Illinois Resident Got a DUI Out of State? Here's What to Do

Quick answer: If you're an Illinois resident and you got a DUI in another state, you'll likely need a DUI evaluation completed by an Illinois-licensed provider. That evaluation can be submitted to satisfy requirements in both Illinois and the state where you were arrested.

What Happens After an Out-of-State DUI

When an Illinois resident is arrested for DUI in another state, a few things happen:

1. The arresting state notifies Illinois — Within a few weeks, the other state's DMV reports your DUI arrest to the Illinois Secretary of State.
2. Illinois suspends your license — Even though the DUI happened elsewhere, Illinois will suspend or revoke your driving privileges based on their own laws.
3. You face penalties in both states — You'll deal with the court case in the state where you were arrested AND consequences from Illinois.
4. Both states may require evaluations — The arresting state's court and Illinois may both require you to complete a DUI evaluation.

Why You Need an Illinois-Licensed Evaluation

Here's the good news: An evaluation from an Illinois DBHR-licensed provider is typically accepted in any state.

Why? Because Illinois has strict, nationally-recognized standards for substance abuse evaluations. When you complete your evaluation with a licensed Illinois provider like DUI Evaluation & Treatment Services, you're getting:

• ASAM Criteria, 4th Edition assessment — The national standard for substance use evaluations
• Professional documentation — Formatted to meet court and DMV requirements in any state
• State-licensed credentials — Illinois DBHR providers are recognized nationwide
• One evaluation that works for both states — Instead of completing separate evaluations in Illinois and the arresting state, one properly-completed Illinois evaluation usually satisfies both

The Process: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Handle Your Court Case in the Arresting State

You'll need to respond to the criminal charges in the state where you were arrested. This usually means:

• Appearing in court (or hiring a local attorney to appear on your behalf)
• Completing any court-ordered requirements (evaluation, classes, fines, etc.)
• Resolving the case through plea agreement or trial

Tip: Ask your attorney if they'll accept an evaluation from an Illinois-licensed provider. In most cases, the answer is yes — especially if it's an ASAM-based assessment from a state-licensed evaluator.

Step 2: Complete Your Illinois DUI Evaluation

Schedule your evaluation with an Illinois DBHR-licensed provider. We offer:

• In-person evaluations in Springfield, IL
• Virtual evaluations via secure telehealth (perfect if you live far from Springfield or have a busy schedule)
• Same-day documentation — Most evaluations are completed and documented the same day

Your evaluation will assess your situation using the ASAM Criteria and provide a professional recommendation for any needed education or treatment.

Note: Some states require the completion of their specific evaluation forms for out-of-state residents. We have the experience and licensing required to complete those state-specific forms as well. If your case requires forms from another state, let us know — we'll take care of it.

Step 3: Submit Your Evaluation

Once your evaluation is complete, you (or your attorney) will submit it to:

• The court in the state where you were arrested
• The Illinois Secretary of State (if required for license reinstatement)
• Your insurance company (if they request it)

Because the evaluation is from a licensed Illinois DBHR provider and follows ASAM standards, it should be accepted in both jurisdictions.

Step 4: Complete Any Required Treatment

If your evaluation indicates that treatment is recommended, you'll need to complete it. We offer:

• Driver's Risk Education — 10-hour educational program
• Early Intervention Services — Group education and counseling
• Outpatient Treatment — Comprehensive substance abuse counseling

Completing treatment in Illinois (where you live) is usually more convenient than traveling back to the arresting state for classes.

Step 5: Reinstate Your Illinois License

Once you've satisfied the court requirements in the arresting state and completed any Illinois requirements, you can apply to reinstate your Illinois driver's license through the Secretary of State.

Common Questions

Do I need two separate evaluations?

Usually not. An evaluation from an Illinois DBHR-licensed provider like DUI Evaluation & Treatment Services is typically accepted by courts in other states because it follows ASAM Criteria (the national standard) and comes from a state-licensed provider.

Recommendation: Before completing your evaluation, confirm with your out-of-state attorney that they'll accept an Illinois evaluation. In 99% of cases, the answer is yes.

Can I do the evaluation virtually?

Yes! We offer secure telehealth evaluations for Illinois residents. It's the same professional assessment, same ASAM Criteria, same documentation — just completed from the comfort of your home.

What if the other state requires local classes?

Some states require you to complete treatment or classes in their state. Check with your attorney. In many cases, completing treatment in your home state (Illinois) is acceptable, especially if it's from a licensed provider following ASAM standards.

Will this DUI affect my Illinois driving record?

Yes. Out-of-state DUI convictions are reported to Illinois and treated as if they occurred in Illinois. That means:

• Your Illinois license will be suspended or revoked
• The conviction counts toward Illinois' multiple-offense penalties
• You'll need to complete Illinois reinstatement requirements

Why Choose DUI Evaluation & Treatment Services for Your Evaluation

We've been helping Illinois residents navigate DUI evaluations for 15 years. When you complete your evaluation with us, you get:

• Licensed Illinois DBHR provider — Our evaluations are accepted statewide and nationally
• ASAM 4th Edition assessments — The gold standard for substance use evaluation
• Professional, court-ready documentation — Formatted to meet requirements in any state
• Same-day turnaround — Most evaluations are completed and documented the same day
• Virtual or in-person options — Choose what works best for your schedule
• Attorney-trusted — We work with the top DUI attorneys in central Illinois

What You Need to Bring

To complete your evaluation, bring:

• Court-purpose driving abstract — From the Illinois Secretary of State (order online or at a local SOS office)
• Arrest paperwork — Law Enforcement Sworn Report or Notice of Summary Suspension from the arresting state
• Valid photo ID

Not sure where to get these documents? Call us — we'll walk you through exactly what you need and where to get it.

Get This Done Quickly

The sooner you complete your evaluation, the sooner you can move forward with your court case and license reinstatement. Don't wait — call us today to schedule your appointment.