How to Check Your Illinois Driver's License Status: A Comprehensive Guide
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Driving is a privilege few adults can go without. Unless you solely depend on public transportation, you probably use your car to get to work, pick up groceries, and transport your kids to school and activities. If you recently lost your Illinois license for an infraction (or applied for a brand new license), you may be waiting on pins and needles to get your driving privileges. You can know where you stand when you check your driver's license status in Illinois.
Importance of Checking Your Driver's License Status
Before getting behind the wheel of a car in Illinois, you need a valid driver's license. If it's suspended or inactive, you risk a misdemeanor or a felony charge, depending on the circumstances. Criminal charges come with fines and even jail time — something you don't want.
An Illinois driver's license status check tells you whether you can legally drive on the road. If you don't have a valid driver's license, you can take the steps necessary for license reinstatement before putting yourself at risk.
How to Check Your Driver's License Status in Illinois Online
The easiest way to check your current driver's license status is online. You have to pay a fee, but you get the results immediately. You can do the check from anywhere you have an internet connection — at home, on your phone, or at work.
All you need is a credit or debit card and your current Illinois driving license.
Accessing the Illinois Secretary of State Website
To start the process, navigate to the Illinois Secretary of State website. This is where you can request a Driving Record Abstract. There are two types of Abstracts — the Public Driving Record Abstract and the Affected Driving Record Abstract.
The Public Driving Record Abstract lists recent license suspensions, traffic violations, or revocations of your license. The Affected Driving Record Abstract includes court dispositions and actions. You can select both to get a full picture of your Illinois driving privileges and status.
Click on Driver & ID Services, then Driving Record Abstract. Select Begin to start retrieving your records. You will pay a fee of $21 to submit your application.
Required Information for Online Checks
The Illinois Secretary of State website requests certain information from you:
- Driver's license number
- Date of birth
- The last four digits of your Social Security number (found on your Social Security card)
- Issue and expiration date of your Illinois driver's license
- License class
- Height and weight
- DD number
All the details should come from your recent driver's license. The Illinois Secretary of State website uses it to find your records in its system.
There's an affirmation at the bottom to read, sign, and date. Note that you can only request an online Driving Record Abstract for yourself, not anyone else. Make sure your information is correct before submitting the form.
Other Methods to Check Illinois Driver's License Status
If an online records check doesn't work for you, there are two other options: a mail-in or in-person request.
Mailing your application takes a bit more time than an online request. You initiate the process by completing the Abstract Request Form and mailing it to:
Secretary of State, Driver's Analysis Section
2701 S. Dirksen Pkwy.
Springfield, IL, 62723
The form requires the same details as an online request and takes up to 10 days to process. Then, you receive your Driving Record Abstract through the mail at your current address within a few days.
Illinois DMV Driver Services facilities handle in-person requests for a Driving Record Abstract. You complete the form and present an identification card to a representative at the license office. There's no processing time, so you get your records the same day.
Mail-in and in-person requests come with a $20 standard fee plus $1 for payment processing using a debit or credit card.
What to Do If Your License Is Suspended or Revoked
Hopefully your Driving Record Abstract comes back with positive results — a valid, unsuspended license. But if you learn it's currently suspended or revoked, it isn't the end of the world. You just need to take the necessary steps to get it back.
Start by finding out the reason for the suspended license in Illinois. Maybe you didn't pay off a ticket, and you owe a fine and a reinstatement fee. Or you may be a teen driver who recently received a moving violation. Knowing why Illinois suspended your license can help you figure out what to do.
If the reason behind the revocation is serious (like a DUI), consult with an attorney.
Maintaining a Valid License for Insurance Purposes
Your insurance company will likely find out if you don't have a valid driver's license. Depending on the insurer and the reason for suspension or revocation, they may cancel your coverage.
It's in your best interest to keep your car insurance in Illinois. A coverage gap may make it harder (and more expensive) to get another insurance policy. If your Illinois check on driver's license status turns up with a suspension or revocation, find out what you need to do. Being proactive can streamline the license reinstatement process and keep you compliant with your insurer.
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