If you need a DUI evaluation in Illinois, one of the first questions you might ask is: "Can I do this online?"
The answer is yes — Illinois law allows DUI evaluations to be completed via telehealth, and courts and the Secretary of State accept virtual evaluations just as they accept in-person assessments.
Virtual evaluations offer the same professional quality and legal validity as traditional in-person evaluations, but with added convenience. Here's everything you need to know about completing your DUI evaluation online in Illinois.
Are Virtual DUI Evaluations Legal in Illinois?
Yes. Illinois explicitly allows licensed DBHR providers to conduct DUI evaluations via secure telehealth platforms. These evaluations meet all legal requirements for:
- Court-ordered DUI cases
- Secretary of State license reinstatement hearings
- Probation and supervision compliance
- Attorney-requested assessments
Virtual evaluations use the same ASAM Criteria (4th Edition) assessment tools, ask the same questions, review the same documents, and produce the same written reports as in-person evaluations.
The only difference is the method of delivery — everything else is identical.
How Does a Virtual DUI Evaluation Work?
A virtual DUI evaluation is conducted via secure video call. Here's the step-by-step process:
1. Schedule Your Virtual Appointment
Call or email us at (217) 891-6063 or duieats@gmail.com and let us know you'd like a virtual evaluation. We'll schedule a date and time that works for you.
2. Submit Required Documents
Before your appointment, you'll need to send us digital copies of:
- Court-purpose driving abstract from the Illinois Secretary of State
- Law Enforcement Sworn Report (LESR) or Notice of Summary Suspension from your arrest
- Valid photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
You can scan or photograph these documents and email them to us, or upload them through a secure portal.
3. Join the Video Call
At your scheduled appointment time, you'll receive a link to join a secure video call. All you need is:
- A computer, tablet, or smartphone with a camera and microphone
- A stable internet connection
- A private, quiet space where you can speak freely
4. Complete the Evaluation
The evaluator will conduct the assessment just as they would in person:
- Review your documents
- Ask standardized questions about your alcohol and drug use, arrest details, and personal history
- Apply the ASAM Criteria to determine your risk level
- Provide you with an immediate verbal summary of the results
The entire process takes about one hour, same as an in-person evaluation.
5. Receive Your Documentation
After the evaluation, we'll prepare your written report and send it to you electronically (PDF) the same day. You can forward it to your attorney, print copies for court, or submit it to the Secretary of State.
If you need a physical copy mailed to you, we can do that as well.
Who Qualifies for a Virtual DUI Evaluation?
Almost anyone who needs a DUI evaluation in Illinois can complete it virtually. Virtual evaluations are especially helpful if you:
- Live outside the Springfield area or far from an evaluation provider
- Have a suspended license and limited transportation options
- Have scheduling conflicts that make in-person appointments difficult (work, childcare, etc.)
- Live out of state but need an Illinois evaluation to clear a license hold (learn more about out-of-state services)
- Prefer the convenience and privacy of completing it from home
There are very few situations where a virtual evaluation wouldn't be appropriate — and if we identify any concerns during scheduling, we'll let you know.
Are Virtual Evaluations Accepted by Courts and the Secretary of State?
Yes, absolutely.
Virtual DUI evaluations conducted by Illinois DBHR-licensed providers are accepted by:
- Illinois circuit courts (for sentencing and supervision)
- Illinois Secretary of State (for license reinstatement and administrative hearings)
- Probation departments
- Defense attorneys and prosecutors
The evaluation report clearly indicates it was conducted via telehealth, but that doesn't diminish its validity. Illinois law treats telehealth evaluations the same as in-person evaluations.
If your attorney or the court has any questions about the format, we're happy to provide clarification or documentation confirming compliance with Illinois DBHR regulations.
What's the Difference Between In-Person and Virtual?
The only real differences between in-person and virtual evaluations are logistical:
| Aspect | In-Person | Virtual |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Our Springfield office | Your home or private space |
| Assessment Tool | ASAM Criteria, 4th Edition | ASAM Criteria, 4th Edition |
| Duration | ~1 hour | ~1 hour |
| Questions Asked | Same standardized interview | Same standardized interview |
| Report Validity | Fully accepted | Fully accepted |
| Documentation | Same-day physical copy | Same-day digital copy (can mail physical if needed) |
Why Choose a Virtual Evaluation?
Virtual evaluations offer several advantages over traditional in-person assessments:
1. No Travel Required
If you live an hour or more from Springfield, a virtual evaluation saves you the drive, gas money, and time. For out-of-state clients, it eliminates the need to travel to Illinois entirely.
2. Easier Scheduling
Without the need to coordinate transportation or take time off work for travel, scheduling is more flexible. We can often accommodate evening or weekend appointments for virtual evaluations.
3. Privacy and Comfort
Some people feel more comfortable discussing personal topics from the privacy of their own home rather than in an office.
4. Accessible for Suspended Licenses
If your license is suspended and you don't have reliable transportation, a virtual evaluation solves that problem immediately.
5. Same-Day Completion
Just like in-person evaluations, you'll receive your documentation the same day — no delays.
What If You Don't Have a Computer?
You don't need a fancy setup to complete a virtual evaluation. A smartphone with a camera and microphone works just fine. As long as you have:
- A device with video capability (phone, tablet, or computer)
- A stable internet or cellular data connection
- A quiet, private space where you can speak freely
...you're all set. We'll send you a simple link to click at your appointment time — no special software or downloads required.
Is a Virtual Evaluation as Thorough as In-Person?
Yes. The assessment is identical.
The evaluator asks the same questions, reviews the same documents, uses the same ASAM Criteria, and produces the same written report. The only difference is that instead of sitting across a desk from each other, you're on a video call.
In fact, many evaluators find that clients are more open and honest during virtual evaluations because they feel more comfortable in their own environment.
Can Out-of-State Residents Get a Virtual Evaluation?
Absolutely — and this is one of the biggest advantages of virtual evaluations.
If you live in another state but have an old Illinois DUI that's preventing you from getting a license, Illinois requires you to complete an evaluation from an Illinois DBHR-licensed provider. Most states won't accept an evaluation from their own providers for an Illinois hold.
Before virtual evaluations, this meant flying or driving to Illinois just for a one-hour appointment. Now, you can complete the evaluation from wherever you live.
We work with out-of-state clients regularly and understand the nuances of interstate license reinstatement. Learn more about our out-of-state DUI services.
What About Virtual Treatment Programs?
In addition to virtual evaluations, many treatment and Risk Education programs can now be completed online. If your evaluation recommends treatment, ask about telehealth options for:
- DUI Risk Education (10 or 20 hours)
- Outpatient counseling sessions
- Group therapy (via video conferencing)
At DUI Evaluation & Treatment Services, we offer online treatment options to accommodate your schedule and location.
How Do You Schedule a Virtual Evaluation?
Scheduling a virtual DUI evaluation is simple:
- Call or email us: (217) 891-6063 or duieats@gmail.com
- Let us know you'd like a virtual evaluation and provide your preferred date/time
- We'll send you instructions for submitting your required documents (driving abstract, arrest paperwork, ID)
- At your appointment time, click the link we send you to join the secure video call
- Complete the evaluation (about one hour)
- Receive your documentation via email the same day
It's that easy.
Common Questions About Virtual DUI Evaluations
Will my attorney accept a virtual evaluation?
Yes. Defense attorneys routinely work with virtual evaluations, especially since telehealth became widely accepted during the pandemic. If your attorney has any concerns, we're happy to speak with them directly.
What if I have technical difficulties during the call?
We'll troubleshoot with you before the appointment to make sure everything works. If technical issues arise during the evaluation, we can reschedule at no additional charge.
Is the video call recorded?
No. The call is private and confidential. We do not record video evaluations.
Can I do the evaluation from my car or a public place?
We strongly recommend a private space where you can speak openly without being overheard. A parked car works if it's quiet and you have good reception. Public spaces like coffee shops or libraries are not ideal for privacy reasons.
What if I live in a different time zone?
No problem. We'll coordinate scheduling based on your local time zone to make it convenient for you.
Virtual Evaluations Are the Future
Even before the pandemic, telehealth was growing. Now, it's a standard part of how healthcare — including substance abuse assessments — is delivered in Illinois and across the country.
Virtual DUI evaluations offer the same professional quality, legal validity, and thorough assessment as in-person evaluations, with the added benefit of convenience, flexibility, and accessibility.
Whether you live across town or across the country, a virtual evaluation makes it easier to get this requirement checked off and move forward with your case.
Ready to Complete Your Virtual Evaluation?
If you need a DUI evaluation but prefer the convenience of completing it online, we're here to help.
At DUI Evaluation & Treatment Services, we've been conducting DUI evaluations in Illinois for 15 years — and we've seamlessly transitioned to offering high-quality virtual evaluations that are fully accepted by courts and the Secretary of State.
Call us today at (217) 891-6063 to schedule your virtual evaluation. Same-day completion, professional service, and no need to leave your home.