You got a DUI in Illinois but you don't live here anymore — or maybe you never did. Now your home state won't issue or renew your license because Illinois has a hold on your record. And Illinois says you need to work with an Illinois-licensed provider to clear it.
Frustrating? Absolutely. But here's what most people don't realize: you probably don't have to travel back to Illinois to take care of it.
The United States uses a system called the Driver License Compact (DLC) and the National Driver Register (NDR) to share driving record information between states. When you get a DUI in Illinois, that information is reported nationally. If Illinois requires you to complete certain steps — like a DUI evaluation and treatment — before reinstating your driving privileges, other states will typically honor that hold.
This means your home state will not issue you a new license (or may not renew your current one) until Illinois clears its requirements. It doesn't matter that you don't live in Illinois anymore. The hold stays until you satisfy Illinois's requirements.
To clear an Illinois DUI hold, you typically need to:
The key requirement is that your evaluation must be done by an Illinois-licensed provider. An evaluation from a provider in your home state typically will not satisfy Illinois's requirements, even if that provider is licensed in their own state.
This is where we can help. At DUI Evaluation & Treatment Services, we offer virtual DUI evaluations specifically designed for out-of-state clients. You complete your evaluation over a secure video connection from wherever you are — no need to drive (or fly) back to Illinois.
Our virtual evaluations are:
We've helped clients from across the country clear their Illinois DUI holds without having to set foot back in the state.
We see this all the time. You moved, life happened, and you never dealt with it. Then 5, 10, even 15 years later, you try to renew your license and get denied. Here's what you need to know: that Illinois hold doesn't expire. It'll sit there until you take care of it.
Whether you were driving through, visiting family, or attending school in Illinois, a DUI arrest in Illinois means you need to comply with Illinois requirements. Your home state will be notified and will typically honor the Illinois hold.
Unfortunately, in most cases, no. Illinois requires that the evaluation be conducted by an Illinois-licensed provider using criteria that meet Illinois standards. Treatment completed in another state may or may not count toward your requirements — it depends on the specifics. Call us and we can help you figure out where you stand.
You don't need to have an Illinois license for Illinois to place a hold on your driving record. The hold is tied to you as a driver, not to a specific state's license. Your home state sees the hold and acts accordingly.
If your Illinois driving privileges were revoked (as opposed to just suspended), you may need to attend a Secretary of State hearing to get reinstated. We provide comprehensive documentation packages for SOS hearings and can help you understand what's needed.
Some SOS hearings can be conducted remotely, which is another option for out-of-state clients. Contact us for details about your specific situation.
If you're dealing with an Illinois DUI hold from out of state, here's what to do:
We understand how frustrating it is to deal with a DUI hold from a state you don't even live in anymore. We've helped hundreds of out-of-state clients navigate this process, and we'll walk you through every step.
Call us at (217) 891-6063 to get started, or contact us online.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Interstate DUI requirements can vary. For advice about your specific situation, consult with a qualified attorney or call our office.