How to get your license back in Illinois after a DUI

As a license reinstatement lawyer in Illinois for the past 16 years, I have been asked by many clients and prospective clients, “How do I get my license back in Illinois after a DUI conviction?” Here is my brief set of guidelines…

How many DUI arrests?
1 arrest in the State of Illinois does not normally revoke your driver's license.
1 arrest outside the State of Illinois when you have an Illinois driver's license will normally revoke your license. You will need to have an informal hearing (no application necessary) at one of the many Secretary of State facilities located throughout the State.

2 arrests in or outside the State of Illinois normally lead to a formal hearing at one of the four Secretary of State hearing offices within the State. I typically take my clients to Joliet for the reinstatement process. Is it possible to have an informal hearing with two DUI arrests? Yes. When a person received court supervision on their first DUI AND they were able to beat the suspension on the 1st DUI, they will be eligible for an informal hearing.

3 arrests or more… Almost every client I have ever represented who was arrested for three or more DUI charges has been eligible for a formal hearing.

Obviously, there are many rules and variables that go into determining whether you need a formal or an informal hearing to get your license back in the State of Illinois. If you want me to take a look at your driving record to find out when you are eligible for your license to be reinstated, feel free to call me direct anytime.

Posted by license reinstatement lawyer John W Callahan