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Driver's License Reinstatement

How to Reinstate Your Driver's License in IL

Has Your License Been Suspended or Revoked? Call (309) 565-8825

You are fully eligible to represent yourself at your driver's license reinstatement hearing, and many people in your situation do. Choosing this option, however, is often a serious mistake. You are not, however, entitled to reinstatement of your driving privileges, and the burden of proof in the case is entirely on you.

Why Choose Our Illinois Driver’s License Lawyers?

  • Nearly 100 years of combined legal experience
  • Personalized strategies and tireless representation
  • 100s of driver's license reinstatement hearings under our belts
  • Award-winning team with a proven track record of success

Without a thorough understanding of the applicable laws and procedure involved in petitioning for reinstatement, the odds are against you in the situation, and there is a high likelihood that your request will be denied. Given the hardship inflicted by a license suspension or revocation — making it difficult to commute to work, to get your children to and from school and to carry out your daily errands — you have too much at stake to afford to take any chances with the outcome of your case. Instead, let a proven Illinois driver's license reinstatement attorney from our team fight for you.

Information About Driver's License Reinstatement

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What Is Involved in the Driver's License Reinstatement Hearing?

The decision to grant or deny your request for restored driving privileges is largely based on what happens at your reinstatement hearing. At this hearing, you will have to provide evidence that you have fully corrected the issues that led to the suspension or revocation of your license, as well as demonstrate that you are now capable of driving responsibly. This phase of the hearing often involves questioning about your driving history and substance abuse and you must be prepared to give appropriate answers.

The entire process can be stressful and confusing, and a large percentage of people who attempt it on their own reach the end of the ordeal without any success. Give yourself the best possible chances of getting your license back quickly by working with an attorney from the team of former prosecutors at Johnson Law Group.

Our Firm Can Help You Regain Your License

Under Illinois state law, you are only allowed to be cited for 3 traffic violations in a 12-month period before the secretary of state will move to suspend or revoke your driver's license.

The length of the suspension depends on the number of points assigned to the violations you were convicted of committing, such as:

  • 55 points for reckless driving
  • 20 points for disregarding a traffic-control light
  • 10 points for improper turn at an intersection

Certain offenses can result in an immediate suspension or revocation, such as driving without liability insurance, driving under the influence (DUI) or possession of cannabis. Whatever the reason that you lost your driving privileges, you can find help pursuing reinstatement of your license by contacting us at Johnson Law Group for a free case evaluation. Our Driver’s License Lawyers have over 100 years of combined experience and a proven track record of success in handling a wide variety of charges.

How Long Does It Take To Reinstate a License in Illinois?

If your Illinois driver's license has been suspended or revoked, you must go through the reinstatement process to restore your driving privileges. The reinstatement process and the amount of time it takes can vary depending on the reason for the suspension or revocation. There is no one set of requirements in all situations where a driver seeks to restore their license. 

Typically, you will be required to pay a reinstatement fee and satisfy any conditions set by the court. In some situations reinstating a revoked or suspended driver's license can be tricky. For example, if your license was suspended due to a DUI conviction, you will have many more steps in the reinstatement process. These steps could include an alcohol and drug evaluation, meeting with a Secretary of State hearing officer, and passing a written, vision, and driving exam. Additionally, you may be required to complete an alcohol treatment program or install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle. 

The reinstatement process can be complicated, so it is essential to consult with an experienced Illinois driver's license reinstatement lawyer to ensure that you follow the necessary steps to reinstate your license and have adequate representation at hearings. 

Can I Check If My License is Suspended Online?

Unfortunately, there is no online resource available to check if your driver's license is suspended in Illinois. In order to find out, you will need to contact the Secretary of State's office or visit one of their facilities in person. Once there, they can provide you with an official status of your driving privileges and any penalties that have been assessed against your license. You may also be required to pay any applicable fees associated with obtaining this information. It is important that you follow the instructions given by the office, as failure to do so could lead to additional penalties being applied. Knowing the status of your license can help ensure that you are able to drive legally and avoid further problems on the road.

If, for any reason, you are unable to visit any of the Secretary of State's facilities, you can request that a copy of your driving record be sent to your home address. This will provide you with up-to-date information regarding the status of your license as well as any suspensions that may have been imposed upon it. You will need to fill out an application form and submit it along with the applicable fees in order to receive this information by mail. It’s essential that you ensure all details provided on the application are accurate before submission, as incorrect or incomplete information could lead to a delay in the processing of your request.  Again, it is highly recommended that you consult with a lawyer or qualified professional if you have any questions about your driver's license status. 

What is a Restricted Driving Permit?

A Restricted Driving Permit (RDP) is a type of temporary driver's license that allows an individual to drive with certain restrictions after their regular driver's license has been suspended or revoked. In most cases, RDPs are issued to individuals who have had their driver's license suspended or revoked due to a DUI or other serious driving offense. The permit may allow them to drive to work, school, medical appointments, or other necessary activities.

The specific restrictions on an RDP vary depending on the individual's situation and the laws in their state or jurisdiction. For example, some RDPs may require the use of an ignition interlock device, which prevents a vehicle from starting if the driver has been drinking. Others may limit the time of day or the geographic area in which the individual can drive.

In Illinois, a Restricted Driving Permit (RDP) may be issued to eligible drivers whose license has been revoked or suspended due to certain offenses, such as DUI or reckless driving. The rules for obtaining and using an RDP in Illinois include the following:

  1. Eligibility: To be eligible for an RDP, a driver must meet certain criteria, such as completing a drug and alcohol evaluation and attending a remedial education program.
  2. Restrictions: An RDP may be issued with various restrictions, depending on the individual's circumstances. Some common restrictions include limiting driving to specific times or locations, requiring the use of an ignition interlock device, or prohibiting driving of commercial vehicles.
  3. Application: To apply for an RDP in Illinois, the driver must complete an application and provide documentation of their eligibility, such as proof of completion of a drug and alcohol evaluation.
  4. Hearing: A hearing may be required to determine whether the driver is eligible for an RDP, depending on the offense that led to the suspension or revocation of their license.
  5. Compliance: Drivers with an RDP must comply with all restrictions and traffic laws, as well as any other requirements imposed by the court or the Illinois Secretary of State's office.

It's important to note that the rules for RDPs in Illinois are subject to change and may vary depending on the individual's circumstances. It's recommended to consult with an experienced attorney or the Illinois Secretary of State's office for specific guidance.

Get Back on the Road With the Help of Our Illinois Driver's License Reinstatement Lawyers!

Contrary to popular assumptions, driving on the roads of Illinois is a privilege, not a right. This privilege can be suspended or revoked by the Secretary of State, leaving you unable to drive to work, take your children to school, and carry out the countless other routine tasks that require you to drive on a daily basis. If you are caught driving while your license is suspended, you can be hit with an even longer suspension or be sent to jail. To avoid such penalties, you have two options: You can wait out the period of your suspension or revocation or you can hire an Illinois driver's license reinstatement attorney to represent you at a hearing in an attempt to regain your driving privileges early.

Unfortunately, becoming eligible for reinstatement can be difficult, particularly without any prior legal experience. You are not alone, however. Johnson Law Group is here to help you achieve the favorable outcome you need and resume your daily obligations.

Our Illinois driver's license reinstatement lawyers at Johnson Law Group can help you:

  • Demonstrate that the reason for your license suspension has been addressed
  • Successfully attend your license reinstatement hearing
  • Answer the state's questions with accuracy and clarity

We are committed to giving our clients the best possible chance at success and it starts by calling our firm! With over a 100 years of experience, our team is one that you can count on for the entirety of your case.


Contact us now at (309) 565-8825 for a free case evaluation and get started with our Illinois driver's license reinstatement attorneys!


See Our Track Record of Success

  • FFL Revocation Hearing Won Gun Crimes
  • Order of Protection Cases Defended Assault & Battery
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