The Illinois Secretary of State will sometimes suspend or revoke a person’s license for a variety of reasons. This could be because of a DUI, unpaid parking tickets, unpaid child support, or many other reasons.

A person will have to go to an informal hearing to get their license back in the following situations:

• Offense(s) not involving a fatality
• A single DUI
• Minor traffic offenses

Note: as of July 1, 2021 the IL Secretary of State will reinstate driver's licenses that were suspended before July 1, 2021 for failure to pay:

• Tickets from moving violations,
• Red light tickets, 
• Speeding tickets, and 
• Abandoned vehicle fees 

What is an informal hearing?

An informal hearing is an in-person meeting between you and an informal hearing officer. It is an opportunity for you to try and get your driving privileges restored. You can hire a lawyer to come with you, but it is not required.

The meeting will take place at a Secretary of State (SOS) location. In the meeting, the officer will ask you questions and write down your answers. The questions will cover:

• Why your license was suspended or revoked
• Your driving record
• Your criminal record
• Why you need your license back
• What you’ve done to improve your behavior
• Drug/alcohol use, abuse, and treatment (if related to the suspension/revocation)

You should bring any papers you have that cover these items. Also, make sure that your answers line up with any papers that you bring.

The officer does not make a decision. They send the information to the SOS. You will be sent a decision in the mail, usually within 60 days.

How do I request an informal hearing?

You do not have to request an informal hearing. The SOS has offices across the state that hold hearings on a walk-in basis during certain hours.

Some tips about going to an informal hearing:

• Call the number listed to confirm that an informal hearing officer will be there when you are planning to go, especially in smaller towns. If you have trouble reaching someone, call the Springfield office at (217) 782-7065 between 8am-3pm Monday through Friday;
• Plan to go early. Most locations see people on a first-come, first served basis; and
• Bring as much paperwork as you have related to the questions listed in the previous section.

Can I get help before an informal hearing?

Yes. You can ask to have a consultation with the informal hearing officer before the actual hearing. This will allow you to ask questions and make sure you have the needed paperwork before you have the hearing. You do not need an appointment, just go to one of the SOS locations and ask for a consultation.

Are interpreters provided at informal hearings?

No. If you need someone to interpret for you, you must bring them with you.

What are the possible outcomes of an informal hearing?

The best outcome is to get your full driving privileges back. This is called reinstatement.

You could instead get a Restricted Driving Permit (RDP). This will allow you to drive only in certain situations, like going to work or to get treatment. You might also have to get a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) installed in your car.

You could be denied. If so, you can go in for another hearing after 30 days have passed since your first hearing. There is no way to appeal the first decision.