Check your Illinois license status through the Secretary of State website or by phone
The Illinois Secretary of State runs the only official system for checking your driver license status. You can look up your license in two ways: online through their website using your driver license number and date of birth, or by calling their customer service line during business hours. Both methods show you the same information — whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired — and take just a few minutes.
The online method is fastest if you know your license number. The phone method works if you prefer speaking to someone or if you need help understanding what your status means. Neither method costs money, and you do not need to create an account.
Key Takeaways
- Visit cyberdriveillinois.com and use the Driver License Status Inquiry tool with your license number and date of birth to see your status when ready online.
- Call the Illinois Secretary of State's Driver Services line at 217-782-6900 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time) to check by phone.
- A suspension means you cannot drive legally but the license can be reinstated; a revocation is permanent and requires a new license process after the waiting period.
- If your license is suspended or revoked, the status page will not tell you why — you need to contact the Secretary of State directly to learn the reason and what steps to take next.
- Expired licenses show as invalid in the system, but you can renew them online, by mail, or in person depending on how long they have been expired.
Using the online status checker on the Secretary of State website
Go to cyberdriveillinois.com and look for the "Driver License Status Inquiry" tool. This is usually found under the "Drivers" or "Online Services" section. You will need two pieces of information: your Illinois driver license number (the number on the front of your card) and your date of birth in the format the website requests.
Enter both pieces of information and submit. The system will return your status within seconds. It will tell you whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, expired, or cancelled. If your license is valid, the page will also show your expiration date. If it is suspended or revoked, the page will confirm that fact but will not explain the reason — you will need to call the Secretary of State to find out why.
This tool works 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If the website is down for maintenance, try again in a few minutes. If you cannot find your license number, check the front of your physical license card or your renewal notice.
Calling the Secretary of State to check your status by phone
The Illinois Secretary of State's Driver Services line is 217-782-6900. Call Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Central Time. Have your driver license number and date of birth ready when you call.
A representative will look up your status and tell you whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, expired, or cancelled. If your license is suspended or revoked, ask the representative why. They can explain the reason — whether it is unpaid traffic fines, a medical suspension, a DUI-related suspension, or another cause — and what you need to do to resolve it. This is often faster than trying to figure it out online, because the representative can answer follow-up questions.
If you call outside business hours, you will reach a voicemail system. Leave your name and a callback number, but note that the Secretary of State does not always return voicemails the same day. The online tool is usually faster if you just need to know your status.
Understanding suspension versus revocation
A suspension means your license is temporarily invalid. You cannot drive legally while it is suspended, but the suspension has an end date. Once that date passes and you have completed any required steps (such as paying fines or completing a safety course), you can drive again. Suspensions typically last from a few months to a few years, depending on the reason.
A revocation means your license has been permanently cancelled by the state. You cannot straightforward wait for it to end. After a revocation, you must wait a set period (usually one to five years, depending on the reason) before you can explore for a new license. Even then, you may have to pass a written test, vision test, or both again. Revocations are more serious than suspensions and usually result from serious violations like multiple DUIs or reckless driving convictions.
If your status shows suspension or revocation, call the Secretary of State to learn the specific reason and what steps you need to take. Do not assume you know why — the reason affects what you have to do next.
What to do if your license is suspended
First, find out why it is suspended by calling 217-782-6900 or checking any notices you received in the mail. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, medical suspension, or a conviction-related suspension.
Once you know the reason, take the required action. If it is unpaid fines, pay them to the court or municipality listed in your notice. If it is a failure to appear, contact the court to reschedule or resolve the case. If it is medical, you may need to provide a doctor's clearance. If it is conviction-related, you may need to complete a defensive driving course or other program. After you complete the required action, contact the Secretary of State to confirm the suspension has been lifted. You may need to pay a reinstatement fee, which varies by reason.
Do not drive while your license is suspended. Driving on a suspended license is a separate criminal offense in Illinois and carries fines and possible jail time.
What to do if your license is revoked
A revocation is permanent, so you cannot straightforward wait for it to end like a suspension. You must wait the required waiting period (set by the reason for revocation), then explore for a new license from scratch. This means taking the written test, vision test, and paying the process fee again.
Contact the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 to learn your specific waiting period and what you must do before you can reapply. Some revocations require you to complete a substance abuse program or other course before you are allowed to explore for a new license. Ask about these requirements when you call.
Like a suspension, driving on a revoked license is illegal and carries criminal penalties. Do not drive until you have a valid new license.
Renewing an expired Illinois license
If your status shows "expired," your license is no longer valid for driving. Illinois allows you to renew online, by mail, or in person, depending on how long it has been expired and whether you have any suspensions or revocations on your record.
If your license expired less than one year ago and you have no suspensions or revocations, you can renew online at cyberdriveillinois.com. The online renewal costs less than in-person renewal and takes about 10 minutes. If it has been more than one year, or if you have any holds on your record, you must renew in person at a Secretary of State facility. Visit cyberdriveillinois.com to find the location nearest you and check their hours.
You will need your Social Security number, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment for the renewal fee. Bring your expired license if you have it. Processing times vary, but in-person renewals are usually completed the same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the online tool say my license is suspended but I never got a notice?
Illinois mails suspension notices to the address on file with your license. If you moved and did not update your address, you may not have received it. Call 217-782-6900 to confirm your address and ask the Secretary of State to mail you a new notice explaining the suspension and what you need to do.
Can I drive to work if my license is suspended?
No. Illinois does not issue "work-only" or "hardship" licenses for most suspensions. Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense. If your suspension is due to unpaid fines or a court case, contact the court or the Secretary of State to see if your suspension can be lifted quickly.
How long does it take to lift a suspension after I pay my fines?
It depends on who you paid. If you paid a court or municipality, they must report the payment to the Secretary of State, which can take several days to a few weeks. Call the Secretary of State after a week to confirm the suspension has been lifted. Do not drive until you have confirmed it is gone.
What if the online tool is not working?
The Secretary of State website sometimes goes down for maintenance, usually at night or on weekends. Try again in a few hours. If it is still not working, call 217-782-6900 during business hours to check your status by phone.
Do I need to renew my license if it is suspended?
No. You cannot renew a suspended license. You must first lift the suspension by completing whatever action is required (paying fines, appearing in court, etc.), then renew if your license has also expired. Call the Secretary of State to confirm the suspension is lifted before you attempt to renew.