Crime & Traffic
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Start by getting your “court purpose abstract” from the Secretary of State. This document shows the status of your driver’s license and your driving history, including why your license was suspended or revoked. It can also help you understand what steps you may need to take to reinstate your license.
The “court purpose abstract” costs about $22, and you can get it:
- Online at ilsos.gov (downloadable PDF), or
- In person, without an appointment, at any Secretary of State facility.
Your next steps depend on whether your license was suspended, revoked, or canceled, and why. Suspensions and revocations can happen for reasons like too many tickets, serious violations, driving without insurance, not paying child support, or owing money after an uninsured accident. Cancellations are less common and usually happen for specific reasons, such as giving false information or having a medical condition that affects your ability to drive.
Important: If you are unsure what to do about your driving privileges, you can speak with a lawyer or an informal hearing officer at the Secretary of State. They can help you understand the status of your license, whether you need a hearing, and what steps you may need to take to get your license back.
Suspended
A suspension means your license is taken away for a set period of time. Suspensions are usually the easiest to fix. You may need to:
- Wait until your eligibility date, which is usually listed on the notice you received or on your driving record.
- Note: Your eligibility date does not automatically restore your license. It is the date when you can begin taking the steps to get it back.
- Pay the reinstatement fee online, by phone (217-782-6212), or in person.
- Complete a driver safety course.
- Show proof of insurance (SR-22) if required.
Revoked
A revocation means your license is taken away, and you must apply to get it back. You must:
- Request and attend an informal or formal hearing. More information on this is included in the steps below.
- Pay a reinstatement fee after approval.
- Possibly retake driving tests.
You cannot legally drive again until you complete this process.
Canceled
A cancellation is a less common way your driving privileges can be taken away. To get your license back after a cancellation, you must first find out why it was canceled and fix that issue.
If your license was revoked, you will need a hearing. There are two types: informal and formal.
- Informal hearing: Usually for revocations not related to DUI or a felony involving a vehicle. This includes suspensions or revocations caused by too many traffic violations, especially after multiple suspensions or driving while your license was suspended.
- Formal hearing: Usually required for DUI-related cases or more serious situations. In Illinois, this often happens after a DUI conviction. Many people in this situation have had prior DUI-related incidents or suspensions.
Important: There are many factors that can affect whether you need a formal or informal hearing. The type of hearing is not always obvious at first, even if you have a copy of your driving record (court purposes abstract). A hearing officer at a Secretary of State facility can review your record and tell you which hearing you need. You can also ask a lawyer for help.
Informal hearings
Informal hearings are held at Secretary of State facilities with a hearing officer. You do not need an appointment, and hearings are usually done on a first-come, first-served basis. When you arrive, you will be asked to fill out forms, which are typically provided at the office.
During the hearing, the officer will ask questions about your driving history, including past violations, and how you plan to drive safely in the future. The goal is to decide whether you are safe to have your driving privileges restored. You may bring a lawyer, but they cannot answer questions for you and are usually there only to advise you. The hearing officer does not make the final decision. Instead, your case is reviewed in Springfield, and you will receive the decision by mail.
If your privileges are restored, you may still need to get insurance and retake a driving test if your license has expired.
Formal hearings
Formal hearings are more complex and must be scheduled in advance. You must mail a formal hearing request and pay a $50 non-refundable fee by check or money order. After you mail in your request, you will receive a Notice of Hearing with the date of your hearing. If you miss your hearing or are not prepared, you will lose the fee and must reschedule. These hearings are held in Chicago, Joliet, Springfield, or Mt. Vernon.
Before your formal hearing
Formal hearings are detailed and can be difficult, so it is important to be fully prepared. If your hearing is related to DUI offenses, you must complete all required classes or treatment before the hearing. You will also need an evaluation from a DASA-certified provider (Department of Alcohol and Substance Abuse) showing that you have completed treatment or followed their recommendations.
If you have not finished your DUI classes as ordered, you will not be allowed to have the hearing. This is one of the most important steps in the process.
You should also be ready to answer detailed questions about:
- Each of your prior DUI offenses (what happened and what you consumed)
- Your past behavior and decisions
- Your current habits and what has changed
- What you learned from treatment and why you are safe to drive
These questions can be very specific and detailed. The process can feel uncomfortable and difficult, so it is important to be prepared.
On the day of your hearing
- Cases are handled in the order you check in
- Many people arrive early, and you may need to wait several hours or most of the day
- A hearing officer will listen to your testimony
- A lawyer for the Secretary of State may question you and present evidence
You may bring your own lawyer, but you are not required to have one, and one will not be provided. If you do not speak English, you must bring your own interpreter. The interpreter cannot be connected to your treatment provider or your lawyer. If you do not bring an interpreter, your hearing may be canceled. Sign-language interpreters are available if you request one in advance.
The hearing itself usually lasts at least 30 minutes or longer.
After your hearing, the Secretary of State will send you a decision by mail, usually within 90 days.
- Informal hearings: If you are approved, you may be granted full reinstatement right away. This means you can get your license back once you complete any remaining requirements, such as paying fees, getting insurance, or retaking a driving test if your license has expired. If you are denied, the notice will explain why, and you may be able to try again after addressing those issues.
- Formal hearings (usually DUI-related): If you are approved, you will usually receive a Restricted Driving Permit (RDP) first. This allows limited driving for work, school, or other approved purposes and at certain times. After at least 9 months with no violations, you may apply for full reinstatement.
For some people, having multiple DUIs may mean they can only ever drive with a Restricted Driving Permit (RDP), or in some cases, may not be able to drive again at all. For others, the process can take longer or start over if they get traffic violations or break the rules of a BAIID device while on an RDP.
It is important to follow all rules and drive carefully during this process. Even small violations can lead to serious setbacks.
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