Illinois Driver’s License Suspensions and Revocations

The Illinois Secretary of State can suspend or revoke your driver’s license for a variety of reasons. A license suspension lasts for a set period of time. After it ends, you can automatically regain your driving privileges after paying a reinstatement fee to the Secretary of State. Depending on the reason(s) for the suspension, there may be additional conditions before full license reinstatement such as completion of a remedial driving course.

In contrast, a license revocation lasts for a minimum of 1 year or longer depending on the violation that caused the revocation and your overall record of previous violations. On or after the termination date of your revocation, which is called your “projected eligibility date”, you will need to appear for a hearing before the Secretary of State in order to regain any driving privileges. These hearings can be complex and often result in a denial.

It should also be noted that you may be eligible to apply for a restricted driving permit during the period of suspension or revocation. In certain cases, regardless of your projected eligibility date for full reinstatement, you may be required to drive on a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (“BAIID”) for a period of 1-5 years before being eligible to be considered for unrestricted driving.   

A conviction for the following will result in the automatic revocation of your Illinois driver’s license:

The Secretary of State will enter a discretionary suspension for a conviction of the following:

  • Permitting unlawful or fraudulent use of a driver’s license
  • Committing an offense in another state which would be grounds for suspension in Illinois
  • Possession, display, or attempted fraudulent use of a license, permit or identification card issued to another
  • Driving without a license
  • Driving on an invalid license
  • Violation of license classification (i.e. driving a motorcycle without a motorcycle license)
  • Fleeing or attempting to elude the police
  • Leaving the scene of a property damage accident involving more than $1,000.00 in damages
  • Illegal operation of a motor vehicle resulting in a death or injury requiring immediate medical treatment
  • Two violations of possession or transportation of alcohol in a motor vehicle
  • Refusing to submit to chemical testing after a DUI arrest
  • Submission to chemical testing which reveals a blood alcohol content of .08 or greater or any amount of drug substance or compound resulting from the unlawful consumption of cannabis or a controlled substance
  • Alteration, fictional or fraudulent use of handicapped license plates or parking placard
  • Passing a school bus while loading/unloading
  • Three moving violations within a 12-month period (if you are 21 years of age or older) which result in a total number of points under the level that requires revocation rather than suspension

A violation of the following will also cause a license suspension if you are under the age of 21:

  • Two moving violations within a 24-month period under a point total which would otherwise require a revocation
  • Transportation or possession of open alcohol in a motor vehicle
  • Possession of alcohol

If I Pay My Reinstatement Fee Will My License Still Be Suspended or Revoked?

Paying a reinstatement fee to the Illinois Secretary of State does not automatically make your driver’s license valid unless that is the only hold on your record. The reinstatement fee may be only one of the requirements necessary to reinstate your driver’s license in Illinois.

To reinstate your driver’s license, you must first address the reason why your license was suspended or revoked. For example, if your license was revoked for a DUI conviction, you will need to have a hearing before the Secretary of State.

Once you have resolved the reason for your suspension or revocation, you can pay the reinstatement fee and obtain your valid license. The amount of the fee depends on the reason for your suspension or revocation but can range from $70.00 to $500.00.

If your license has been suspended or revoked by the Illinois Secretary of State, contact our license reinstatement attorneys today. The attorneys at The Davis Law Group, P.C. have helped thousands of drivers regain their driving privileges after cancellation, suspension or revocation. We look forward to hearing from you to discuss your case. Call us at (847) 390-8500 or submit your information via our contact form to arrange a free consultation.