Check your Illinois license status through the Secretary of State website
The Illinois Secretary of State runs an online lookup tool where you can see whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired. You do not need to call or visit an office — the tool is free and gives you an answer in seconds.
To use it, go to cyberdriveillinois.com and find the "Driver License Status" lookup. You will need your driver's license number and your date of birth. The system will tell you the current status of your license and, if there is a problem, what caused it.
This lookup works for both a standard driver's license and a commercial driver's license (CDL). If you do not have your license number handy, you can search by your name and date of birth instead, though having the number makes the search faster.
Key Takeaways
- The Illinois Secretary of State website has a free online tool to check your license status without calling or visiting an office.
- You will need your driver's license number and date of birth to search, or you can search by name and date of birth.
- The lookup tells you if your license is valid, suspended, revoked, expired, or in any other status that affects your right to drive.
- If your license is suspended or revoked, the tool does not always explain why — you may need to contact the Secretary of State directly for details.
What the status results mean
When you search, the system returns one of several possible statuses. Valid means your license is current and you can legally drive. Expired means your license passed its renewal date and you need to renew it before driving. Suspended means your driving privilege has been taken away temporarily — usually because of unpaid tickets, a failed drug test, or unpaid child support — and you cannot drive until the suspension is lifted.
Revoked means your license has been permanently cancelled, usually for serious violations like multiple DUIs or reckless driving convictions. A revoked license is harder to restore than a suspended one and often requires a formal hearing or petition to the Secretary of State.
The lookup tool shows your status as of the moment you search, but it does not always explain the reason behind a suspension or revocation. If you see a status you do not understand, you will need to contact the Secretary of State's Driver Services department by phone or mail to find out what caused it and what steps you need to take.
When to check your license status
Check your status if you have received a notice from the Secretary of State, if you were recently arrested or cited, or if you are unsure whether your license is still valid. You should also check before renewing — if your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it until the problem is resolved.
If you have moved recently and changed your address with the Secretary of State, check your status to make sure the change went through and your license record is correct. If you have paid a ticket or resolved a child support case, you can check to see whether the suspension has been lifted.
What to do if your license is suspended
A suspension is temporary. To get your driving privilege back, you must resolve whatever caused the suspension — pay outstanding tickets and court costs, complete a drug or alcohol program, or catch up on child support payments. Once you have done that, contact the Secretary of State to request that the suspension be lifted.
The process varies depending on the reason for the suspension. For unpaid tickets, you typically need to pay the full amount plus any late fees. For a suspension related to a DUI or drug conviction, you may need to complete a substance abuse program and provide proof to the Secretary of State. For child support, the Illinois Department of Human Services handles the suspension, and you must work with them to resolve the debt.
After you have resolved the underlying issue, the Secretary of State usually lifts the suspension within a few business days. You can check the status lookup again to confirm that your license is valid before you drive.
What to do if your license is revoked
A revocation is permanent unless you take formal steps to restore your license. The process depends on why your license was revoked. For a revocation related to a DUI conviction, you will need to wait a certain amount of time (usually one to five years, depending on how many DUI convictions you have), complete a substance abuse program, and then petition the Secretary of State for reinstatement.
For other serious violations, you may be able to request a hearing before the Secretary of State to argue for reinstatement. You will need to show that you are a safe driver and that circumstances have changed since the revocation. An attorney can help you prepare your case, though it is not required.
Contact the Secretary of State's Driver Services department to find out the specific requirements for your situation and to learn how long you must wait before you can petition for reinstatement.
How to contact the Illinois Secretary of State about your license
If the online lookup does not answer your question or if you need to take action on a suspension or revocation, you can reach the Secretary of State's Driver Services department by phone at 217-782-6900. They can explain why your license has a particular status and tell you what you need to do to resolve it.
You can also visit a Secretary of State office in person. Illinois has multiple locations across the state, and you can find the one nearest you on the cyberdriveillinois.com website. Bring your driver's license or state ID and be prepared to wait, especially during busy times.
If you need to mail a request or submit documents, the mailing address is on the Secretary of State website. Mail is slower than calling or visiting in person, but it is an option if you cannot reach the office by phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a suspension to show up in the online lookup?
Suspensions usually appear in the system within one to three business days after they are issued, but it can take longer depending on the reason. If you were just cited or arrested, check back in a few days. If you think a suspension should have been lifted but it still shows as active, contact the Secretary of State to confirm.
Can I drive while my license is suspended if I have a work permit?
No. A work permit (also called a monitoring device driving permit or MDDP) is not the same as a valid license. You can only drive during the hours and for the purposes listed on the permit, and only if you have an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle. Check the permit itself for the exact rules.
What if the lookup tool says my license is valid but I was told it was suspended?
The online tool is usually accurate, but there can be a delay of a few days between when a suspension is issued and when it appears in the system. If you received a notice from the Secretary of State or a court, trust that notice. Call the Secretary of State to confirm the current status and ask when the suspension will take effect.
Do I need to renew my license if it is expired?
Yes. An expired license is not valid for driving. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State office, depending on how long it has been expired and whether you need a new photo. Visit cyberdriveillinois.com to start the renewal process.
Can someone else check my license status for me?
The online lookup requires your license number and date of birth, so technically anyone with that information could search. However, the Secretary of State does not release detailed information about your license to third parties without your permission. If you need someone to help you, you can give them your information or contact the Secretary of State together.