Losing your license after a DUI hits hard. You still need to get to work, pick up your kids, handle life. Illinois does have a path to getting it back — but you have to follow the steps in the right order or you'll waste time and money.
Here's how the reinstatement process works.
The first thing to understand is whether your driving privileges have been suspended or revoked. These are different, and the path back depends on which one applies to you.
If you were arrested for DUI and either failed or refused a chemical test (breathalyzer, blood, or urine), your license is automatically suspended. This is called a Statutory Summary Suspension (SSS), and it kicks in 46 days after your arrest — even before your court case is resolved.
If you're convicted of DUI, your license will be revoked. Unlike a suspension (which ends automatically after the time period), a revocation does not end on its own. You must petition the Secretary of State for reinstatement through a Secretary of State hearing.
Regardless of whether your license was suspended or revoked, you'll need to complete a DUI evaluation. This is a professional assessment that determines your risk level and what education or treatment you need.
The evaluation must be conducted by a licensed IDHS DBHR provider. At DUI Evaluation & Treatment Services, we've handled thousands of evaluations over the past 15 years and can typically complete yours in about an hour with same-day documentation.
Based on your evaluation results, you'll be assigned a risk classification level that determines what you need to complete:
We offer both the 10-hour DRE course and the 12-hour Moderate Risk treatment program at our Springfield office, so many clients can complete everything with us.
If this is your first DUI offense and your license was suspended (not revoked), you may be eligible for a Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP). This allows you to drive during your suspension period with a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) installed in your vehicle.
The MDDP is available to first-time offenders and allows you to drive anywhere, anytime — no restrictions on where or when you can drive, as long as the BAIID is installed and functioning.
If you're not eligible for an MDDP (for example, if this is a repeat offense), you may be able to apply for a Restricted Driving Permit. An RDP allows limited driving — typically to and from work, school, medical appointments, and other essential activities. Getting an RDP usually requires a Secretary of State hearing.
If your license was suspended (not revoked), your driving privileges are automatically restored at the end of the suspension period — provided you've completed your evaluation and any required education or treatment. You'll need to pay a reinstatement fee to the Secretary of State's office.
If your license was revoked, the process is more involved. You'll need to:
The Secretary of State hearing is a critical step. Having proper documentation makes a significant difference in the outcome. We provide comprehensive hearing documentation packages and can walk you through what you'll need. Learn more about the differences between formal and informal hearings.
The timeline varies depending on your situation:
Every case is different. The best thing you can do is start the process early — get your evaluation done and begin any required treatment as soon as possible. Don't wait until the last minute.
If you got a DUI in Illinois but now live in another state, Illinois may still have a hold on your driving record that prevents your home state from issuing or renewing your license. You'll still need to complete an evaluation with an Illinois-licensed provider to clear that hold.
We offer virtual evaluations for out-of-state clients so you don't have to travel back to Illinois. Learn more about how out-of-state DUI evaluations work.
Getting your license back after a DUI takes time, but every step you complete moves you closer. The sooner you start, the sooner you're back on the road legally.
Call us at (217) 891-6063 to schedule your DUI evaluation and get the process started, or contact us online.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. DUI laws and procedures can change. For advice about your specific situation, consult with a qualified attorney. For questions about evaluations and treatment, call our office.