What you need to do to get your Illinois license back
To reinstate your Illinois driver's license, you must first find out why it was suspended or revoked, then complete the specific steps the Secretary of State requires for that reason. The process is different depending on whether your license was suspended for unpaid traffic fines, a DUI conviction, failure to pay child support, or another cause. You cannot straightforward renew your license online or by mail — reinstatement requires you to contact the Secretary of State directly, pay any outstanding fees, and in some cases provide proof that you have resolved the underlying issue.
Illinois does not reinstate licenses automatically. You must take action, and the timeline depends on what caused the suspension and whether you meet all current requirements. Some suspensions lift after a set period if you do nothing, but most require you to file paperwork and pay a reinstatement fee before you can drive legally again.
Key Takeaways
- You must contact the Secretary of State's Driver Services Department to find out the specific reason your license was suspended or revoked and what steps are required to reinstate it.
- Most reinstatements require you to pay a fee (typically $100 to $500 depending on the reason) plus any outstanding fines or restitution related to the suspension.
- If your suspension was for a DUI or reckless driving conviction, you may need to complete a remedial driving course or substance abuse program before reinstatement is possible.
- The Secretary of State's office can tell you in one call whether your license is may be able to access for reinstatement now or whether you must wait until a specific date.
- Once you are reinstated, you will receive a new license in the mail within one to two weeks; you cannot drive legally until it arrives.
Find out why your license was suspended or revoked
Call the Secretary of State's Driver Services Department at 217-782-6900 (Springfield office) or visit a local Driver Services facility in person. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. The staff member will tell you the exact reason for the suspension or revocation and what you must do to reinstate it. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, DUI conviction, driving with a suspended license, failure to maintain insurance, or failure to pay child support.
Write down the reason, any fees owed, and the specific requirements for your situation. Ask whether you are currently may be able to access for reinstatement or whether you must wait until a certain date. Some suspensions are temporary and will lift automatically after a set period; others require active steps on your part. If you are unsure about any requirement, ask the staff member to explain it again before you hang up.
Pay outstanding fines, restitution, and reinstatement fees
Most reinstatements require you to pay a reinstatement fee to the Secretary of State. This fee ranges from $100 to $500 depending on the reason for suspension. You must also pay any unpaid traffic fines, court costs, or restitution related to the suspension. If your suspension was for failure to pay child support, you must contact the Illinois Department of Human Services to confirm that your child support account is current before the Secretary of State will reinstate you.
You can pay the reinstatement fee by mail, phone, or in person at a Driver Services facility. The Secretary of State accepts checks, money orders, and credit cards. If you are paying by mail, send your payment to the address the staff member provides and include a letter stating your name, driver's license number, and the reason for payment. Keep a copy of your payment receipt or check number for your records. Do not send cash through the mail.
Complete required programs or courses
If your suspension was for a DUI or reckless driving conviction, you must complete a Remedial Driving Course before reinstatement. This is a classroom course that typically takes four to eight hours and covers safe driving practices and the dangers of impaired driving. You must take the course at a facility approved by the Secretary of State and provide proof of completion when you request reinstatement.
If your suspension involved a substance abuse conviction or if the Secretary of State requires it, you may also need to complete a Substance Abuse Assessment and Treatment Program. This is a more involved process that can take weeks or months. The Secretary of State will tell you whether this is required for your situation. You cannot proceed with reinstatement until you have completed the program and received a certificate of completion from the treatment provider.
Submit your reinstatement request to the Secretary of State
Once you have paid all fees and completed any required courses or programs, contact the Secretary of State again to request reinstatement. You can do this by phone (217-782-6900), by mail, or in person at a Driver Services facility. Have the following information ready: your driver's license number, your full name, your date of birth, and proof that you have completed all requirements (such as a course completion certificate or payment receipt).
If you are requesting reinstatement by mail, send a letter to the Secretary of State's office that includes your name, driver's license number, the reason your license was suspended, and copies of any proof of completion or payment. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want confirmation of receipt. The office will review your request and send you a notice by mail within one to two weeks telling you whether your license has been reinstated.
Receive your new license in the mail
Once the Secretary of State approves your reinstatement, you will receive a new driver's license in the mail within one to two weeks. You cannot drive legally until the new license arrives. If you need to drive before the license arrives, you can request a Temporary Driving Permit at a Driver Services facility, which allows you to drive for a limited time while you wait for the permanent license.
Check the new license for accuracy when it arrives. If there are errors in your name, address, or other information, contact the Secretary of State when ready to request a correction. Keep your old suspended license for your records, but do not attempt to use it to drive.
Common mistakes that delay reinstatement
Many people delay their reinstatement by not paying all outstanding fines at once. If you owe fines to multiple courts or agencies, you must pay all of them before the Secretary of State will reinstate your license. Contact each court or agency separately to find out what you owe, then pay them all before submitting your reinstatement request.
Another common mistake is not completing required courses or programs before requesting reinstatement. If a DUI remedial course or substance abuse program is required, you must finish it and receive a certificate before you contact the Secretary of State. Submitting a reinstatement request without proof of completion will result in a denial and delay your reinstatement by several weeks.
Do not attempt to drive with a suspended or revoked license while waiting for reinstatement. Driving with a suspended license is a separate criminal offense in Illinois and can result in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension. Wait until your new license arrives in the mail before you drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does reinstatement take?
If you meet all requirements and submit your request in person at a Driver Services facility, reinstatement can be approved the same day. If you submit by mail or phone, expect one to two weeks for the Secretary of State to review your request and mail you a notice. You will receive your new license in the mail one to two weeks after approval, so the total time is typically two to four weeks from the date you submit your request.
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being reviewed?
No. You cannot drive legally while your license is suspended or revoked, even if your reinstatement request is pending. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can request a Temporary Driving Permit at a Driver Services facility, which is valid for a limited time.
What if I cannot pay all my fines at once?
Contact the court or agency that issued the fine and ask about a payment plan. Some courts allow you to pay fines in installments over time. Once you have an agreement in place, contact the Secretary of State and explain the situation. In some cases, the Secretary of State may reinstate your license if you are making regular payments on an approved plan, though this varies by situation.
Do I need a lawyer to reinstate my license?
No. Reinstatement is a straightforward administrative process that you can handle yourself by contacting the Secretary of State and following their instructions. However, if your suspension was related to a criminal case or if you have questions about your legal rights, you may want to consult with a lawyer.
What happens if my reinstatement request is denied?
The Secretary of State will send you a letter explaining why your request was denied. Common reasons include unpaid fines, incomplete courses, or failure to meet other requirements. Review the letter carefully, complete any missing steps, and submit a new reinstatement request. You can also call the Secretary of State to ask for clarification about what you need to do.