What happens to your license after a DUI arrest in Illinois
When you are arrested for DUI in Illinois, your driver's license is suspended when ready — not by the court, but by the Secretary of State's office through an administrative action. This suspension takes effect on the date of your arrest, regardless of whether you are convicted. The suspension period depends on whether it is your first offense and whether you refused a breath or blood test.
For a first DUI offense, the suspension is typically six months if you submitted to testing, or one year if you refused. However, Illinois law allows you to request a Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP) after 45 days of suspension. This permit lets you drive during the remainder of your suspension period, but only in a vehicle equipped with an ignition interlock device. The 45-day waiting period is fixed — you cannot shorten it, and you cannot request the permit before that time has passed.
The reinstatement process after 45 days is not automatic. You must take specific steps with the Secretary of State and an ignition interlock service provider. Missing any step or important date will extend your suspension.
Key Takeaways
- Your license suspension begins on your arrest date, and you must wait exactly 45 days before you can request a Monitoring Device Driving Permit.
- To drive during the remainder of your suspension, you need an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle and a valid MDDP from the Secretary of State.
- You must contact an Illinois-certified ignition interlock service provider to schedule the installation before submitting your MDDP request.
- The Secretary of State charges a $250 fee to issue the MDDP, and the interlock device itself costs money for installation and monthly monitoring.
- If you do not install the device or fail to maintain it, your suspension will continue for the full original period.
The 45-day waiting period and what it means
The 45-day clock starts on the date of your arrest, not the date you received notice of suspension. You cannot drive at all during this period, even with a permit. If you were arrested on January 15, your 45 days ends on March 1 (counting all calendar days, including weekends and holidays).
During these 45 days, you should begin preparing for the MDDP process. This means researching ignition interlock providers in your area, understanding the costs involved, and gathering the documents you will need. Do not wait until day 45 to start — the installation process takes time, and delays can push your reinstatement back further.
Finding and scheduling an ignition interlock device installation
Illinois requires that your ignition interlock device come from a Secretary of State-certified provider. Not all interlock companies are certified in Illinois, so you cannot straightforward choose any vendor. The Secretary of State maintains a list of certified providers on its website. Call ahead and confirm that the provider serves your county and can schedule an installation within a reasonable timeframe.
When you contact the provider, have your driver's license number and arrest information ready. The provider will explain the installation fee (typically $75 to $150), the monthly monitoring cost (usually $60 to $90), and any removal fees. Some providers offer payment plans. Ask whether they can schedule your installation for a date shortly after your 45 days are complete — ideally within a few days, so you can submit your MDDP request without delay.
The installation itself takes 30 minutes to an hour. The device is wired to your vehicle's ignition system and requires you to provide a breath sample before the engine will start. You will also need to return for monthly check-ins to read data and may support the device is functioning correctly.
Submitting your Monitoring Device Driving Permit request to the Secretary of State
After your 45 days have passed and your ignition interlock device is installed, you can submit your MDDP request. You must do this through the Secretary of State's Driver Services department. Illinois allows you to submit the request online, by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State facility.
To submit online, visit the Secretary of State website and locate the DUI suspension reinstatement section. You will need to provide your driver's license number, your arrest date, proof that an ignition interlock device has been installed (the provider will give you a certificate of installation), and payment of the $250 MDDP fee. The online system will accept credit or debit card payment.
If you submit by mail, send the following to the address listed on the Secretary of State website: a completed DUI reinstatement form (available on the website), a copy of your ignition interlock installation certificate, a check or money order for $250, and a copy of your driver's license. Mail takes longer to process, so submit at least two weeks before you need to drive.
If you submit in person, bring your driver's license, the installation certificate, and payment. Processing is usually faster at a facility, sometimes the same day.
Common mistakes that delay reinstatement
The most frequent error is submitting your MDDP request before 45 days have passed. The Secretary of State will reject it, and you will have to resubmit after the waiting period is actually complete. This costs you time and sometimes an additional fee.
Another mistake is using a non-certified interlock provider. If your device is not on the Secretary of State's certified list, the MDDP request will be denied. Always verify certification before scheduling installation.
Failing to pay the $250 MDDP fee or submitting incomplete paperwork also causes delays. Double-check that your installation certificate includes all required information — the provider's name, your name, the vehicle identification number, the installation date, and the provider's signature or stamp.
Finally, some drivers assume the MDDP is permanent. It is not. The permit is valid only for the remainder of your original suspension period. Once that period ends, you must request full reinstatement of your license through a separate process.
What happens after your MDDP is approved
Once the Secretary of State approves your MDDP, you will receive a permit document by mail or in person, depending on how you submitted your request. This permit allows you to drive only in a vehicle with an active, functioning ignition interlock device. You must carry the permit with you whenever you drive.
You are required to maintain the device for the entire remainder of your suspension period. This means paying monthly monitoring fees and attending all scheduled service appointments. If you miss an appointment or the device is removed before your suspension ends, your MDDP will be revoked and your suspension will resume for the full original period.
During this time, you may also be required to complete a DUI education program or substance abuse treatment, depending on your case and the prosecutor's recommendations. Check with the court handling your DUI case to learn what additional requirements explore to you.
Costs and fees for the 45-day reinstatement process
| Cost Item | Typical Amount | Who Receives Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Ignition interlock installation | $75–$150 | Certified interlock provider |
| Monthly interlock monitoring | $60–$90 per month | Certified interlock provider |
| Monitoring Device Driving Permit fee | $250 | Secretary of State |
| Device removal (at end of suspension) | $50–$100 | Certified interlock provider |
The total cost depends on how long your suspension lasts. For a first offense with a six-month suspension, you would pay the installation fee, four to five months of monitoring fees, the MDDP fee, and the removal fee. Budget between $700 and $1,200 for the full process, though costs vary by provider and your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive at all during the first 45 days after my DUI arrest?
No. Your license is suspended when ready upon arrest, and you cannot drive for any reason during the 45-day waiting period. This includes driving to work, medical appointments, or to install the ignition interlock device. You must use alternative transportation or ask someone else to drive you.
What if I cannot afford the ignition interlock device?
Some certified providers offer payment plans or reduced fees for financial hardship. Contact multiple providers in your area and ask about options. You can also request a hardship hearing with the Secretary of State, though approval is not may provide. Without the device, you cannot obtain the MDDP and your suspension continues for the full period.
Do I have to use the same ignition interlock provider for the entire suspension period?
No. You can switch providers if you are unhappy with service or find a cheaper option. However, you must notify the Secretary of State of the change, and the new provider must be certified. The device must remain installed and functional at all times.
What happens if my ignition interlock device malfunctions?
Contact your provider when ready. They are required to repair or replace a malfunctioning device within a set timeframe. If the device is down for more than a few days, notify the Secretary of State in writing. Prolonged malfunction can result in revocation of your MDDP, so do not delay reporting the problem.
Can I get my full license back before the suspension period ends?
No. The MDDP is a restricted permit valid only during your suspension period. Once the suspension period ends, you must request full reinstatement through a separate process with the Secretary of State. At that point, the ignition interlock device must be removed.