Knowing what to expect while dealing with your Illinois DUI can make the process less intimidating. We’ve compiled some basic resources to help you understand the consequences you might face from getting a DUI in Illinois.
Smart Start Ignition Interlock: We’re Here for the Prairie State
Getting past your DUI doesn’t have to feel like climbing the Sears Tower. Smart Start offers fast and easy Ignition Interlock services near you, with locations statewide. We strive to offer competitive pricing that helps you find an affordable Ignition Interlock in IL.
Our compassionate customer care team is here to offer multilingual support 24/7, and our skilled installers know how to get you back on the road with your Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) in no time. Smart Start is ready to help you today. Get in touch and let our friendly Program Advisors help you find an Illinois Ignition Interlock solution that fits your needs and program requirements.
How do you get your license back in Illinois after a DUI?
After a DUI, some drivers may be eligible to apply for a Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP).
The following is general information, not legal advice, about the conditions you might have to complete before applying for a reinstated license.
Phase 1: Get Started
Consult Your Legal Counsel
License Hearing
Phase 2: Ignition Interlock Device
Schedule Installation
Obtain SR-22 Certificate
Phase 3: Judicial Requirements
Assessment and Education
Pay Fees and Complete Forms
Phase 4: Monitoring and Calibration
Service Appointments
Phase 5: Device Removal
Removal or Early Removal
Information as of March 1, 2025.
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Disclaimer
Please note that the information in the following sections is for general informational purposes only. The materials contained herein are not intended to and should not be relied upon or construed as a legal opinion or legal advice or to address all circumstances that might arise. Information may be dated and may not reflect the most current developments. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. Only your individual attorney can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation. Smart Start expressly disclaims all liability regarding actions taken or not taken based on any or all content.
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Get In Touch With A Program Advisor Or Call (800) 831-3299 Now!Understanding Illinois DUI Requirements
Basic DUI Requirements
According to the Secretary of State’s Illinois DUI Factbook:
- A first- or second-offense DUI in Illinois is typically listed as a Class A misdemeanor. With a misdemeanor DUI in Illinois, you can be subject to penalties including:
- Up to one year of jail time
- Up to $2,500 in fines
- Minimum one-year revocation of driving privileges
- If your BAC when arrested was 0.16 or higher, or if there was a minor in the vehicle, you’ll be subject to higher fines, longer jail time, and community service on top of your original sentence.
- If your arrest included aggravating circumstances such as a collision or injuries, or if you already have two or more DUIs on your record, you may be charged with a felony instead of a misdemeanor. With a felony DUI in Illinois, you might be subject to fines up to $25,000 and prison time of up to 30 years in the most extreme cases. Any felony DUI in Illinois is classified as an Aggravated DUI, which means minimum sentences cannot be suspended or reduced.
If you refuse a breath alcohol test or field sobriety test, or if your BAC is measured at .08 or greater, your license will also automatically be suspended for one year by the Illinois Secretary of State. The suspension period can be greater if it’s not your first DUI, or if other aggravating circumstances are present.
During the period your license is suspended, you may qualify to apply for a Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP). This permit allows you to maintain your full driving privileges if you install and maintain a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) on your vehicle. Drivers with multiple DUIs can apply for a Restricted Driving Permit (RDP) instead, which also requires a BAIID and places more restrictions on where and when you can drive.
Your BAIID is monitored by the Secretary of State’s office to ensure you stay in compliance. You’ll also be responsible for paying all required fees for installing and maintaining the device unless you qualify for the BAIID Indigent Program.
License Reinstatement
If your license has been suspended by the Illinois Secretary of State’s office after a DUI, to reinstate your driver’s license you’ll need to pay a reinstatement fee of $250-500 and clear any other revocations or suspensions from your record before your license can be reinstated.
For drivers whose license has been revoked instead of suspended, you’ll need to complete additional conditions, including undergoing a drug and alcohol evaluation and completing a drug and alcohol education program.
How much does an Ignition Interlock Device cost in Illinois?
We understand that a DUI can be a major financial challenge, so we offer an affordable solution for getting your Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) in Illinois:
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Free, fast, and customized quotes from our friendly Program Advisors -
No long-term contracts required
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Affordable pricing
Free, fast, and customized quotes from our friendly Program Advisors If you meet specific financial requirements or receive certain types of public assistance, you might be eligible to have some vendor fees waived under the Illinois BAIID Indigent Program. To learn more about the cost of an Ignition Interlock near you, see our IID cost guide for Illinois.
Why Choose Smart Start in Illinois?
Your DUI doesn’t have to define your life. With our knowledgeable Program Advisors who are ready to listen and address your needs, Smart Start is here to help you get on the road to a brighter future.
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No need to buy equipment or sign long-term contracts
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70+ service centers, often with same-day installation options
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24/7/365 multilingual customer support
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Easy-to-use Interlock Device technology
No need to buy equipment or sign long-term contracts 
Illinois Forms
As part of your Ignition Interlock requirement, you may be required to complete specific forms. Find the forms you need right here!
Illinois FAQs
It’s important to thoroughly understand how IIDs work, and what you’ll need to do to stay in compliance with your program. Get fast answers to your most common questions about Interlocks in Illinois.
What is an Ignition Interlock Device (IID)?
Viewing 5 Topics
How Does It Work?
Show 8 Topics
How Do I Get An Appointment?
Show 2 Topics
How Can We Help?
Show 3 Topics
How do I know if Smart Start’s devices are compliant with my program?
Smart Start’s BAIID is compliant with all state and federal requirements, and we are certified as a BAIID provider by the Illinois Secretary of State. In addition, our breath alcohol Ignition Interlock Devices are tested and certified to meet the standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Do I need the device on all of my vehicles?
The Illinois Secretary of State (SOS) requires you to have a breath alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) on any vehicle that you drive, but you may be eligible for exemptions on a work vehicle. If you have had two DUI convictions in ten years, you will be required to install a BAIID on every vehicle titled to you as a part of your Restricted Driving Permit (RDP).
What if I have a requirement, but I don’t own a vehicle?
If you have a Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP) or Restricted Driving Permit (RDP) that requires a BAIID installation, but you don’t own a vehicle, you are required to install a BAIID on anything you plan to drive even if you do not own the vehicle. You may be eligible for a work exemption, which would allow you to drive some work vehicles without installing a BAIID. Contact your attorney or the Illinois Secretary of State for more information regarding work exemptions. If you are being ordered to install by the court and you do not own a vehicle, the Judge may impose other consequences. Those consequences may involve a portable alcohol-monitoring device like Smart Start’s SMARTMobile™ device.
How do I know if I need a camera/GPS/etc.?
The state of Illinois requires that every breath alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) be camera-equipped.
Does the camera watch me all the time?
No, the camera only takes a picture when you are asked to provide a breath sample. The camera does not take videos, and there is no live streaming.
What happens after I get my DUI?
After you get your first DUI in the state of Illinois, you’ll get a letter from the Secretary of State dictating whether or not you’re eligible for a breath alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID). If you have had more than one DUI, your Secretary of State Hearing Officer will tell you if you are required to have a BAIID.
Where does installation fall based on my condition?
In the state of Illinois, you can only install the breath alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) once you have received your Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP) or Restricted Driving Permit (RDP). You will have 14 days from the date of the issuance of the permit in which to install the BAIID.
How often does my BAIID need to be serviced?
For a Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP), you generally need to have your breath alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) serviced every 60 days—unless you violate, at which point you will need to service your BAIID every 30 days. For a Restricted Driving Permit (RDP), you will need to service your BAIID after the first 30 days following installation and every 60 days thereafter.
Where can I go for service? Anywhere, or just within my state?
Illinois law states that you can service your breath alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) at any Smart Start service center nationwide.
Where do I send a record of my service appointments?
Smart Start will automatically send a record of your service appointments to the Illinois Secretary of State on your behalf at no extra charge to you. If you are court-ordered to install a BAIID, Smart Start will automatically send records to the court designee.
What constitutes a violation in my state?
In the state of Illinois, any and all of the following may constitute a violation:
- A breath alcohol reading of .05 or higher
- Failure to provide a passing sample ten times within a 30-day period or five times within a 24-hour period
- A skipped rolling re-test
- Failure to go in for service
- Obscuring the camera from taking a clear, accurate photo
- Getting another DUI
- Anything else specified by the Secretary of State
What happens if I violate?
If you violate over the course of your time with the breath alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID), the Illinois Secretary of State will send you a letter asking for an explanation of your violation. If you have a Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP), a violation may extend your requirement period. If you have a Restricted Driving Permit (RDP), other consequences may be dictated by the Illinois Secretary of State (SOS), such as cancellation of your RDP or denial of another RDP.
How do I know who my state authority is?
In the state of Illinois, your state authority will usually be the Illinois Secretary of State (SOS). However, your attorney will let you know who your state authority will be. If you’re not sure, ask your attorney.
What do I need to bring to my installation?
Once you have scheduled your breath alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) installation with Smart Start, you will need to bring the following to your BAIID installation appointment:
- Two forms of identification, one of which needs to be a photo ID
- Proof of insurance
- Proof of residency
What should I bring back to my state authority after my device is installed?
Smart Start will provide confirmation of the installation, which we will send directly to the Illinois Secretary of State on your behalf.
What do I need for removal?
In order to remove your breath alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) in the state of Illinois, you will need to obtain verbal permission from the Illinois Secretary of State.
What do I need to install voluntarily?
To install a breath alcohol Ignition Interlock Device on your vehicle or a family member’s vehicle voluntarily, fill out our online form or call Smart Start at 800.831.3299 to speak with one of our Program Advisors and schedule a voluntary installation appointment. Make sure to let your Program Advisor know that you will not have a permit number or case number.
How can I pay for calibration?
You can pay for calibration at the service center during your service appointment using a credit card.
What is an Ignition Interlock Device (IID)?
Viewing 5 Topics
How do I know if Smart Start’s devices are compliant with my program?
Smart Start’s BAIID is compliant with all state and federal requirements, and we are certified as a BAIID provider by the Illinois Secretary of State. In addition, our breath alcohol Ignition Interlock Devices are tested and certified to meet the standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Do I need the device on all of my vehicles?
The Illinois Secretary of State (SOS) requires you to have a breath alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) on any vehicle that you drive, but you may be eligible for exemptions on a work vehicle. If you have had two DUI convictions in ten years, you will be required to install a BAIID on every vehicle titled to you as a part of your Restricted Driving Permit (RDP).
What if I have a requirement, but I don’t own a vehicle?
If you have a Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP) or Restricted Driving Permit (RDP) that requires a BAIID installation, but you don’t own a vehicle, you are required to install a BAIID on anything you plan to drive even if you do not own the vehicle. You may be eligible for a work exemption, which would allow you to drive some work vehicles without installing a BAIID. Contact your attorney or the Illinois Secretary of State for more information regarding work exemptions. If you are being ordered to install by the court and you do not own a vehicle, the Judge may impose other consequences. Those consequences may involve a portable alcohol-monitoring device like Smart Start’s SMARTMobile™ device.
How do I know if I need a camera/GPS/etc.?
The state of Illinois requires that every breath alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) be camera-equipped.
Does the camera watch me all the time?
No, the camera only takes a picture when you are asked to provide a breath sample. The camera does not take videos, and there is no live streaming.
How Does It Work?
Show 8 Topics
What happens after I get my DUI?
After you get your first DUI in the state of Illinois, you’ll get a letter from the Secretary of State dictating whether or not you’re eligible for a breath alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID). If you have had more than one DUI, your Secretary of State Hearing Officer will tell you if you are required to have a BAIID.
Where does installation fall based on my condition?
In the state of Illinois, you can only install the breath alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) once you have received your Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP) or Restricted Driving Permit (RDP). You will have 14 days from the date of the issuance of the permit in which to install the BAIID.
How often does my BAIID need to be serviced?
For a Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP), you generally need to have your breath alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) serviced every 60 days—unless you violate, at which point you will need to service your BAIID every 30 days. For a Restricted Driving Permit (RDP), you will need to service your BAIID after the first 30 days following installation and every 60 days thereafter.
Where can I go for service? Anywhere, or just within my state?
Illinois law states that you can service your breath alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) at any Smart Start service center nationwide.
Where do I send a record of my service appointments?
Smart Start will automatically send a record of your service appointments to the Illinois Secretary of State on your behalf at no extra charge to you. If you are court-ordered to install a BAIID, Smart Start will automatically send records to the court designee.
What constitutes a violation in my state?
In the state of Illinois, any and all of the following may constitute a violation:
- A breath alcohol reading of .05 or higher
- Failure to provide a passing sample ten times within a 30-day period or five times within a 24-hour period
- A skipped rolling re-test
- Failure to go in for service
- Obscuring the camera from taking a clear, accurate photo
- Getting another DUI
- Anything else specified by the Secretary of State
What happens if I violate?
If you violate over the course of your time with the breath alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID), the Illinois Secretary of State will send you a letter asking for an explanation of your violation. If you have a Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP), a violation may extend your requirement period. If you have a Restricted Driving Permit (RDP), other consequences may be dictated by the Illinois Secretary of State (SOS), such as cancellation of your RDP or denial of another RDP.
How do I know who my state authority is?
In the state of Illinois, your state authority will usually be the Illinois Secretary of State (SOS). However, your attorney will let you know who your state authority will be. If you’re not sure, ask your attorney.
How Do I Get An Appointment?
Show 2 Topics
What do I need to bring to my installation?
Once you have scheduled your breath alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) installation with Smart Start, you will need to bring the following to your BAIID installation appointment:
- Two forms of identification, one of which needs to be a photo ID
- Proof of insurance
- Proof of residency
What should I bring back to my state authority after my device is installed?
Smart Start will provide confirmation of the installation, which we will send directly to the Illinois Secretary of State on your behalf.
How Can We Help?
Show 3 Topics
What do I need for removal?
In order to remove your breath alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) in the state of Illinois, you will need to obtain verbal permission from the Illinois Secretary of State.
What do I need to install voluntarily?
To install a breath alcohol Ignition Interlock Device on your vehicle or a family member’s vehicle voluntarily, fill out our online form or call Smart Start at 800.831.3299 to speak with one of our Program Advisors and schedule a voluntary installation appointment. Make sure to let your Program Advisor know that you will not have a permit number or case number.
How can I pay for calibration?
You can pay for calibration at the service center during your service appointment using a credit card.
See What Everyone Says About Our Ignition Interlock
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September 11, 2025
"The representative was very helpful."
Angie burns.
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September 10, 2025
"Erica help the process of getting this done very simple fast and easy. Crappy situation but at least this isn’t stressful lol"
Jarrel Broussard.
United States
September 9, 2025
" She was very patient accurate & to the point!took no time to get my interlocking appointment scheduled "
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