How long does it take after I am approved for a restricted driving permit to actually begin driving?

As an Illinois license reinstatement lawyer, I come across a number of issues when clients have been reinstated after their formal administrative hearing.  A recent question came from a couple of people I helped to obtain a restricted driving permit in Illinois.  They were both granted an employment restricted permit and they wanted to know how long it would take for the Secretary of State in Illinois to actually give them the physical permit so they could begin driving.

While the answer for both of them used to be approximately 14 days.  Now, what I am seeing is that for full reinstatement clients outside of Illinois it is taking about ten days.  Unfortunately, the time to obtain a restricted driving permit is expanded to more than 21 days.  Once they received information from the Secretary of State granting them driving privileges, they filled out all of the required forms, took the proper tests and submitted the proper documentation. At this point the secretary of State mailed them their physical permits on the between the 14th and 28th days for both clients.  Both clients would be considered successful results and I am glad I could help them.

Quick note – clients with medical requirements are taking much longer than those with just a straight RDP.

As always, if you have any questions about clearing your license, contact John Callahan anytime to discuss your case.