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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Contents

Q:

WHEN I WAS SENTENCED FOR MY LAST DUI, I DID EVERYTHING THE JUDGE ORDERED – THE SECRETARY OF STATE SHOULD GIVE ME MY LICENSE BACK?

A:

Many revoked motorists assume that since they did everything the Judge ordered them to do, the Illinois Secretary of State will give their license back. This is not true. The Secretary of State will only reinstate your driver’s license when you’ve convinced them that you’ve resolved all issues that led to your revocation.

Q:

THE SECRETARY OF STATE WILL ALWAYS DENY YOU AFTER YOUR FIRST HEARING?

A:

Not true. This is a myth. The Secretary of State wants to know if you’ve addressed all the issues that led to your revocation. If you’ve addressed these issues, the Secretary of State will grant you relief, even if it’s your first hearing.

Q:

THE SECRETARY OF STATE WANTS TO DENY RELIEF.

A:

Not true. I have done hundreds of hearings. I find most hearing officers have open minds. The hearing officers want to know that you’ve resolved all the issues that led to your revocation. When these issues are successfully addressed, driving relief will follow.

Q:

EVEN IF I’M GRANTED RELIEF, I WILL HAVE TO DRIVE ON A RESTRICTED DRIVING PERMIT FOR A YEAR.

A:

Sometimes true, depends on the circumstances of your case and your driving record. If you lost your driver’s license following a second DUI, the Secretary of State will usually grant you a permit even if you’re eligible for full reinstatement. They look at the permit as a form of “probation”.

Q:

I’M NOT ELIGIBLE FOR FULL REINSTATEMENT FOR A YEAR, SHOULD I WAIT UNTIL THAT DATE UNTIL I SCHEDULE A HEARING?

A:

No, you don’t have to wait. You can be granted driving relief before you’re eligible for full reinstatement of your driver’s license. You can receive a restricted driving permit from the Secretary of State for several reasons (work, school, child care, medical, etc). However, to do so you have to establish hardship.

Q:

I RECEIVED MY FIRST DUI OUT-OF-STATE, WILL THE ILLINOIS SECRETARY OF STATE REVOKE MY DRIVER’S LICENSE?

A:

Yes they will, if you’re convicted of DUI or a similar offense. This doesn’t seem fair, but it is correct. You will have to have a hearing to obtain driving relief with the Secretary of State

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