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License Reinstatement FAQ


What’s the Difference Between a License Suspension and a License Revocation?

A driver’s license suspension is for a definite amount of time, usually ranging from three months to one year. At the end of the suspension period, you pay a fee and your driving privileges are restored. A revocation, on the other hand, is indefinite. In other words, the license cannot be automatically reinstated after a certain amount of time. Rather, you must go through the process of earning your privileges back from the Illinois Secretary of State Department of Administrative Hearings.

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How Do I Get My License Reinstated After Suspension?

If your suspension period is over, then typically a reinstatement fee is owed to the Secretary of State. Once you pay this fee, your license should be reinstated. If you print your court purposes driving record from the Illinois Secretary of State’s website you can make an appointment for a free consultation at my office to further discuss your case.

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How Do I Get My Revoked Driving License Back?

There are many causes for a revocation. The underlying issue dictates how to go about reinstating a license after revocation. If you print your court purposes driving record from the Illinois Secretary of State’s website you can make an appointment for a free consultation at my office to further discuss your case.

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How Much Does It Cost to Get Your Driver’s License Reinstated?

The costs range in price depending on the situation. The cost will vary depending on whether your license was suspended or revoked. If it was revoked, the cost will again vary depending on whether your hearing can be informal or whether it must instead be formal.

If you print your court purposes driving record from the Illinois Secretary of State’s website you can make an appointment for a free consultation at my office to further discuss your case.

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How Long Does It Take to Reinstate My License?

In some cases reinstatement is easy and quick. For those with multiple DUI offenses, it can take many months, even years. Please schedule a free consultation for more information on your unique case.

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How Do I Restore My Driving Privileges?

The first thing you should do is review your driving record and discern why you lost your driving privileges in the first place. Then together we can create a roadmap to quickly and effectively reinstate your license. If you print your court purposes driving record from the Illinois Secretary of State’s website you can make an appointment for a free consultation at my office to further discuss your case.

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Can You Reinstate Your Driver’s License Online?

It depends on your situation. If you owe a reinstatement fee and there are no other holds on your license, then yes, you can pay it online and have your license reinstated. However, if your situation is more complicated, then you may need to complete other tasks.

If you print your court purposes driving record from the Illinois Secretary of State’s website you can make an appointment for a free consultation at my office to further discuss these issues.

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How Do I Reinstate My Suspended License in Another State?

If you are suspended for failing to appear in court, then you or an attorney from the other state should make the appearance and pay all fines and costs. Once that is done, you should give the Illinois Secretary of State a “Certificate of Disposition” proving that you’ve taken care of the case.

If you print your court purposes driving record from the Illinois Secretary of State’s website you can make an appointment for a free consultation at my office to further discuss these issues.

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Can a Judge Overturn a Suspended License?

Sometimes we are able to open old cases in court and turn convictions into non-convictions (court supervision). In those cases, that is usually cheaper and faster than dealing with the Secretary of State.

If you print your court purposes driving record from the Illinois Secretary of State’s website you can make an appointment for a free consultation at my office to further discuss your case and see if this is an option for you.

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What’s the Difference Between Formal and Informal Secretary of State Hearings?

First-time DUI offenders and those with only one prior DUI are eligible for reinstatement via the informal hearing process. This proceeding is conducted at a driver’s license facility in front of a local hearing officer. Formal hearings are for those with two or more DUI-related incidents in the past. Formal hearings are conducted at hearing offices in Chicago, Joliet, Springfield and Mount Vernon. The formal hearing is recorded and an informal is not. The results of a formal hearing can be appealed to a court. Informal hearing results are not appealable.

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What Documents Do I Need to Reinstate My License?

The one document we need to review in every case is the internal record that the Secretary of State keeps on each of us – the “court purposes driving record.” This is your official driving record that you can print from the Illinois Secretary of State’s website.

If the revocation is DUI-related, you will need to bring your drug/alcohol evaluation and any subsequent treatment documents, such as a treatment plan, discharge summary, aftercare plan and Alcohol and Other Drug Addiction (AODA) certificate. If not DUI-related, you must bring proof that you completed any court-required classes, traffic school or other assigned program. A Certificate of Completion or equivalent document is sufficient.

If you print your court purposes driving record, I can help identify all documents you will need during a free initial consultation.

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Do I Have to Quit Drinking to Get My License Reinstated?

This answer depends on your specific situation. If your alcohol evaluation designates you as a Level II alcohol abuser, you will not have to quit drinking in order to get it reinstated. But, you have to learn to drink moderately and without intoxication. If you are classified as a Level III alcoholic, you must quit drinking for a minimum of 12 months prior to asking the Illinois Secretary of State for reinstatement. The period of sobriety must be documented and you must have spent at least 12 months in an ongoing support program like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) with a sponsor.

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As an Alcoholic, Is It Enough for Me to Be Sober to Get My License Reinstated?

No. You must also have an ongoing support program such as AA or church, where you actively acknowledge that you are an alcoholic, are powerless over alcohol or drugs and that you are working to stay sober every day. The other members of your support program must be active participants in your quest for sobriety.

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How Do I Reinstate My License After a DUI?

If you are suspended for DUI you must pay a reinstatement fee to the Secretary of State at the end of your suspension period. If you are revoked for DUI, then you’ll be required to have a hearing before the Illinois Secretary of State Department of Administrative Hearings. My firm can help with all steps of this process.

If you print your court purposes driving record from the Illinois Secretary of State’s website you can make an appointment for a free consultation at my office to further discuss these issues.

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I Owe a Lot of Money on Parking Tickets or Toll Violations. What Can I Do?

If you have outstanding traffic violations, it may be possible for you to set up a payment plan with the Parking Authority or the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority to pay them off. However, you must deal with these entities directly. In some cases, a lump-sum payment that is less than the total amount owed will be accepted, but this is at the discretion of the Authority.

Starting July 1, 2020, Illinois drivers will no longer have their licenses suspended for failing to pay a traffic ticket.

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Contact Me For A Free Consultation About License Reinstatement

To schedule a free initial consultation, call me toll-free at (847) 336-3900 or contact me online. Here is what to bring to our initial meeting.

All major credit cards accepted. Flat fee for most cases. Convenient Waukegan Office.

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Mr. Jones was very helpful and professional in resolving my traffic case. Thank you! Benjamin L.
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Hard working lawyer, who cares about his clients and was able to make the best of a horrible situation. Highly recommend. Clayton K.