Frequently Asked Questions About Driver's License Reinstatement in Illinois

 Posted on September 07, 2022 in License Reinstatement

A conviction for driving under the influence (DUI), leaving the scene of a serious accident, drag racing, or a felony offense involving a motor vehicle can lead to a driver's license revocation. Once a person's license is revoked, he or she is prohibited from driving. The only way to get a driver's license back after it is revoked is through a Secretary of State license reinstatement hearing. 

If you lost your license, you may have many questions about how to get it back. Read on to learn more about driver's license reinstatement in Illinois.

Can I Regain Driving Privileges After a Revocation?

When a driver's license is suspended, the driver can wait until the suspension period is over, pay a fee, and reinstate his or her license. Driver's license revocation, on the other hand, is indefinite. It is possible to reinstate a revoked license, but you must go through a hearing process with the Secretary of State. The hearing is an opportunity for you to show that you have taken steps to address whatever led to the revocation in the first place. For example, if your license was revoked due to a DUI, you may need to show evidence that you have undergone treatment for alcohol abuse and that you are no longer a danger to yourself or others on the road.

If the hearing officer is satisfied with the evidence you present, he or she may choose to reinstate your license. However, even if your license is reinstated, there may be restrictions placed on your driving privileges. For instance, you may be required to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle.

Which Type of Reinstatement Hearing Do I Need to Attend?

There are two types of driver's license reinstatement hearings conducted by the Illinois Secretary of State. A formal hearing is held when a driver is seeking to have his or her license reinstated after it has been revoked for multiple DUIs or a criminal offense resulting in death. Most out-of-state applicants will also need to attend a formal reinstatement hearing. An informal hearing is held when a person’s license has been revoked due to failure to pay traffic tickets or child support, or for accumulating too many points on his or her driving record.

What Happens at the Illinois Reinstatement Hearing?

Formal license reinstatement hearings are conducted by an administrative hearing officer and a prosecutor for the Secretary of State. They are held in person at one of the four Secretary of State locations in Illinois. The person seeking license reinstatement will be asked to present evidence that he or she has addressed the underlying issue that led to the revocation.

Informal hearings are held at Secretary of State Driver Services facilities on a walk-in basis. The person seeking reinstatement will need to provide evidence of compliance, such as a payment plan for outstanding child support or proof that he or she has completed traffic school.

What Are the Requirements for Reinstating My License?

The requirements for reinstating a license after revocation vary depending on the reason for the revocation. For example, if your license was revoked due to a DUI, you may be required to:

• Attend a hearing
• Complete a substance abuse evaluation
• Complete a DUI Risk Education class
• Attend drug or alcohol treatment
• Install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle
• Show proof of insurance

Contact a Kane County Driver’s License Reinstatement Lawyer

Elgin criminal defense attorney Brian J. Mirandola provides legal assistance and representation to individuals accused of drunk driving and other criminal offenses. He can help you pursue reinstatement of your driver’s license. Call 847-488-0889 for a free, confidential consultation. 

Source:

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=062500050K6-303