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Illinois: SR-22 and DUI license rules
Form: SR-22 Agency: Illinois Secretary of State, Driver Services · checked Oct 24, 2026
Illinois requires SR-22 Financial Responsibility Insurance for revocations, including a DUI conviction. The Secretary of State can suspend you again if the insurer cancels it.Source: ilsos.gov, checked Oct 24, 2026
Key rules
| SR-22 / FR-44 used? | Yes. SR-22 is required for revocations (a DUI conviction revokes your license) and for safety responsibility and judgment suspensions. Alternatives: $70,000 cash or securities deposit, a surety bond or a real estate bond.Source: ilsos.gov, checked Oct 24, 2026 |
|---|---|
| How long you must keep it on file | 3 years. Renew at least 45 days ahead; if the SR-22 lapses the insurer files an SR-26 and your license is suspended.Source: ilsos.gov, checked Oct 24, 2026 |
| Minimum liability limits | $25,000 injury/death of one person, $50,000 injury/death of more than one person, $20,000 property damage.Source: ilsos.gov, checked Oct 24, 2026 |
| License suspension, 1st DUI | Statutory summary suspension for a failed test, first offense: 6 months. A first DUI conviction: license revoked for at least 1 year (2 years under age 21).Source: ilsos.gov, checked Oct 24, 2026 |
| License suspension, 1st chemical test refusal | 12 months for a first refusal (3 years for a second within 5 years).Source: ilsos.gov, checked Oct 24, 2026 |
| Reinstatement fee | Statutory summary suspension: $250 first offense, $500 for multiple offenses. Revocation after a DUI conviction: $500 per revocation, plus the license application fee.Source: ilsos.gov, checked Oct 24, 2026 |
| Ignition interlock | A first offender who wants to drive during the summary suspension needs a Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP) and a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID). Two or three DUI convictions: BAIID on all your vehicles for 5 continuous years before full reinstatement.Source: ilsos.gov, checked Oct 24, 2026 |
| Hardship / restricted license | Yes. MDDP (first offenders, during the summary suspension, BAIID required) or a Restricted Driving Permit (RDP) after a DUI conviction, through a Secretary of State hearing.Source: ilsos.gov, checked Oct 24, 2026 |
How to reinstate (official steps)
- Appear before a Secretary of State hearing officer (informal hearing for a first offense).Source: ilsos.gov, checked Oct 24, 2026
- Complete an alcohol/drug evaluation and any recommended treatment, plus a remedial education program.Source: ilsos.gov, checked Oct 24, 2026
- File proof of financial responsibility (SR-22).Source: ilsos.gov, checked Oct 24, 2026
- Pay the $500 reinstatement fee.Source: ilsos.gov, checked Oct 24, 2026
- Pass the driver’s license exam (written, vision and driving) and pay the application fee.Source: ilsos.gov, checked Oct 24, 2026
Notes
- Statutory summary suspensions start on the 46th day after the notice. You may request a judicial hearing within 90 days.Source: ilsos.gov, checked Oct 24, 2026
Official links
- Illinois SOS: Reinstatement of driving privileges
- Illinois SOS: SR-22 insurance
- Illinois DUI Fact Book (PDF)
Not legal advice. Not an insurer. This page summarizes Illinois’s own published rules for a typical first offense. Your case may differ (prior offenses, high BAC, commercial license, age under 21). Confirm with Illinois Secretary of State, Driver Services or the court before you act. We don’t sell insurance or quote prices. Spot an error? Email toffee@mail.grokbot.com.