What You Need to Do to Get Your License Back
To reinstate a suspended driver's license in Illinois, you must first find out why your license was suspended, then complete the specific steps the Secretary of State requires for that reason. Most suspensions fall into a few categories: unpaid traffic fines or court costs, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, medical reasons, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations. Each has a different path to reinstatement, and you cannot move forward until you know which one applies to you.
The Secretary of State's office maintains your suspension record and will not lift it until you have satisfied the underlying cause. This means you may need to pay money, appear in court, provide medical documentation, or complete a defensive driving course before you can even request reinstatement. Once you have done that, you then file a formal reinstatement request with the Secretary of State.
Key Takeaways
- Call the Secretary of State's Driver Services department at 217-782-6900 to find out the exact reason your license was suspended and what you must do to resolve it.
- Most suspensions require you to pay outstanding fines, court costs, or child support before the Secretary of State will consider reinstatement.
- You must complete the required action (pay fines, appear in court, submit medical forms, or take a course) before filing your reinstatement request.
- After you have resolved the underlying issue, you submit a reinstatement request to the Secretary of State, either by mail or in person at a Driver Services facility.
- Reinstatement typically takes two to four weeks after the Secretary of State receives your completed request and verifies that all conditions have been met.
Find Out Why Your License Was Suspended
Before you can reinstate your license, you need to know the exact reason it was suspended. The Secretary of State does not suspend licenses randomly, and the reason determines what you must do next. Call the Driver Services department at 217-782-6900 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time) and have your driver's license number ready. They will tell you the suspension code, the date it took effect, and what action is required to lift it.
You can also check your suspension status online through the Secretary of State's website by entering your license number and date of birth. However, the online system does not always explain what you need to do to resolve the suspension, so a phone call is usually faster. Write down the suspension reason and any case or ticket numbers the representative gives you—you will need these for the next steps.
Resolve the Underlying Cause of Suspension
The most common reason for suspension in Illinois is unpaid traffic fines or court costs. If this is your reason, you must pay the full amount owed to the court that issued the ticket. Contact the court listed on your ticket or call the Secretary of State to find out which court holds your case. Once you pay, ask the court clerk for written confirmation that your balance is zero. Keep this receipt—you will need it when you request reinstatement.
If your suspension is due to failure to appear in court, you must appear before the judge to resolve the original case. Contact the court when ready to reschedule your appearance. Failure to appear charges can result in additional fines or even a warrant for your arrest, so do not delay. Once you have appeared and the case is resolved (whether you plead guilty, not guilty, or reach a settlement), the court will notify the Secretary of State.
If your suspension is for unpaid child support, contact the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Child Support Enforcement, or the court that ordered the support. You will need to either pay the full arrearage or set up a payment plan that the court approves. Once a payment plan is in place or the debt is paid, the court will report this to the Secretary of State.
If your suspension is medical-related (for example, you failed a vision test or did not submit required medical documentation), you must complete a medical examination by a licensed physician and submit the form to the Secretary of State. The form is available on the Secretary of State's website. If your suspension is for accumulating too many points, you may be required to complete a defensive driving course approved by the state before reinstatement is possible.
Gather Your Reinstatement Documents
Once you have resolved the underlying cause, you will need to submit a reinstatement request to the Secretary of State. The documents you need depend on your suspension reason, but most people need a completed process for Reinstatement of Driver's License (Form DL 43), proof that the underlying issue has been resolved, and a reinstatement fee.
The reinstatement fee in Illinois is $70 as of this writing, though you should confirm the current amount by calling Driver Services. If your suspension was due to unpaid fines, bring a copy of the court's receipt showing payment. If it was due to failure to appear, bring a letter from the court confirming you appeared and the case was resolved. If it was medical, bring the completed medical form signed by your physician. If it was for points, bring proof of completion of the defensive driving course.
You can read Form DL 43 from the Secretary of State's website or pick up a copy at any Driver Services facility. Fill it out completely and sign it. Do not leave any fields blank, as incomplete forms will be returned and delay your reinstatement.
Submit Your Reinstatement Request
You have two options for submitting your reinstatement request: by mail or in person at a Driver Services facility. Mailing is slower but convenient if you cannot visit an office. Send your completed Form DL 43, all supporting documents, and the $70 reinstatement fee to the address listed on the form (typically the Secretary of State's office in Springfield). Include a copy of everything you send, and consider using certified mail so you have proof of delivery.
If you go in person, visit any Driver Services facility with your completed form, documents, and fee. Bring your current ID even though your license is suspended. The staff will review your paperwork on the spot and tell you if anything is missing. If everything is in order, they will process your request when ready and you may receive a temporary driving permit while your reinstatement is being finalized.
Processing time is typically two to four weeks after the Secretary of State receives your request. They will verify with the court, child support agency, or other relevant body that you have satisfied the suspension condition. Once verified, they will mail you a new license or notify you to pick it up at a Driver Services facility.
What Happens If You Drive on a Suspended License
Driving while your license is suspended in Illinois is a criminal offense. A first offense is a Class A misdemeanor, which can result in a fine of up to $2,500, up to one year in jail, or both. Your vehicle can be impounded, and you will face additional court costs. A second or subsequent offense within five years is a Class 4 felony, which carries much harsher penalties.
Even if you are working on reinstatement, you cannot legally drive until the Secretary of State has officially lifted the suspension. If you need to drive for work or medical reasons while your reinstatement is pending, ask the Secretary of State about a Restricted Driving Permit. These are not always available for all suspension reasons, but it is worth asking when you submit your reinstatement request.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to reinstate a suspended license in Illinois?
Processing typically takes two to four weeks after the Secretary of State receives your completed reinstatement request and verifies that you have resolved the underlying cause. If you submit by mail, add another week for delivery time. If you submit in person at a Driver Services facility, you may receive a temporary permit the same day.
Can I get a restricted driving permit while my license is suspended?
A Restricted Driving Permit (RDP) is available for some suspension reasons, such as points-based suspensions, but not for others, such as unpaid child support or failure to appear. Ask the Secretary of State when you call about your suspension. If you are may be able to access, you can request an RDP while your full reinstatement is being processed.
What if I cannot pay my fines all at once?
Contact the court that issued your ticket and ask about a payment plan. Many courts will work with you to set up installments. Once the court approves a plan and you begin making payments, notify the Secretary of State that you are in compliance. Some suspensions are lifted once a payment plan is in place, even if the full amount has not been paid yet.
Do I need to retake the written or road test to reinstate my license?
No. Reinstatement does not require you to retake any test unless your suspension was specifically for medical reasons and the Secretary of State requires a vision or medical re-examination. For all other suspension reasons, you straightforward pay the reinstatement fee and submit your documents.
What if the Secretary of State denies my reinstatement request?
If your request is denied, the Secretary of State will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons include incomplete paperwork, failure to resolve the underlying cause, or a clerical error. Contact Driver Services to find out what is missing, correct it, and resubmit. You may need to pay the reinstatement fee again.