Consider how your Illinois driving record impacts your application for a better insurance rate before you start the process. Insurance Navy provides the lowest Illinois car insurance premiums and offers free online quotes. Keep reading to discover everything you should know about your traffic history before shopping.
What Information Does the Driving Record Include?
The documentation you seek contains everything about your traffic history. Ordering a copy should reveal the following information. It helps insurance providers accurately asses your driving risk.
Important Contact Details and License Status
The document copies all the information on your driver’s license. This includes the name, license number, gender, and basic information about how you look. It helps insurance agencies properly identify you.
The documentation shows detailed license information, too. It goes beyond basic data like the issue date and expiration.
It provides the license class and whether the driver can operate basic vehicles or more advanced options like semi-trucks. This includes any endorsements or restrictions. For example, it reveals a qualification that allows for the transportation of hazardous waste.
Traffic Demerits Like Violations and Accidents
Why are most drivers and insurance companies interested in driving records? They contain the person’s history of accidents, traffic violations, and other infractions. This includes the following information:
- Law enforcement considers running red lights, speeding, and not using a turn signal as moving violations.
- Stationary infractions are parking violations, expired registration tabs, and broken tail lights.
- Conviction records detail the date of any convictions, basic information about the crime, and the classification (felony or misdemeanor). This includes driving under the influence.
- The documentation shows any reported accident regardless of cause. It goes into more detail about your at-fault crashes.
- The record contains the date and reason when a driver has their license suspended or revoked.
- Administrative actions include warnings for violations that didn’t result in a ticket, failure to appear in court, or neglecting to pay a fine.
Each violation has a point value, and the Illinois driving record shows the total. Accumulating too many points results in license suspension or revocation.
Two Types of Driving Documentation in Illinois
Illinois has two levels of driving documentation a person can obtain.
1. Public Driving Record Abstract
Employers and insurance companies can request a basic public record in Illinois. It’s the most common and easiest traffic documentation to obtain. Details about major violations, total points, and accident reports show up in the public abstract.
2. Affected Driving Record Abstract
This type of abstract contains more private and comprehensive information. It includes a driver analysis section with the current license status in addition to the basic public data. An authorized party or legal guardian can request a copy with notarized permission.
Steps for Obtaining Your Driving History
How can you obtain a copy of a driving record in Illinois? That depends on how you prefer to file the paperwork.
Apply Online: Fast and Simple
Many people prefer to apply for their driving records online because it’s fast and easy. Don’t fall for scam websites that seek payment but never send your papers. Visit the Illinois Secretary of State’s site to find everything in one convenient place.
Follow these steps:
- Prepare documentation: You’ll need your driver’s license information, date of birth, last four digits of your social security number, and a valid credit card.
- Start the process: Visit the Illinois Secretary of State Driving Record Abstract Request page and confirm the request.
- Input information: Input all the information accurately and decide which type of record you need.
- Payment: Requesting Illinois driving records requires a payment processor fee. They accept any valid credit or debit card and the amount may change each year.
- Download and print: Simply click a button to download the PDF documents. Don’t forget to print off a physical copy.
Record by Mail: Safe and Secure
Why do people request their records through the mail? This option offers a viable alternative if they don’t use credit cards, worry about internet security, or can’t conveniently access a printer. It uses a similar process as applying online.
Download the document and print off the form. Consider using a library if you don’t have a printer. Fill out all the information using the same documents as online services.
Write a check for the amount to the Secretary of State and deposit the envelope in the mail. Wait about 10 business days for processing and to receive the records.
Improved Customer Service: Secretary of State Facility
Do you prefer talking to people in person? Consider heading to your local Illinois Secretary of State Facility.
Many people prefer to complete the application beforehand. You can also ask for a request form at the site if you don’t want to print it off.
Remember to bring all the necessary documents and the required payment. You’ll have to wait for service. It’s still faster than applying by mail and doesn’t require internet access.
Best Strategies for Keeping a Clean Driving Record
How do you avoid a bad driving record? Consider these tips for preventing traffic violations and accumulating point totals.
Regular Driver Record Monitoring
Even minor errors on a driving record can increase a person’s insurance rates. Consider ordering new documents annually and inspect them meticulously.
Correcting the contact information or eye color doesn’t require much effort. Incorrect documentation about a violation or infraction may require a court hearing.
Quickly Pay Tickets and Attend Court Appearances
Some traffic violations simply require paying a fine. More serious ones involve court cases and a legal process. Never ignore the consequences no matter how inconvenient or severe.
Most traffic tickets require payment within 28 days. Late payment may incur further financial penalties and also add points to your driving record. Missing too many payments leads to a suspended license.
Ignoring a court date has more drastic results. The judge can automatically rule against the driver and may charge them with contempt of court. This charge is a Class C misdemeanor and often results in both fines and jail time.
A Driving Class Could Reduce Point Totals
Consider taking a driving class if you’ve already accumulated a significant number of points on your Illinois driving record. It will improve your driving habits and help avoid future violations.
In some cases, it can also lower the point total and help avoid license suspension or revocation. Never miss an assigned class when a judge orders it.
Plan and Stay Focused While Driving
Distraction and anxiety are two major causes of accidents and moving violations. Anxiety leads to impulsive decisions and reckless driving. Fighting children or eating while operating a vehicle prevents the driver from noticing hazards.
No one can eliminate 100% of distractions. However, anyone can significantly reduce them.
Don’t eat while driving, and avoid music or audiobooks in heavy traffic. Educate kids about the risks of disturbing you.
How does a driver reduce anxiety? Stay aware of current weather and traffic conditions and identify the easiest route to a location. Schedule plenty of time and plan to arrive early so that delays won’t make you feel rushed.
Stay Updated on Illinois Laws and Regulations
Many people don’t realize how often driving laws change. Law enforcement and the courts won’t accept ignorance as a satisfactory excuse for traffic violations.
For example, the Illinois Times highlighted over 300 new laws for the state in 2025. This includes new rules for digital driver’s licenses. How do Illinois citizens easily stay updated about changing regulations?
Visit the Illinois General Assembly website and regularly check the Illinois Department of Transportation page. Watch local news and follow government agencies on social media.
Don’t Let Insurance Coverage Lapse
Driving without auto insurance in Illinois results in serious consequences. It subjects the drivers to fines and greatly increases their total points. If insurance coverage expires without a new policy in place, avoid driving.
Find the Best Rates at Insurance Navy Today
Insurance Navy considers your Illinois driving record and helps you obtain the best possible insurance premiums. We offer instant proof of insurance and an easy online application. You won’t find a more stress-free way to find affordable coverage.
Visit one of our 25 locations in Illinois, shop online, or call 888-949-6289.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you still have more questions about your driving record in Illinois? Find more answers below.
Who Can Order a Copy of My Records?
The only people who can order a copy of your details records are legal guardians and people with notarized permission.
Can I Get Reckless Driving Violations Removed From My Driving Documentation?
You can get Illinois violations removed from your documentation under certain conditions. You must go through the correct legal process.
Is My Bad Driving Record the Same in Every State?
Yes, your record for driving is the same in every state due to the efforts of the National Driver Register. The United States Department of Transportation maintains the database.
How Long Does an Illinois Driving History Last?
The Illinois driving record is permanent. However, violations disappear after seven years and leave the documentation clean.
