Check your Illinois license status through the Secretary of State website
The fastest way to verify your Illinois driver's license is through the Illinois Secretary of State online license lookup tool. You enter your driver's license number and date of birth, and the system tells you whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired. The tool is free and gives you an answer in seconds.
Go to cyberdriveillinois.com and look for the "Driver License Status" or "License Lookup" option in the online services section. You will need your driver's license number (the number on the front of your card) and your date of birth. The system does not store your information after you search — it only shows you what is on file with the state.
If the lookup tool is temporarily down for maintenance, you can call the Secretary of State's Driver Services line at 217-782-6900 during business hours. A staff member can look up your status over the phone, though wait times vary depending on call volume. This phone line is also useful if you need to understand what a status code means or what steps come next.
Key Takeaways
- The Illinois Secretary of State website lets you check your license status when ready using your license number and date of birth at cyberdriveillinois.com.
- A suspended license means you cannot legally drive but the suspension can be lifted; a revoked license is more serious and usually requires a hearing or specific conditions to restore.
- If your license shows suspended or revoked, the lookup tool usually displays the reason and the date it will be cleared or what you must do to restore it.
- You can also call the Secretary of State Driver Services line at 217-782-6900 if you cannot use the online tool or need to speak with someone.
What each license status means
Valid means your license is current and you can legally drive. The lookup will show your expiration date so you know when to renew.
Expired means your license passed its expiration date. You cannot legally drive on an expired license in Illinois, even if it expired yesterday. You must renew it before you drive again. Renewal can be done online, by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State facility.
Suspended means the state has temporarily taken away your driving privilege. Common reasons include unpaid traffic tickets, failure to pay child support, failure to appear in court, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations. A suspension is temporary — once you address the reason (pay the ticket, appear in court, or meet other conditions), you can request reinstatement. The lookup tool usually shows why your license is suspended and what you need to do.
Revoked means the state has permanently canceled your license, usually for serious violations like multiple DUIs, reckless driving convictions, or refusing a breath test. A revoked license is harder to restore than a suspended one. You may need to wait a set period, pass a hearing, or meet specific conditions before you can reapply.
What to do if your license is suspended
First, find out the reason. The online lookup tool should display it, or you can call the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 to ask. Common reasons have different solutions: if it is a ticket or fine, you pay it; if it is a court appearance, you contact the court; if it is child support, you work with the child support enforcement office.
Once you have resolved the reason for the suspension, you can request reinstatement. In many cases, you can do this online through the Secretary of State website or by mail. Some suspensions require you to pay a reinstatement fee (usually between $100 and $500, depending on the reason). The Secretary of State website lists the fee for your specific suspension type. After you submit your reinstatement request, the state typically processes it within 5 to 10 business days.
Do not drive while your license is suspended. Driving on a suspended license is a separate criminal offense in Illinois and can result in fines, jail time, and a longer suspension. If you are stopped by police, your vehicle can be impounded.
What to do if your license is revoked
A revoked license requires more steps than a suspension. You cannot straightforward pay a fee and get it back. Depending on why it was revoked, you may need to wait a minimum period (often one to five years), pass a hearing before a Secretary of State administrative law judge, or meet other conditions such as completing a substance abuse program.
Contact the Secretary of State Driver Services at 217-782-6900 to learn the specific requirements for your revocation. They can tell you the earliest date you become may be able to access to reapply and what documentation you will need to submit. Some revocations require you to request a hearing; others require you to show proof that you have completed a required program. If your revocation is related to a DUI or drug offense, you may be required to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle before you can drive again, even after your license is restored.
Understanding suspension vs. revocation
The difference between suspension and revocation affects how long you wait and what you must do to drive again. A suspension is temporary and lifts once you resolve the underlying issue — paying a ticket, appearing in court, or settling child support. A revocation is permanent and typically requires you to wait months or years, attend a hearing, and sometimes complete a program before you can even reapply for a license.
The lookup tool will tell you which one applies to you. If you see "suspended," focus on finding and fixing the reason. If you see "revoked," contact the Secretary of State to understand the timeline and requirements specific to your case.
| Status | Meaning | How to Restore | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspended | Temporary removal of driving privilege | Address the reason (pay ticket, appear in court, pay child support) and request reinstatement | Days to weeks after resolving the issue |
| Revoked | Permanent cancellation of license | Wait the required period, attend a hearing, and/or complete required programs | Months to years; varies by reason |
| Expired | License past its expiration date | Renew online, by mail, or in person | when ready if renewed online |
If the online tool does not show your status
Sometimes the online lookup tool cannot find a record. This usually means one of three things: you entered your license number or date of birth incorrectly, your license was never issued by Illinois (for example, if you have an out-of-state license), or there is a delay in the system updating after a recent action.
Double-check that you entered your information correctly. Your driver's license number is on the front of your card. If you still cannot find your status, call the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900. They can search their system manually and tell you what is on file. If you recently had a suspension lifted or a license renewed, allow 24 to 48 hours for the online system to update before trying again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my license is suspended?
No. Driving on a suspended license is illegal in Illinois and is a separate criminal offense. If you are stopped, you can be arrested, fined, and face jail time. Your vehicle can also be impounded. You must wait until your suspension is lifted and you have requested reinstatement.
How long does it take to reinstate a suspended license?
Once you have resolved the reason for the suspension and submitted your reinstatement request, the Secretary of State usually processes it within 5 to 10 business days. If you pay online or by mail, allow extra time for processing. Some reinstatements are faster if done in person at a Secretary of State facility.
What is the difference between a suspension and a revocation?
A suspension is temporary and can be lifted once you address the underlying issue. A revocation is permanent and requires you to wait a set period and often attend a hearing before you can reapply for a license. Revocations are typically for serious violations like multiple DUIs.
Do I have to pay a fee to reinstate my suspended license?
Most suspensions require a reinstatement fee, usually between $100 and $500 depending on the reason. The Secretary of State website shows the fee for your specific suspension type. Some suspensions (like those for unpaid tickets) may not have a separate reinstatement fee if you only pay the original ticket.
What if I was suspended for unpaid child support?
Contact the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation or the child support enforcement office in your county. You will need to make a payment arrangement or pay the full amount owed. Once the child support office confirms payment, they notify the Secretary of State, and your suspension is lifted within a few business days.