Crime & Traffic

My driver’s license is suspended or [no-lexicon]revoked[/no-lexicon]. What does that mean?

A suspended or revoked license means you lose your legal right to drive. However, the two are different:

• Suspension: This is a temporary loss of your driving privileges. You can usually get your license back after a specific period of time (no more than 12 months) or by fulfilling certain requirements, such as paying fines or resolving tickets. 
• Revocation: This is more serious. A revoked license means your driving privileges are indefinitely taken away. To get them back, you have to follow specific legal and administrative requirements, which may include hearings, paying fees, and meeting other conditions.

In either case, you cannot legally drive until your license is reinstated. 

How can I find out why my driving privileges were suspended or revoked? 

Contact the Illinois Secretary of State to learn why your license is suspended or revoked. It's also important to get a copy of your driving record from the Secretary of State. This record will explain the reason for your suspension or revocation. 

You can request your driving record:

• In person: Visit a Driver Services facility, fill out an Abstract Request Form, and pay a $20 fee.
• Online: Use the Driving Record Abstract System, but you’ll need a printer and a credit or debit card for the $20 fee.

If these options do not work for you, you can visit the Illinois Secretary of State website for other options. Their website has a guide on how to read your driving record that may be helpful to you.

What do I need to do to get my driving privileges back?

To restore your driving privileges, you must first find out why your license was suspended or revoked. Contact the Secretary of State as soon as possible. They can tell you what the problem is. They will know how to restore your driving privileges. This Road to Reinstatement pamphlet also details the process. 

What if my driving privileges were suspended or revoked because of a driving under the influence (DUI) offense? 

The Illinois Secretary of State has a complete list of what you need to do to restore your driving privileges after a DUI offense. If you had one prior DUI and received court supervision, contact the Secretary of State. The reinstatement fee may not have been paid.

Your driving privileges are revoked if you were convicted of your prior DUI or if you have more than one DUI. You need a hearing with the Secretary of State. Hearings are not given if you have pending traffic matters. Contact the Secretary of State or visit their website to find out how to get a hearing.

I have fixed the issue that caused my license suspension or revocation. What do I do now?

Contact and tell the Secretary of State that you have resolved the issue that led to the suspension or revocation. Confirms they have received any necessary documents from the emissions department, insurance company, or court needed for the reinstatement. There is also a reinstatement fee.

Your driving privileges remain suspended or revoked until you receive confirmation from the Secretary of State that they have been reinstated. Some cases are continued. Keep all documents and notices related to the process and bring them to your court dates.

What should I do if I get a ticket for a suspended or revoked driver’s license?

Driving with a suspended or revoked license is a misdemeanor and can result in a fine of up to $2,500, a jail sentence, or both. If you get a ticket for driving with a suspended or revoked license, don’t ignore it. Be sure to attend the court date listed on the ticket if one is scheduled. If you cannot afford a lawyer, tell the judge. If you qualify, the judge can appoint a public defender to represent you. Learn what to do if you are charged with a misdemeanor traffic violation.