{"id":2673,"date":"2023-05-03T09:37:00","date_gmt":"2023-05-03T09:37:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/?p=2673"},"modified":"2023-05-03T21:37:42","modified_gmt":"2023-05-03T21:37:42","slug":"dont-take-driving-with-an-expired-license-in-illinois-lightly","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/auto\/dont-take-driving-with-an-expired-license-in-illinois-lightly\/","title":{"rendered":"Don\u2019t Take Driving With an Expired License in Illinois Lightly"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When it comes to driving without a license, Illinois is no different than any other state in the United States. It\u2019s against the law and penalties can range from tickets and fines to jail time and the possibility of a vehicle impoundment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every state has their own set of penalties for driving illegally, even if you have auto insurance<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Do I Need a Driver\u2019s License?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

All 50 states require their resident motorists to have a certificate that, more or less, guarantees the operator has shown they have the basic skills necessary to safely drive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In most states, this permit comes either after a person has had practical experience and taken a skills and written test. In most cases, people get learner\u2019s permits that allow them to drive supervised for a period of time in order to get the necessary on-the-road experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are the Rules for Getting a License in Illinois?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It depends on several factors \u2013 and your age. Let\u2019s take a look at some of the rules and regulations. Those who wish to get behind the wheel on an Illinois road must have a valid or probationary license or an instruction, restricted driving or monitoring device permit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In most cases, your permanent license will be renewable in the weeks or days leading up to your birthday. You should receive a renewal letter in the mail in plenty of time to renew with online services. If you miss doing an online renewal, you\u2019ll have to attend in person. It\u2019s important to make sure the Secretary of State\u2019s office has your current address and phone number. If you\u2019ve gotten married or otherwise had a name change, you should update your information as well so you will receive your notice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Under the Age of 16<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Illinois has a graduate driver\u2019s program for those who are under the age of 18. Young would-be drivers must obtain a permit (with the consent of their parents or legal guardian). They must take driver\u2019s ed and pass vision and written tests, as well as following strict requirements and rules concerning when they can hit the road, who can be in the vehicle and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the \u201cstudent\u201d driver gets a ticket during this time, they\u2019ll be subject to various penalties that can include forfeiting the right to drive at all until the age of 18.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Above 18 Years Old<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are 18 or older and have not had a license before, you\u2019ll need to pay certain fees, depending on your age, and purchase an instruction permit for $20. You can go to the nearest Secretary of State facility, where you\u2019ll obtain a 90-day temporary one after you pass a written, vision and skills test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some cases, someone who can demonstrate their knowledge and skill without taking a course can get a license once they pay the appropriate fees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you fall into the first or second category, it\u2019s best to call the driver services facility you plan to visit ahead of time and make an appointment, especially if you need to take a written exam or road test. The facilities operate on normal business days and hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other Ways to Renew<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Aside from physically visiting a driver services facility, the state makes it easy for you to be compliant with their laws around driving. There are online services you can use for online renewals. And you can use an electronic check to pay for everything. Although there is a grace period, there is no extension for renewal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What You Will Need<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Once you arrive at the office, you\u2019ll need to provide documents that prove your eligibility and residency. You can use an ID card or a Real ID. Those who do not have a Real ID have options from several acceptable forms of ID.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Dire Consequences for Failure to Renew<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While there\u2019s a grace period of up to one year to renew an expired driver\u2019s license, failure to renew within a year will result in more dire consequences. These could include being required to take additional driving tests as part of the renewal process for first-time offenders, however that would be the least of your problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More specifically, if you\u2019re pulled over by the police and found to be driving with an expired license, your problems may have just increased tenfold. For example, if it has expired for less than a year, a ticket and a fine of up to $1,000 may be issued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if it expired more than one year ago, the offense is now a Class B misdemeanor \u2013 which comes with an automatic $1,500 fine and a possible jail sentence of up to six months. And, if you think things can\u2019t get worse \u2013 think again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Police Have Right to Impound Vehicle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Under certain circumstances, state law gives police the right to impound a driver\u2019s vehicle if he or she is found to be driving with an expired license and without proof of car insurance.  In addition, should you be convicted, the Illinois Secretary of State will revoke your driving privileges by suspending your license<\/a>. And, you won\u2019t be allowed to apply for a new one until the suspension period is over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Furthermore, you shouldn\u2019t expect your auto insurance company to be thrilled with the news that you were violating state law. As soon as they hear about it, you could face either a massive increase in your car insurance rates or outright cancellation of your policy, even if you had a clean driving record before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Should I Renew?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The process is quite simple. Illinois drivers are required to renew:<\/p>\n\n\n\n