What you can look up about an Illinois driver license
The Illinois Secretary of State runs a public lookup tool that lets you check whether someone holds a valid driver license, when it expires, and whether there are any suspensions or revocations on record. You can look up your own license or someone else's — the tool does not require you to prove you own the license you are searching for.
This lookup is useful if you need to verify that a license is current before hiring someone, renting to someone, or confirming your own status before renewing. The tool shows the license class (what vehicle types the person can drive), the expiration date, and any active holds or restrictions. It does not show your address, Social Security number, or other personal details beyond what appears on the front of the card.
The lookup is free and available 24 hours a day on the Secretary of State website. Results appear when ready, and you do not need to create an account or log in.
Key Takeaways
- The Illinois Secretary of State website has a free public lookup tool that shows license status, expiration date, and any suspensions or revocations.
- You can search by name and date of birth, or by license number if you have it — both methods work equally well.
- The tool returns results in seconds and shows whether a license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired.
- You can look up your own license or anyone else's license; the tool does not restrict who you can search for.
- If the lookup shows a suspension or revocation, you will need to contact the Secretary of State directly to find out why and what steps come next.
How to search for a license using the Secretary of State tool
Go to the Illinois Secretary of State website and find the Driver License Lookup page. You will see a search box that asks for either a name and date of birth, or a driver license number. If you have the license number, that is the fastest route — type it in and click Search.
If you are searching by name and date of birth, enter the full name as it appears on the license (first name, middle name if there is one, and last name) and the date of birth in the format the page shows. The search is not case-sensitive, but spelling must match the record exactly. Once you enter the information and click Search, the tool will return the license status within a few seconds.
The results page shows the license class, the expiration date, and any active suspensions, revocations, or restrictions. If the search returns no results, either the name or date of birth does not match the record, the license does not exist, or the person has never held an Illinois license. Try searching again with a different spelling or date format.
What the results mean
A valid license means the person holds an active Illinois driver license that has not expired and has no suspensions or revocations. The expiration date will be shown — most Illinois licenses are valid for four or eight years depending on the holder's age.
A suspended license means the person is not allowed to drive, but the suspension can be lifted if they meet certain conditions — usually paying fines, completing a course, or resolving a traffic violation. The lookup tool does not show the reason for the suspension, so you will need to contact the Secretary of State's Driver Services department to find out what the person needs to do to restore their license.
A revoked license means the person's driving privilege has been permanently removed or removed for a long period. Revocations are more serious than suspensions and usually result from serious violations like repeat DUIs or reckless driving. A revoked license can sometimes be reinstated, but only after a waiting period and by meeting strict requirements set by the Secretary of State.
An expired license means the license is no longer valid and the person cannot legally drive until they renew it. The lookup tool will show the expiration date so you can see how long ago it expired.
When you need to contact the Secretary of State directly
If the lookup shows a suspension or revocation and you need to know the reason, you will have to call or visit the Secretary of State's Driver Services office. The lookup tool itself does not explain why a license was suspended or revoked — it only shows that a hold exists.
You can reach Driver Services by phone at 217-782-6900 during business hours, or visit a local Secretary of State office in person. Have the license number or full name and date of birth ready when you call. If you are calling about your own license, bring your ID. If you are calling about someone else's license, be prepared to explain why you need the information — some staff members may decline to discuss details about someone else's record.
If you are the license holder and you see a suspension or revocation you believe is wrong, you can request a hearing or file an appeal through the Secretary of State's administrative process. The office can explain your options when you contact them.
Limitations of the lookup tool
The lookup tool shows only whether a license is currently valid or has a hold on it. It does not show your driving record, traffic violations, points on your license, or accident history — that information is separate and requires a different request.
If you need your complete driving record for insurance purposes, a job process, or a court case, you will need to order a certified driving record from the Secretary of State. That request takes several days and usually costs a small fee. The lookup tool is when ready and free, but it is limited to status only.
The tool also does not show whether a license is currently in the mail, whether a renewal process is pending, or whether a replacement card has been ordered. If you recently applied for a new license or renewal and want to know the status of that process, you will need to contact Driver Services directly.
Searching for someone else's license
The Illinois lookup tool does not restrict you from searching for anyone's license — you do not need permission or a reason. This is because license status (valid, suspended, or revoked) is considered public information in Illinois. However, the tool shows only status and expiration date, not personal details like address or Social Security number.
If you are an employer, landlord, or business owner and you want to verify that someone holds a valid license, this tool is the right place to start. If you need more detailed information about someone's driving history or background, you will need to use a different service or ask the person for a certified copy of their record.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the lookup says my license is suspended but I did not know about it?
Contact the Secretary of State's Driver Services office right away at 217-782-6900. Suspensions are usually triggered by unpaid fines, missed court dates, or violations you may not have been aware of. The office can tell you the reason and what you need to do to restore your license. Do not drive until the suspension is lifted.
Can I look up someone else's license without their permission?
Yes. License status is public information in Illinois, and the lookup tool does not require permission or a reason to search. However, the tool shows only whether the license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired — not personal details or driving history.
How often is the lookup tool updated?
The tool is updated throughout the day as the Secretary of State processes new licenses, renewals, and suspensions. However, there may be a delay of a few hours between when an action is taken (like a suspension being issued) and when it appears in the lookup tool. If you just had a license suspended and the lookup does not show it yet, try again in a few hours.
What if I cannot find the lookup tool on the Secretary of State website?
The tool is usually on the main Secretary of State website under a section called "Driver License Lookup" or "Check License Status." If you cannot find it, call Driver Services at 217-782-6900 and ask for the direct link, or visit a local Secretary of State office in person.
Does the lookup tool show my points or traffic violations?
No. The lookup tool shows only whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired. To see your driving record, points, and violation history, you need to order a certified driving record from the Secretary of State, which takes several days and costs a fee.