Who to call and what to expect

If your license is suspended in Springfield, you need to contact the Springfield Police Department's Traffic Division or the Springfield Circuit Court, depending on why your license was suspended. The specific number and office depend on whether your suspension came from a traffic court order, a DUI conviction, or an administrative action by the Illinois Secretary of State.

Start by calling the Springfield Police Department's non-emergency line at (217) 788-8311 and ask to be transferred to the Traffic Division. They can tell you whether your suspension is local or state-level, and direct you to the right office. If your suspension came through the court system, you may need to contact Springfield Circuit Court instead.

Have your driver's license number and date of birth ready when you call. The person who answers will need this information to look up your case and explain what steps you must take to get your license back.

Key Takeaways

  • The Springfield Police Department Traffic Division at (217) 788-8311 can tell you whether your suspension is local or handled by the Illinois Secretary of State.
  • Some suspensions require you to pay fines, complete a DUI education program, or serve a waiting period before you can request reinstatement.
  • If your suspension came through court, Springfield Circuit Court at (217) 753-6700 handles reinstatement requests and may require a hearing.
  • The Illinois Secretary of State's office in Springfield can be reached at (217) 782-6000 if your suspension is state-level rather than local.

Understanding local versus state suspensions

Springfield has two separate systems that can suspend your license. A local suspension usually comes from a Springfield traffic court order — for example, if you were convicted of reckless driving or accumulated too many points in a short time. A state suspension is issued by the Illinois Secretary of State and typically follows a DUI conviction, a refusal to take a breath test, or multiple violations across the state.

The difference matters because each system has different reinstatement rules and different offices that handle your case. A local suspension may require you to appear in court again; a state suspension usually requires you to complete specific programs and pay reinstatement fees to the Secretary of State.

When you call the Springfield Police Traffic Division, tell them you need to know whether your suspension is local or state. They will look it up and tell you which office to contact next.

What information you will need to provide

When you call, have these details ready: your full name, date of birth, driver's license number, and the approximate date your license was suspended. If you have a court order or suspension notice in the mail, have that in front of you — it will have a case number or suspension ID that speeds up the lookup.

The person on the phone will ask why you believe your license was suspended. Be honest and direct. If you do not know the reason, say so — they can tell you. Knowing the reason (DUI, points, failure to appear in court, unpaid fines) determines what you have to do to get reinstated.

Springfield Circuit Court contact information

If your suspension came through the court system, you will need to contact Springfield Circuit Court directly. The main number is (217) 753-6700. Ask for the Traffic or Criminal Division, depending on the type of charge that led to your suspension.

Some suspensions require you to appear before a judge to request reinstatement. Others allow you to submit paperwork by mail. The court staff can tell you which applies to your case and what documents you need to send or bring.

If you cannot reach the right department by phone, you can also visit the courthouse in person at 200 South Ninth Street, Springfield, IL 62701, during business hours. Bring your suspension notice and a photo ID.

Illinois Secretary of State suspension line

If your suspension is state-level, you need to contact the Illinois Secretary of State's office in Springfield. Call (217) 782-6000 and ask for the Driver Services Division. This office handles suspensions for DUI convictions, breath test refusals, and violations that cross county lines.

State suspensions usually require you to complete a Victim Impact Panel (for DUI cases), pay a reinstatement fee, and sometimes serve a waiting period. The Secretary of State's office will explain what you owe and in what order you must complete these steps.

You can also visit the Secretary of State's office in person at 501 South Second Street, Springfield, IL 62756. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

What happens after you call

After you contact the right office, they will give you a list of requirements to get your license back. This might include paying fines, completing a DUI education course, serving a suspension period, or attending a court hearing. Each requirement has a important date.

Write down everything they tell you, including names, dates, and dollar amounts. Ask how long reinstatement usually takes once you have completed all requirements. Some offices process reinstatement in a few days; others take two to three weeks.

Keep records of everything you do — receipts for fines paid, certificates from programs completed, court documents. When you are ready to request reinstatement, you will need to show proof that you finished each step.

If you cannot reach the office by phone

If the phone lines are busy or you prefer to reach out in writing, you can send a letter to either office requesting information about your suspension. Include your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and the date you believe your suspension began. Mail it to the address listed above and allow two to three weeks for a response.

You can also check the status of a state suspension online through the Illinois Secretary of State website at cyberdriveillinois.com. Enter your driver's license number to see if a suspension is active and what the reason is. This does not replace calling — you still need to speak with someone to learn what steps to take — but it can confirm whether your suspension is state-level.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with a suspended license in Springfield?

No. Driving with a suspended license is a separate criminal offense in Illinois and can result in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension. If you need to drive for work or medical reasons, ask the court or Secretary of State about a Restricted Driving Permit, which may be available depending on the reason for your suspension.

How long does a suspension usually last?

It depends on the reason. A suspension for too many points might last 30 to 90 days. A DUI suspension can last six months to three years. Call the office handling your case — they will tell you the exact length and whether you can request early reinstatement by completing certain programs.

What if I moved out of Springfield since my suspension?

If your suspension is state-level, it follows you wherever you move in Illinois. If it is local to Springfield, contact the Springfield office that issued it to find out whether you can handle reinstatement by mail or phone. Some courts allow out-of-state residents to complete the process remotely.

Do I have to pay a reinstatement fee?

State suspensions require a reinstatement fee to the Illinois Secretary of State, usually between $100 and $500 depending on the reason. Local court suspensions may or may not have a fee — ask when you call. Some offices will tell you the fee amount over the phone; others require you to pay it in person or by mail.

What if I cannot afford to pay the fines or fees?

Tell the court or Secretary of State office when you call. Some offer payment plans, community service options, or fee waivers for people with low income. You have to ask — they will not offer this information unless you bring it up.