Check your Illinois license status through the Secretary of State website
The fastest way to check your Illinois driver's license status is through the Illinois Secretary of State's online license status tool. You can look up your license in minutes without calling or visiting an office. The tool shows whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired — and if there are any holds or restrictions on your record.
To use the online tool, you'll need your driver's license number or your date of birth and last name. Go to cyberdriveillinois.com, find the "Driver Services" section, and select "Check License Status." Enter your information and the system will display your current status when ready.
This same tool works for identification cards (IDs) issued by Illinois. If you're checking on someone else's license — for example, a family member or an employee — you'll need their permission and their specific license number to proceed.
Key Takeaways
- The Illinois Secretary of State website lets you check your license status when ready using your license number or your date of birth and last name.
- The online tool shows whether your license is valid, expired, suspended, or revoked, plus any holds or restrictions.
- If the online tool doesn't work or you need more details, you can call the Secretary of State's Driver Services line at 217-782-6900.
- Visiting a local Secretary of State office in person is an option if you need to speak with someone directly or if your status is unclear.
What the different license statuses mean
Valid means your license is current and you can legally drive. Expired means your license passed its renewal date and you cannot drive until you renew it. Suspended
RevokedCancelled
If your status shows a hold or restriction, the online tool may not explain the reason in detail. In that case, calling the Secretary of State or visiting an office will give you the full picture of what's blocking your license.
When to call the Secretary of State instead
Call the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services line at 217-782-6900 if the online tool doesn't load, if you get an error message, or if your status is unclear. The line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. Have your driver's license number ready when you call.
You should also call if your status shows suspended or revoked and you don't understand why. The person on the phone can explain the reason and tell you what steps you need to take to clear the suspension or begin reinstatement. Wait times can be long during peak hours, so calling early in the morning or late in the afternoon may be faster.
Visiting a Secretary of State office in person
If you prefer to speak with someone face-to-face, you can visit any Secretary of State Driver Services facility across Illinois. Bring your current ID and be ready to wait — offices are often busy, especially on Fridays and at the end of the month. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Secretary of State website.
Going in person is useful if your status is complicated, if you need to start the reinstatement process right away, or if you want to renew your license at the same time you check your status. Some offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can save you time.
Understanding holds and restrictions on your record
A hold on your license means something is preventing you from renewing or using it, even if the license itself hasn't been suspended or revoked. Common holds include unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, or a medical hold if you failed a vision or medical exam. Restrictions are conditions attached to your license — for example, "corrective lenses required" or "automatic transmission only."
The online status tool will tell you that a hold exists, but it may not explain the specific reason. Call the Secretary of State or visit an office to find out what the hold is and how to remove it. Many holds can be cleared by paying what you owe or submitting required paperwork.
What to do if your license is suspended or revoked
If your status shows suspended, the first step is to find out why. Common reasons include unpaid tickets, unpaid child support, failure to appear in court, or a DUI conviction. Once you know the reason, you can take action to resolve it — paying fines, making a court appearance, or completing a required program.
If your license is revoked, you cannot straightforward pay a fine to get it back. You'll need to go through a formal reinstatement process, which usually involves submitting paperwork to the Secretary of State, paying a reinstatement fee, and sometimes passing a written test or vision exam again. The reinstatement process varies depending on why your license was revoked, so contact the Secretary of State to learn the exact steps for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to check my license status online?
The online tool is when ready. Once you enter your information and submit, you'll see your status right away. If the website is slow or you get an error, try again in a few minutes or call 217-782-6900.
Can I check someone else's license status?
You can look up another person's status if you have their driver's license number, but you cannot use just their name. The Secretary of State does not allow status checks using only a name for privacy reasons. If you need to verify someone's license, ask them for their license number first.
What if the online tool says my license is suspended but I don't know why?
Call the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 or visit a local office. They can tell you the specific reason for the suspension and what you need to do to clear it. Bring your license number when you call.
Does checking my status online affect my license in any way?
No. Looking up your status does not change anything about your license or your driving record. It's purely informational and has no side effects.
What if my license expired and I want to renew it?
You can renew online through the Secretary of State website if you meet certain requirements, or you can renew in person at a Driver Services office. Check the website for renewal options and fees, which vary depending on your license type and how long it's been expired.