What Illinois requires to get your license back
To reinstate your Illinois driver's license after suspension, you must contact the Illinois Secretary of State's office, pay a reinstatement fee, and meet any conditions tied to why your license was suspended in the first place. The Secretary of State is the only body that can reinstate your license — you cannot do this through a local DMV or police department.
The reinstatement process differs depending on whether your suspension was for a traffic violation, unpaid tickets, failure to appear in court, or a medical reason. Each reason has its own set of requirements and fees. You will need to know the specific reason your license was suspended before you contact the office.
Illinois does not reinstate licenses automatically after a suspension period ends. You must take action yourself. If you do not reinstate your license, you cannot legally drive in Illinois, and driving on a suspended license carries criminal penalties.
Key Takeaways
- You must contact the Illinois Secretary of State directly — they are the only office that can reinstate your license, and the process varies by suspension reason.
- Reinstatement fees range from $100 to $500 depending on the type of suspension, and you must pay this fee before your license is restored.
- If your suspension was for unpaid tickets or failure to appear in court, you must resolve those issues with the court or pay the tickets before reinstatement is possible.
- The Secretary of State's office can tell you the exact reason for your suspension and what steps you need to take when you call or visit in person.
How to find out why your license was suspended
Before you can reinstate your license, you need to know the specific reason it was suspended. You can find this information by contacting the Illinois Secretary of State's Driver Services Department directly. Call 217-782-6900 or visit a local Secretary of State office in person with your ID.
When you call or visit, have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. The staff will tell you the suspension reason, the reinstatement fee amount, and exactly what you need to do next. This is a free lookup — you pay only when you actually reinstate.
Common suspension reasons in Illinois include suspension for unpaid traffic tickets, failure to appear in court, conviction of a traffic offense, medical reasons, or failure to pay child support. Each reason has different next steps. For example, if your suspension is due to unpaid tickets, you must pay those tickets to the court before reinstatement. If it is medical, you may need a doctor's clearance.
Reinstatement fees and what they cover
Illinois charges a reinstatement fee that varies by suspension type. A standard reinstatement fee is typically $100 to $200, but some suspensions carry higher fees. If your license was suspended multiple times or for serious violations, the fee may be $500 or more.
The reinstatement fee is separate from any fines, court costs, or ticket payments you may owe. If your suspension was for unpaid tickets, you pay the ticket amount to the court and the reinstatement fee to the Secretary of State — these are two different payments to two different places.
You can pay the reinstatement fee by check, money order, credit card, or debit card. Payment methods vary depending on whether you pay in person at a Secretary of State office or by mail. Ask the staff member or check the Secretary of State website for the current accepted payment methods and the mailing address if you are paying by mail.
Steps to reinstate if your suspension was for unpaid tickets or court failure
If your license was suspended because you did not pay traffic tickets or failed to appear in court, you must resolve the court matter first. Contact the circuit court in the county where the ticket was issued. You can find the court's phone number and address on the Illinois court system website or by calling the Secretary of State for guidance.
Pay the outstanding ticket amount or arrange a payment plan with the court. Once the court receives payment or confirms you have satisfied the obligation, ask the court to notify the Secretary of State. Some courts do this automatically; others require you to request it in writing.
After the court has cleared the matter, contact the Secretary of State to pay your reinstatement fee. The Secretary of State will confirm that the court has reported the resolution before processing your reinstatement. This can take a few days to a few weeks depending on how quickly the court reports to the state.
Steps to reinstate if your suspension was for a traffic conviction
If your license was suspended because of a traffic conviction — such as reckless driving, driving under the influence, or accumulating too many points — you may need to complete additional requirements before reinstatement is possible.
For a DUI suspension, Illinois requires you to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle before reinstatement. You must have the device installed by a certified vendor, and the Secretary of State will verify installation before restoring your license. This is a separate cost from the reinstatement fee, typically $100 to $300 for installation plus monthly monitoring fees.
For other traffic convictions, check with the Secretary of State about whether you need to complete a defensive driving course or other remedial requirement. Once you have completed any required steps, contact the Secretary of State to pay the reinstatement fee and restore your license.
Steps to reinstate if your suspension was medical
If your license was suspended for medical reasons — such as a seizure disorder, loss of consciousness, or a condition that affects your ability to drive safely — you must obtain medical clearance before reinstatement.
Contact your doctor and ask them to complete the Illinois Medical Examination form (also called the "Physician's Statement"). This form documents that your medical condition no longer prevents you from driving safely. Your doctor will send this form directly to the Secretary of State, or you can submit it yourself.
Once the Secretary of State receives the medical clearance, you can pay the reinstatement fee and your license will be restored. The medical clearance is free from the Secretary of State's perspective, but your doctor may charge a fee for completing the form.
Where to pay and how long reinstatement takes
You can reinstate your license in person at any Secretary of State office, by mail, or online through the Secretary of State website if your suspension type allows online reinstatement. Not all suspension types can be handled online — call ahead or check the website to confirm your options.
If you reinstate in person, bring your ID, the reinstatement fee, and any required documents (such as proof of ticket payment or medical clearance). You will receive a temporary driving permit on the spot, and your physical license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks.
If you reinstate by mail, send the reinstatement fee and any required documents to the address provided by the Secretary of State. Processing by mail typically takes two to four weeks. If you reinstate online, the process is usually faster — your temporary permit may be available when ready, and your physical license arrives within one to two weeks.
What to do if you cannot pay the reinstatement fee right away
If you cannot afford the reinstatement fee when ready, contact the Secretary of State to ask about payment plan options. Some offices will allow you to pay the fee in installments, though this varies by location and suspension type.
While you are waiting to pay, you cannot legally drive. Driving on a suspended license in Illinois is a criminal offense that can result in fines up to $2,500, jail time, and additional license suspension. If you are stopped by police, your vehicle may be impounded.
If cost is a barrier, ask the Secretary of State whether your suspension qualifies for a fee waiver or reduction based on financial hardship. Some counties or municipalities offer information programs, though these are not may provide. The Secretary of State staff can point you toward any local resources that may help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a temporary permit while waiting for my reinstated license to arrive?
Yes. If you reinstate in person, you receive a temporary driving permit when ready that is valid while your physical license is being mailed. If you reinstate by mail or online, ask the Secretary of State whether a temporary permit is available. Some suspension types do not may have access to for a temporary permit, so confirm before you assume you can drive.
What happens if I drive before my license is officially reinstated?
Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in Illinois. You can be arrested, fined up to $2,500, jailed, and your license can be suspended for an additional period. Your vehicle may also be impounded. Do not drive until your license is officially reinstated or you have a valid temporary permit.
How long does reinstatement usually take?
In-person reinstatement is fastest — you get a temporary permit the same day and your physical license arrives within one to two weeks. By mail, expect two to four weeks. Online reinstatement is usually processed within a few days. The timeline depends on whether you have met all conditions (like paying tickets or obtaining medical clearance) before you submit your reinstatement request.
Do I need a new written test or driving test to reinstate my license?
No. Reinstatement does not require you to retake the written or driving test unless your suspension was specifically for medical reasons and the Secretary of State determines a test is necessary. In most cases, you straightforward pay the fee and your license is restored.
Can I reinstate my license online if I live out of state?
Yes, if your suspension type allows online reinstatement. You can pay the fee and submit required documents through the Secretary of State website from anywhere. Your temporary permit will be available online, and your physical license will be mailed to your address on file. Call the Secretary of State to confirm your suspension type qualifies for online reinstatement.