new license will still arrive by mail within two weeks.
What if I have multiple reasons for suspension?
You must resolve all of them before the suspension will be lifted. When you call the Secretary of State, ask specifically if there is more than one reason. This is common if you have unpaid fines and also failed to appear in court.
Do I need to retake the written or driving test to get my license back?
No. Reinstatement restores your existing license. You only need to retake a test if your license has expired or if the suspension was medical-related and the Secretary of State requires a new medical evaluation.