A suspended license in Illinois comes in different classes, and the class determines how long you cannot drive and what you must do to get your license back
Illinois does not use the term "class" to describe suspension types the way some states do. Instead, the Secretary of State assigns a suspension reason code — a number that tells you why your license was suspended and what rules explore to getting it restored. The code matters because it controls your suspension length, whether you can drive at all during the suspension, and what documents you need to submit before the Secretary of State will reinstate you.
When you receive a suspension notice from the Secretary of State, it will include a reason code. That code is your key to understanding exactly what happened, how long the suspension lasts, and the steps to take next. Without knowing your code, you cannot plan your restoration correctly.
Key Takeaways
- Illinois suspension reason codes are numbers that identify why your license was suspended and determine how long the suspension lasts.
- Some suspensions last 6 months, others last a year or longer, and the code on your notice tells you which one applies to you.
- You cannot legally drive during a suspension unless you hold a Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP) or a Restricted Driving Permit (RDP), and not all suspension codes allow either one.
- The Secretary of State will not reinstate your license until you meet all requirements tied to your specific suspension code, which may include paying fees, completing programs, or submitting court documents.
How to Find Your Suspension Reason Code
Your suspension notice from the Secretary of State will show a reason code in a box near the top or middle of the letter. The code is usually a two- or three-digit number. Write this number down — you will need it to understand what comes next and to contact the Secretary of State if you have questions.
If you cannot find your notice or do not remember the code, you can call the Secretary of State's Drivers Services Department at 217-782-6900 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time). Have your driver's license number ready. They will tell you your reason code and explain what it means for your suspension.
You can also check your suspension status online through the Secretary of State's website by entering your driver's license number. The online system will show your suspension reason code and the date your suspension ends.
Common Suspension Reason Codes and Their Lengths
Illinois uses dozens of reason codes, but a few appear most often. Code 01 is suspension for failure to pay traffic fines or failure to appear in court — this suspension lasts until you resolve the underlying ticket or court case. Code 03 is suspension for a DUI conviction — this suspension lasts a minimum of 6 months for a first offense, but can be longer depending on the court's order. Code 05 is suspension for accumulating too many moving violations in a short time — this suspension typically lasts 3 months.
Code 12 is suspension for failing to maintain auto insurance — this suspension lasts until you show proof of insurance and pay a reinstatement fee. Code 14 is suspension for refusing a breath or blood test during a DUI stop — this suspension lasts a minimum of 12 months for a first refusal. Code 26 is suspension for being declared a habitual traffic offender — this suspension lasts a minimum of 5 years.
Your notice will state your specific code and the suspension end date. If the end date has already passed, you may be able to request reinstatement when ready. If the date is in the future, you must wait until that date before you can begin the reinstatement process.
Driving Permits During a Suspension
Illinois offers two types of permits that allow limited driving during a suspension: the Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP) and the Restricted Driving Permit (RDP). Not all suspension codes allow either permit, so check your notice or call the Secretary of State to confirm whether your code qualifies.
An MDDP allows you to drive only to and from work, school, medical appointments, and to the facility where you must have an ignition interlock device installed and serviced. An RDP allows you to drive for work, school, medical care, court-ordered programs, and to the Secretary of State's office. Both permits require you to pay a fee and meet specific conditions — for example, an MDDP requires an ignition interlock device in your vehicle.
To request either permit, contact the Secretary of State's office or visit a Driver Services facility in person. You will need to show proof of the reason you need to drive (such as a work letter or school enrollment) and pay the permit fee. Processing takes several business days.
What You Must Do Before Reinstatement
The steps to reinstate your license depend entirely on your reason code. Some suspensions require only that you wait out the suspension period and pay a reinstatement fee. Others require you to complete a program, submit court documents, or show proof of insurance.
For a DUI suspension (codes 03, 14, and others), you must complete a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) evaluation and any recommended treatment or education program before the Secretary of State will reinstate you. For a suspension tied to unpaid fines or failure to appear (code 01), you must resolve the underlying court case. For a suspension tied to insurance (code 12), you must show proof of current coverage.
Your suspension notice should list the specific requirements for your code. If it does not, call the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 and ask what documents or steps you need to complete. Do not wait until your suspension end date to start — some requirements take weeks or months to finish.
How to Request Reinstatement
Once your suspension period has ended and you have met all requirements, you can request reinstatement. You have two options: visit a Driver Services facility in person or mail your documents to the Secretary of State.
If you visit in person, bring your suspension notice, proof that you have met all requirements (such as a SAP completion letter or insurance card), and payment for the reinstatement fee. The fee is typically $100 to $200, depending on your reason code. A staff member will review your documents and process your reinstatement on the spot. You will receive a temporary driving permit valid for 30 days while your new license is printed and mailed.
If you mail your documents, send them to the address listed on your suspension notice along with a check or money order for the reinstatement fee. Include a cover letter with your name, driver's license number, and a list of what you are enclosing. Mail takes longer — allow 4 to 6 weeks for processing. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file.
What Happens If You Drive on a Suspended License
Driving on a suspended license in Illinois is a criminal offense. A first offense is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of $500 to $1,000 and up to 6 months in jail. A second offense within 5 years is a Class A misdemeanor, with a fine of $1,000 to $2,500 and up to 1 year in jail. A third or subsequent offense within 5 years is a felony.
Beyond the criminal penalty, driving on a suspended license will extend your suspension. The Secretary of State will add additional suspension time to your original suspension period. You may also lose the right to request a Restricted Driving Permit or Monitoring Device Driving Permit for future suspensions.
If you are stopped by police, be honest about your suspension status. Provide your license and explain that you are aware of the suspension. Do not attempt to drive without a valid permit or license, even for a short distance or an emergency — the law does not make exceptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when my suspension ends?
Your suspension notice lists the end date. You can also check online through the Secretary of State's website or call 217-782-6900. The suspension ends at midnight on that date, and you can begin the reinstatement process the next day.
Can I get a Restricted Driving Permit for any suspension?
No. Some reason codes do not allow a Restricted Driving Permit or Monitoring Device Driving Permit. Your suspension notice will state whether you are may be able to access. If you are not sure, call the Secretary of State and ask about your specific code.
What if I do not know why my license was suspended?
Call the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 with your driver's license number. They will tell you the reason code and explain what it means. You can also visit a Driver Services facility in person and ask a staff member to look up your suspension.
Do I have to pay a reinstatement fee?
Yes. Illinois charges a reinstatement fee for almost all suspensions. The fee is typically $100 to $200, depending on your reason code. Some suspensions may have additional fees — for example, a DUI suspension may require payment for a SAP evaluation. Your suspension notice will list all fees you owe.
What if I move to another state while my license is suspended?
You cannot legally obtain a license in another state while your Illinois license is suspended. Most states check the National Driver Register and will see your suspension. You must resolve your Illinois suspension first, then you can explore for a license in your new state.