Illinois DUI/DWI Reinstatement Criteria and Process
A first offense DUI in Illinois entails both criminal penalties and prolonged license reinstatement process upon conviction. Note, the State of Illinois estimates that the total cost of a first time DUI (including raised insurance rates, temporary loss of income, court costs and other expenses at $16,000.
Contact Life Changers, Inc. DUI/DWI Specialist to help you with the Illinois DUI/DWI Reinstament process
Statutory Summary Suspension
Driving privileges may be reinstated at the end of the statutory summary suspension period unless the court instructs the Secretary of State's office otherwise. Before driving privileges can be reinstated:
- Other suspensions or revocations on the driving record must be closed.
- A $250 reinstatement fee must be paid to the Secretary of State, $30 of which goes to the Department of Human Services, Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, to help defray the cost of professional alcohol/drug evaluations for indigent offenders.
- If a repeat offender, a $500 reinstatement fee must be paid to the Secretary of State, which $60 of which goes to the Illinois Road fund, $190 to the Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Fund, and $250 to the General Revenue Fund.
- Reinstatement of a statutory summary suspension becomes valid when it is entered on the driver's record in the Secretary of State's office provided the provisional termination date has passed.
- Payment for reinstatement fee must be mailed to:
Secretary of State
DUI Section
2701 S. Dirksen Pkwy.
Springfield, Il 62723.
If paying by credit card, please call 217-782-3619 (debit cards not accepted).
Revocation
To have driving privileges reinstated, a driver convicted of DUI must:
- Have a clear driving record
- Undergo an alcohol/drug evaluation. If an alcohol/drug problem is indicated, proof of treatment must be submitted
- Complete an alcohol/drug remedial education program. Even if the evaluation does not recommend treatment; the driver is still required to complete a remedial education program.
- Appear before a Secretary of State hearing officer. For a first offense, an informal hearing may be conducted by visiting a hearing officer at one of the regional Driver Services facilities. Multiple offenders must request in writing, pay a $50 nonrefundable filing fee and attend a formal hearing in Chicago, Springfield, Mt. Vernon or Joliet.
- Demonstrate during the hearing that public safety will not be endangered if driving privileges are restored. The hearing officer considers the seriousness of the offense, the offender's overall driving record and the driver's remedial efforts.
- File proof of financial responsibility prior to reinstatement, pay $500 reinstatement fee, pass the driver's license exam (written, vision and driving) and pay application fee.
- Payment or revocation must be mailed to:
Secretary of State
Traffic Violations Section
2701 S. Dirksen Pkwy.
Springfield, Il 62723.
If paying by credit card, please call 217-782-3619 (debit cards not accepted). - An offender requesting a formal hearing for reinstatement of his/her driving privileges must pay a $50 nonrefundable filing fee when requesting the formal hearing.
- A reinstatement becomes valid when it is entered on the driver's record in the Secretary of State's office.
Listed below you will find helpful links to the documents related to the Secretary of State driver's license reinstatement process.
- Hearing Requirements - detailed requirements for all applicants
- Formal Hearing Request - must be completed by all applicants who have 2 or more DUI's
- Restoring Driving Privileges - an outline describing all the procedures leading to reinstatement
- Hearing Officer Facility Locations
- Documentation of Abstinence - required of level 3 High Risk dependent clients only
- Documentation of Support Program - required of level 3 High Risk dependent clients only
- BAIID Program - breathalyzer devices installed in your car
- Medical Report - required of all applicants with health related problems
- Non-Traditional Support Cover Letter - required of level 3 High Risk dependent applicants who do not attend traditional support groups
- Non-Traditional Support Program - required of level 3 High Risk dependent applicants who do not attend traditional support groups
- Illinois Petitioner Treatment Verification - required of all applicants who do not have required treatment
- DUI Reckless Homicide - statement verification documents of completion
- Driver's License Reinstatement Payment - fee you must pay to be reinstated after revocation
- Driving Record Abstract Request Form - required of all applicants who want to get a Drug and Alcohol Evaluation
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