How Long Does it Take To Get Your License Back in Illinois?

Getting a license back in Illinois after a revocation takes several months to over a year, depending on circumstances. Drivers must first wait until they are eligible for reinstatement and then attend an informal or formal hearing with the Secretary of State. A decision is typically issued within about 90 days after the hearing.

In many cases, drivers are granted a Restricted Driving Permit (RDP) before full reinstatement and must hold it for a period, usually at least 9 months, before applying for full driving privileges. The process includes evaluations, possible treatment requirements, and administrative review.

How Long It Takes to Get Your License Back When You Qualify for an Informal Hearing

The Illinois Secretary of State confirms the circumstances under which you qualify for an informal hearing. In general, you would qualify for this faster and simpler approach if your license was suspended or revoked due to:

• Offenses that did not result in any fatality
• A first-offense DUI
• Lesser moving violations

Informal hearings are not usually scheduled. Instead, they are conducted on a walk-in basis. However, the offices of the Secretary of State recommend phoning in to check availability. In many cases, you can attend an informal hearing within a week or two, although availability varies by location.

After your informal hearing, it typically takes several weeks for review at the main office in Springfield. After the review, it may take another week or two to receive a decision letter. It will state whether you have approval for full reinstatement, will be granted a Restricted Driving Permit, or whether reinstatement has been denied. The total time may range from 10 to 16 weeks, but delays are possible.

How Long It Takes to Get Your License Back When You Must Attend a Formal Hearing

In Illinois, you must attend a formal hearing if your offense led to a fatality or if you have more than one DUI disposition. If your offense involved a DUI, you must undergo a complete drug or alcohol evaluation and gather supporting documents before you can apply for a hearing.

You must then submit a formal hearing request, either in person or through the mail, paying a $50 filing fee. Once both of these have been received, a formal hearing will be scheduled, and you will receive an official notice of hearing. An example of timelines may be:

• 2-4 weeks for your drug or alcohol evaluation
• 1-2 weeks for you to submit your hearing request and filing fee
• 8-12 weeks wait for your formal hearing, depending on the hearing location’s schedule
• A day for attending the hearing
• 8-12 weeks to receive a decision through the mail

In practice, it may take longer to get your driver’s license back in Illinois. Hearing locations may be dealing with backlogs, and issues like incomplete documentation from your side may mean you need to attend an additional hearing. If you fail your first hearing, you may not apply again for 90 days.

Good Preparation May Mean You Get Your License Back Faster

Whether you are attending an informal or formal hearing, good preparation can limit delays. A driver’s license reinstatement attorney can help you prepare the necessary evidence and avoid common mistakes. Their assistance may be especially beneficial if you must attend a formal hearing.