How to Get Your Driver's License Back After an Illinois DUI Conviction

 

If you have been convicted of a DUI in Illinois, one of the penalties you will face is a driver’s license suspension or revocation for a specified period of time. In order to be able to drive legally again, there are steps you must take. An experienced Illinois DUI lawyer can help you better understand the process for your specific situation, but here is some basic information to get you started.

 

When Will You Be Eligible?

 

In order to apply for driver’s license reinstatement, the period of suspension or revocation must be completed. Then you need to contact a hearing officer and complete an alcohol/drug evaluation by a Division of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse licensed provider within the 6 months before your hearing date.

 

What Steps Do You Need to Take?

 

If this is your first offense, you will have an informal hearing. You can call the Driver Services facility to confirm the availability of an informal hearing officer. Only certain Driver Services locations offer reinstatement services. You can find a list of the locations that may offer it here, but be sure to call before you go.

 

If the offense involved a fatality or you’ve had multiple Illinois DUI convictions, you will have a formal hearing. To request s a formal hearing, use the Formal Hearing Request form. The non-refundable filing fee is $50 and can be paid by check, money order, or credit card. You can call 217-782-3943 for more information on the process, or talk to a qualified Illinois DUI attorney.

 

You must provide proof of financial responsibility, complete Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) requirements, and pay a reinstatement fee. You may also have to take a full or partial driver’s license exam.

 

Fees for Driver License Reinstatement in Illinois

First Suspension: $250
Second or subsequent suspension: $500
First Revocation: $500
Second or subsequent revocation: $500
 

If you driver’s license was revoked, you need to pay for the fee to apply for a new driver’s license as well.

 

Restricted Driving Permit

 

Under certain circumstances, you may be eligible for a restricted driving permit, before you suspension period is complete. If this is your first Illinois DUI and the incident did not involve a fatality, then you can ask for an informal hearing. If you have been convicted of multiple Illinois DUIs or the incident did involve a fatality, you will need to request a formal hearing.

 

If you do get the Restricted Driving Permit, you will have to pay an $8 issuance fee. You will need to show verification of employment, support/recovery group meetings, medical, daycare, school enrollment, or court-ordered community service. You may have to take a driver’s examination, and you may be required to pay for the installation and maintenance of an ignition interlock device on your car.

 

Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) Requirements

 

This will require that you pass a breathalyzer test before your engine will start. This may be ordered by the court in order for you to get a restricted driving permit during your suspension period, or it may be required for a specified period of time after your driver’s license is reinstated. You cannot interfere or tamper with the device, or you will risk losing your driver’s license again.

 

Get Answers to Your Questions

 

For information specific to your situation, contact an Illinois DUI lawyer and check out this brochure from the State of Illinois. You can also visit CyberDriveIllinois.com or call your local Driver Services facility. If you have been convicted of multiple Illinois DUIs, your driver’s license has been revoked, or your case involved a fatality, it can be helpful to have a qualified Illinois attorney to fight for your rights.