When your driver’s license has been suspended or revoked, getting your driver’s license back as quickly as possible is likely of utmost importance to you. For anyone in the Chicago area, having a driver’s license is often essential for getting to and from work, but it is also necessary to pick up kids from school and run other necessary errands. When you cannot drive, your life can shift immensely. As such, you are likely wondering about how you can get your license reinstated after it has been suspended or revoked.
In general, the requirements for having your driver’s license reinstated may depend upon the particular facts of your case and any requirements set forth by the court. Accordingly, it is essential to seek advice from a Chicago license reinstatement attorney for assistance, and one of the advocates at the Law Offices of Jonathan Minkus can help. In the meantime, we want to provide you with some general information about what you can do to have your driver’s license reinstated in Illinois.
If Your License Was Suspended Due to Non-Moving Violations
There is good news for anyone whose driver’s license was suspended due to non-moving violations such as parking tickets or vehicle compliance tickets. While non-moving violations used to be one reason for driver’s license suspensions in Illinois, the License to Work Act, which took effect in July 2020, has eliminated driver’s license suspensions due to non-moving violations. As such, if you believed your license was suspended because of too many parking tickets, for example, your license likely is now valid, and you will not be required to take any additional steps for reinstatement.
However, if your license was suspended due to a combination of non-moving violations and one or more other issues, your license may still be suspended. You can check the status of your driver’s license with the Secretary of State at 217-782-3720.
If Your Licenses Was Suspended for Other Reasons
Driver’s licenses are often suspended with DUI/DWI convictions and other types of serious moving violations. If your license was suspended, in order to have it reinstated, you will need to pay the reinstatement fee. As long as you wait for the suspension period, pay the reinstatement fee (which is typically anywhere from $250 to $500 depending upon your case), and perform any additional requirements from the court, your license can be reinstated.
If you need to have your license reinstated sooner for work purposes or other hardship reasons such as to see your doctor, you can seek a restricted driver’s license with help from your lawyer.
If Your License Was Revoked
It is much more difficult to get your driver’s license back once it has been revoked. Indeed, you must undergo a number of additional steps in addition to paying a $500 reinstatement fee. You must have maintained a clean driving record, have an alcohol or drug evaluation if your license was revoked due to intoxicated driving, complete an alcohol or drug program, meet with a hearing officer from the Secretary of State, and pass new driving exams.
Your license reinstatement lawyer can discuss your eligibility for getting your license back after a revocation.
Contact an Experienced Illinois License Reinstatement Lawyer
Whether you are facing a driver’s license suspension or revocation and need assistance with your defense, or you need help determining your eligibility for license reinstatement, one of our experienced Chicago license reinstatement attorneys can assist you. Contact the Law Offices of Jonathan Minkus to learn more about the services we provide to clients throughout the Chicago area.
