Losing your driver's license after a DUI can feel overwhelming. Between court dates, attorney meetings, and navigating the Illinois Secretary of State's requirements, it's hard to know where to start.
The good news: the path to getting your license back is well-defined. If you follow the steps in the right order and avoid common mistakes, you can navigate the reinstatement process successfully.
Here's everything you need to know about getting your license back after a DUI in Illinois.
Understanding the Two Separate Processes
This is the most important thing to understand: your criminal DUI case and your driver's license suspension are two separate processes handled by different government agencies.
Criminal Case (handled by the court):
- Determines whether you're guilty of DUI
- Imposes fines, probation, jail time (if applicable)
- Requires completion of evaluation and treatment as part of sentencing
License Suspension (handled by the Secretary of State):
- Automatic suspension triggered by your arrest or BAC test refusal
- Separate from whether you're convicted of DUI
- Requires its own evaluation, treatment, and reinstatement process
You need to satisfy both processes to fully resolve your DUI and get your license back.
Step 1: Complete Your Court-Ordered DUI Evaluation
The first step — for both your court case and license reinstatement — is completing a professional DUI evaluation from an Illinois DBHR-licensed provider.
Why the evaluation matters:
- The court uses it to determine sentencing and treatment requirements
- The Secretary of State requires it for reinstatement hearings
- Your attorney needs it to negotiate your case
What you'll need:
- Court-purpose driving abstract from the Illinois Secretary of State
- Law Enforcement Sworn Report (arrest paperwork)
- Valid photo ID
The evaluation takes about one hour and results in a written recommendation for Risk Education, treatment, or both. Learn more about what happens during a DUI evaluation.
Our advice: Get your evaluation done early. Don't wait until the last minute before a court date. The sooner you complete it, the sooner you can move to the next steps.
Step 2: Complete Required Education or Treatment
Based on your evaluation, you'll be required to complete one of the following programs:
Level I: DUI Risk Education (10 Hours)
This is the minimum requirement for most first-time DUI offenders with low BAC levels. It's an educational program covering:
- Effects of alcohol and drugs on driving
- Illinois DUI laws and penalties
- Strategies to avoid future offenses
The program lasts 4 weeks.
Level II: Moderate Risk Classification
Requires a minimum of 12 hours of Early Intervention and completion of the DRE class. Required for higher BAC levels, multiple offenses, or indicators of problematic use.
Level III: Significant Risk Classification
Requires a minimum of 20 hours of outpatient treatment and completion of the DRE class. Required if your evaluation indicates signs of substance dependence or abuse.
Level IV: High Risk
Requires completion of a minimum of 75 hours of outpatient treatment.
Key point: You must complete 100% of your required program. Missing sessions or dropping out will delay your case and reinstatement indefinitely.
Step 3: Resolve Your Criminal DUI Case
With your evaluation and treatment completed, your attorney can work toward resolving your criminal case. Possible outcomes include:
- Supervision: Complete probation and other requirements; case dismissed after successful completion (available for first-time offenders in some counties)
- Plea Agreement: Reduced charges or sentencing in exchange for guilty plea
- Conviction: Found guilty at trial or via plea; sentenced to fines, probation, community service, or jail
Completing your evaluation and treatment before sentencing shows the court you're taking responsibility. This can result in more favorable outcomes.
Step 4: Serve Your Statutory Summary Suspension
When you were arrested, your license was automatically suspended under Illinois' Statutory Summary Suspension law. The length depends on whether you took or refused the breathalyzer:
- First DUI, took breathalyzer: 6-month suspension
- First DUI, refused breathalyzer: 12-month suspension
- Subsequent DUI, took breathalyzer: 1-year suspension
- Subsequent DUI, refused breathalyzer: 3-year suspension
You may be eligible for a Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP) that allows you to drive with a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) installed in your vehicle during the suspension period. Ask your attorney about eligibility.
Step 5: Reinstate Your License
If your license was suspended: Once your suspension period is complete, you simply pay the reinstatement fee ($500 for first offense, higher for subsequent offenses) and your license is eligible for reinstatement. No hearing required.
If your license was revoked: You'll need to apply for a hearing with the Illinois Secretary of State to get your driving privileges reinstated. This is a more complex process.
There are two types of hearings for revocations:
Informal Hearing
For first-time offenders with no aggravating factors. Offered on a walk-in basis — you appear in person and submit your documentation:
- Completed evaluation (Cannot be more than 6 months old)
- Proof of treatment completion
- Application and fees
Formal Hearing
Required for multiple DUI offenses or more serious revocations. Must be scheduled in advance and requires a $50 deposit. You must appear in person before a hearing officer and present evidence that you've addressed your substance use and are safe to drive. This often requires:
- Updated evaluation and treatment documentation
- Letters of recommendation
- Proof of abstinence (for High Risk classifications only — provided through letters written by members of your support group, not drug/alcohol tests)
- Testimony under oath
Formal hearings are more complex and high-stakes. Many people hire attorneys who specialize in Secretary of State hearings to represent them.
Important: Your Evaluation Can Expire!
Your evaluation cannot be more than 6 months old when you go in for your hearing. If it's older than 6 months, you'll need to schedule an updated evaluation — but this doesn't mean you have to repeat your treatment.
For updated evaluations:
- No extra paperwork is needed beyond the standard evaluation documents
- You must bring someone with you who is aware of your past and present (if applicable) drug/alcohol use history
- The updated evaluation is a fresh assessment to confirm your current status
What Happens After Your Hearing?
You won't find out the decision at your hearing — whether it's informal or formal. The Secretary of State takes up to 90 days to review your case and will mail you their decision.
If you're approved: The letter will outline your reinstatement conditions and next steps (see Step 6 below).
If you're denied: The letter will list the specific reasons for the denial. Getting denied doesn't mean you can never get your license back — it means the issues raised in the denial letter need to be addressed before your next hearing.
If you receive a denial, contact us immediately. We'll schedule a time to review the denial letter and write up a formal response that addresses each concern. This response will strengthen your case for your next hearing and show the Secretary of State that you've taken their feedback seriously.
Step 6: Complete Final Reinstatement Requirements
Whether you had a suspension or revocation, once you're approved for reinstatement, you'll need to:
- Pay the reinstatement fee (if not already paid — $500 for first-time DUI, higher for subsequent offenses)
- Obtain SR-22 insurance (high-risk insurance certificate filed by your insurance company)
- Install a BAIID device (if required as a condition of reinstatement)
- Visit a Secretary of State facility to get your license reissued
Once these steps are complete, your full driving privileges are restored.
Common Mistakes That Delay Reinstatement
Over 15 years of helping people through this process, we've seen the same mistakes repeatedly delay reinstatement:
1. Waiting Too Long to Get the Evaluation
Don't wait until your suspension is almost over. Get evaluated early so you can complete treatment well before your hearing.
2. Not Completing Treatment
Missing sessions, dropping out, or failing to get completion documentation will stop your reinstatement in its tracks.
3. Submitting Incomplete Documentation
The Secretary of State requires specific forms and proof. Missing one document means your hearing will be denied or delayed.
4. Failing to Maintain Sobriety
If you're arrested for another alcohol or drug offense before reinstatement, your chances of getting your license back drop significantly.
5. Not Preparing for Formal Hearings
Formal hearings can be adversarial. The hearing officer may ask difficult questions, and you will likely feel anxious or nervous at some point during the process. Going in unprepared can be risky. Hiring legal representation for this process can be beneficial.
How Long Does the Whole Process Take?
The timeline from DUI arrest to full license reinstatement varies, but here's a typical path for a first-time offender:
- Evaluation: 1 hour (can be done within days of arrest)
- Treatment: 6-12 weeks (depending on program requirements)
- Court case resolution: 3-12 months (varies by county and case complexity)
- Suspension period: 6-12 months (runs concurrently with court case)
- Hearing and reinstatement: 1-3 months after suspension ends
Total timeline: 9-18 months from arrest to full license reinstatement, assuming no complications or delays.
The sooner you start — especially completing your evaluation and treatment — the faster you can get through the process.
Can You Drive During the Suspension?
In most cases, yes — with restrictions. Illinois offers a Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP) that allows you to drive with a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) installed in your vehicle.
MDDP Eligibility:
- Available for most first-time and some repeat offenders
- Must apply within 14 days of suspension to avoid driving prohibition period
- Requires BAIID installation on all vehicles you drive
- Allows unrestricted driving (work, personal, etc.) with device installed
The BAIID device requires you to blow into it before starting your car. If it detects alcohol, the car won't start. Random rolling retests occur while driving.
Talk to your attorney about MDDP eligibility and application deadlines immediately after your arrest.
Out of State? Illinois Can Still Hold Your License
If you live in another state but have an old Illinois DUI hold on your record, Illinois can prevent you from getting a license in your current state. Most states participate in the Driver License Compact, which means unresolved Illinois suspensions follow you.
The good news: you can complete your Illinois evaluation and treatment requirements remotely via telehealth. You don't need to travel to Illinois for the evaluation, and many treatment programs can be completed online. The Secretary of State also allows for virtual hearings if you reside out of state.
Learn more about out-of-state DUI evaluation services.
Why Starting with the Evaluation Matters
The DUI evaluation is the foundation of everything that comes next. Without it:
- Your attorney can't negotiate effectively
- You don't know what treatment is required
- You can't start working toward reinstatement
- Court dates and deadlines become more stressful
Getting evaluated early puts you in control. You know what's expected, you can start treatment immediately, and you're demonstrating to the court and Secretary of State that you're taking this seriously.
Start the Process Today
Getting your license back after a DUI takes time, but it's a clear, step-by-step process. The sooner you begin — starting with your evaluation — the sooner you'll have your full driving privileges restored.
At DUI Evaluation & Treatment Services in Springfield, we've guided thousands of people through this process over the past 15 years. We know what the courts require, what the Secretary of State looks for, and how to help you move through each step efficiently.
Call us today at (217) 891-6063 to schedule your evaluation. Same-day completion, immediate documentation, and 15 years of experience helping people get their lives back on track.