How To Reinstate a Suspended License in a Different State

Non-Resident / Out-of-State Petitioner Applications & Hearings

If your license has been revoked by the Illinois Secretary of State and you are not a resident of Illinois, you can still apply for driving relief. There are two ways to do this. You can either use an Out-of-State Resident Reinstatement Application or appear in person at a formal or informal hearing.

Unfortunately, the forms included in the application are confusing and any mistake can lead to a denial. Whether you file this application or attend a hearing, it’s wise to work with an attorney who can guide you through the process.

The Application Process for Out-of-State Drivers

If you live out-of-state and intend to stay out-of-state, you can apply for driving relief through an Illinois out-of-state resident application. However, in our opinion, that is not always the best way to apply for driver’s license reinstatement.

Out-of-state applications are impersonal. It’s important for petitioners to have the chance to show the Secretary of State how they’ve grown since they lost their license. There is no better way to do that than to attend an actual “in-person” hearing.

Before filing, the period of suspension or revocation must have ended. Applicants should send off their application to the Illinois Secretary of State promptly. This should include all required forms, supporting documents, and any fees or fines.

While the forms in the out-of-state application packet may appear to be straightforward, filling them out can be confusing. It’s difficult to understand what the Secretary of State wants or expects to see in an application. In our experience as driver’s license lawyers serving Illinois, we find that petitioners who apply without the help of a seasoned professional are usually denied.

At Johnson & Goldrich, P.C., if you’re an out-of-state driver, we can help you regain your driving privileges. With our legal experience, we’ll make sure that your out-of-state application is complete and accurate.

It should be noted that if you have a lifetime license revocation, you can’t rely on the application alone and must attend a formal hearing.

Steps Following Submitting Your Application

• Await the decision: You may need to wait as long as 90 days for a decision. The Secretary of State will usually inform you of their decision in writing. If you are rejected, you will have a limited amount of time to appeal your Illinois revocation and attempt to remove the hold on your driving record.
• Comply with requirements: If your application is approved, you will need to comply with any requirements or conditions set forth in the decision. This may include completing paperwork, paying a reinstatement fee, or fulfilling other obligations before you can regain driving privileges.
• Obtain reinstatement: Once you have fulfilled all necessary requirements, you can proceed with reinstating your license. This may involve contacting your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency in your current state to start the process.

Filing for Reinstatement With a Lifetime Revocation

If you have a lifetime revocation, you’re required to attend an Illinois Secretary of State formal hearing to request termination of that revocation. You will first need to submit a request for a hearing in writing through the U.S. postal service. Requests sent by fax or email are not allowed. Also, as an out-of-state petitioner, you may not file a request if you plan to move to Illinois.

An out-of-state driver will need to follow the below steps after requesting a formal hearing:

• Await scheduling: After submitting the request and $50 filing fee, the Illinois Secretary of State will schedule your hearing. You will receive a Notice of Hearing in the mail.
• Prepare for your hearing: Gather all necessary documentation. This includes, but is not limited to:
  • A complete driving record from your current state
  • Documentation of substance abuse treatment programs you’ve attended for alcohol or drugs
  • Supporting evidence that suggests treatment/rehabilitation has been successful
  • Proof of current residency
  • Documentation from prior DUI convictions or charges, including out-of-state offenses
  • An up-to-date drug/alcohol evaluation (no older than six months before the time of your hearing)
  • Proof of completion of the DUI Risk Education Course (after your last DUI arrest date)
• Work with your attorney: Your license reinstatement lawyer will help you gather and review all documentation. They will also brief you for questioning and ensure you are fully prepared for the hearing.
• Plan out transportation: Formal hearings include real-time audio and visual internet hearings. However, if you need to attend your hearing in person, arrange transportation to Illinois accordingly.
• Attend the hearing: Your attorney will represent you at your hearing. They will present evidence of your rehabilitation and lifestyle changes. Be prepared to answer questions about past violations and your current situation. You will also have to demonstrate your knowledge of Illinois traffic laws and safety regulations.

You cannot have any type of hearing if you have a ticket pending in any court in the United States (unless the ticket is the only cause of the current loss of driving privileges).

Trust Our Illinois Attorneys With Out-of-State License Revocation & Suspension

If you need to reinstate your out-of-state license after an Illinois license suspension or revocation, we can help. Contact Johnson & Goldrich, P.C., to work with a Chicago license reinstatement lawyer you can depend on. We have experience with Secretary of State hearings in Chicago, Restricted Driving Permit (RDP) applications, and more.