What You Need to Do to Reinstate Your License in Joliet
To reinstate your driver's license in Joliet, you must first contact the Illinois Secretary of State's office to find out why your license was suspended or revoked, then pay any required fees and fines, and finally visit a Driver Services facility to complete the reinstatement process. The specific steps depend on the reason your license was taken — whether it was a suspension for unpaid traffic tickets, a revocation for DUI, or a hold placed by another agency.
You cannot reinstate your license online or by mail in Illinois. You must appear in person at a Driver Services facility. The closest full-service facility to Joliet is located in the Chicago area, though some Secretary of State offices handle reinstatement paperwork. Before you go, you need to know your case number and the exact reason for the suspension or revocation.
The entire process typically takes between two and four weeks from the time you pay all required fees until your new license arrives by mail. During that period, you cannot legally drive in Illinois, even if you have paid everything owed.
Key Takeaways
- Call the Illinois Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 or visit cyberdriveillinois.com to learn why your license was suspended or revoked before you take any other step.
- You must pay all outstanding fines, fees, and court-ordered restitution before the Secretary of State will process your reinstatement.
- Reinstatement requires an in-person visit to a Driver Services facility; the nearest full-service location to Joliet is in the Chicago metropolitan area.
- After you pay all fees, the Secretary of State will mail you a new license within two to four weeks; you cannot drive legally until it arrives.
- If your suspension was for unpaid child support or other court orders, you must resolve those issues first — the Secretary of State will not reinstate until proof is provided.
Finding Out Why Your License Was Suspended or Revoked
The first step is always to contact the Illinois Secretary of State's Driver Services Division directly. Call 217-782-6900 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time). Have your driver's license number or date of birth ready. The staff member will tell you the exact reason for the suspension or revocation and what you must do to fix it.
You can also check your status online at cyberdriveillinois.com by entering your driver's license number and date of birth. The website will show you whether your license is suspended, revoked, or valid, and in many cases will list the reason. However, the website does not always show all the details you need — such as which court or agency placed the hold — so a phone call is usually faster.
Common reasons for suspension in Illinois include unpaid traffic tickets, failure to pay child support, failure to appear in court, unpaid parking tickets in Chicago, and medical holds placed by the Secretary of State. Revocation is more serious and typically results from DUI convictions, reckless driving convictions, or multiple serious violations. The steps to reinstate differ depending on which category applies to you.
Paying Fines, Fees, and Court-Ordered Amounts
Once you know why your license was suspended, you must pay everything owed before reinstatement can happen. This includes the original fine or ticket amount, any late fees the court added, the Secretary of State reinstatement fee (currently $100 for most suspensions), and any other court-ordered restitution or child support arrears.
If your suspension is due to unpaid traffic tickets, contact the court that issued the ticket. In Joliet, that is usually the Will County Circuit Court traffic division. You can pay by phone, online through the court's website, or in person at the courthouse. Ask for a receipt or confirmation number showing the ticket has been paid in full.
If your suspension is due to unpaid child support, contact the Illinois Department of Human Services, Child Support Enforcement Division, at 1-800-447-4278. They will tell you the exact amount owed and accept payment by phone or mail. You must obtain written proof that the arrears have been paid before you visit the Driver Services facility.
If your suspension is due to a medical hold or other Secretary of State action, the staff member who answers the phone will explain what must be done. Some medical holds require a letter from a doctor; others require completion of a substance abuse program. Do not visit a Driver Services facility until you have completed whatever step was required.
Visiting a Driver Services Facility for Reinstatement
After you have paid all fines and fees, you must visit a Driver Services facility in person. There is no Driver Services office in Joliet itself. The nearest full-service facility is the Chicago Loop Driver Services Center, located at 100 West Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60601. Other options include the Schaumburg facility (1500 McConnor Parkway, Schaumburg, IL 60173) or the Downers Grove facility (2500 Ogden Avenue, Downers Grove, IL 60515).
Bring the following documents: a valid photo ID (passport, state ID, or military ID), proof of residence (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, and proof that you have paid all outstanding fines and fees. If you paid a ticket or court fine, bring the receipt or court confirmation. If you resolved child support arrears, bring the written proof from the Department of Human Services.
You do not need to make an appointment. Driver Services facilities operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early in the day if possible, as wait times can exceed two hours during peak hours. The facility staff will verify that all fines have been paid, process your reinstatement paperwork, and collect the reinstatement fee if you have not already paid it.
After your paperwork is processed, the Secretary of State will mail your new license to the address on file. This typically takes two to four weeks. You will receive a temporary driving permit valid for 30 days if you need to drive before the new license arrives, though you must request this at the facility.
Different Rules for DUI Revocations
If your license was revoked due to a DUI conviction, the reinstatement process is longer and more complex. You cannot reinstate until the revocation period has ended. For a first DUI, the revocation period is one year from the date of conviction. For a second DUI within 20 years, it is five years. For a third or subsequent DUI, it is ten years or longer.
Even after the revocation period ends, you must complete an alcohol and drug evaluation and any recommended treatment or counseling before reinstatement. You must also obtain an Interlock Device Monitoring Agreement if required by the court. This is a breath-testing device installed in your vehicle that prevents the engine from starting if alcohol is detected. The cost of installation and monthly monitoring is your responsibility.
Once you have completed all requirements, you must visit a Driver Services facility with proof of completion. Bring documentation of the evaluation, any treatment completion certificates, and proof of Interlock installation if required. The reinstatement fee for a DUI revocation is $500, not $100.
What Happens If You Drive Before Your License Is Reinstated
Driving with a suspended or revoked license in Illinois is a criminal offense. A first offense is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. A second offense within five years is a Class 4 felony. Police can stop you for any traffic violation and will discover the suspension when they run your license.
If you are stopped, your vehicle will be impounded, and you will be arrested. You will face separate criminal charges in addition to the original reason your license was suspended. This makes the cost of driving illegally far higher than the cost of paying fines and waiting for reinstatement.
If you need to drive before your license is reinstated, request a temporary driving permit at the Driver Services facility. This permit is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive while your new license is being mailed. It is not available for DUI revocations or for suspensions related to child support or medical holds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reinstate my license by mail or online?
No. Illinois requires an in-person visit to a Driver Services facility. You cannot complete reinstatement by mail, phone, or online. However, you can check your suspension status online and pay some fines online before you visit.
What if I cannot afford to pay all the fines at once?
Contact the court or agency that issued the fine and ask about a payment plan. Many courts allow you to pay in installments. However, the Secretary of State will not process reinstatement until the full amount is paid, so a payment plan does not speed up the process.
How long does it take to get my license after I visit the facility?
The Secretary of State mails licenses within two to four weeks of processing. You can request a temporary 30-day permit at the facility if you need to drive when ready, but this is not available for all types of suspensions.
Do I need a new photo for reinstatement?
Yes. A new photo is taken at the Driver Services facility during the reinstatement process. Bring a valid photo ID so the staff can verify your identity before taking the new photo.
What if my suspension was due to a medical hold?
Contact the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 to find out what medical documentation or evaluation is required. You must complete this step before visiting a Driver Services facility. Bring the required documentation with you when you go in person.