DUI classes by state · Illinois
Court-Ordered DUI Classes in Illinois
In Illinois, the court-ordered DUI/DWI education requirement is the DUI Risk Education (with DUI evaluation), overseen by the Illinois Department of Human Services — Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (IDHS/DBHR, formerly SUPR). Here's how it works, whether an online class is accepted, and how to find a provider your court will accept.
Quick answer: in person or online in Illinois?
Varies by court. In Illinois the thing that matters is the provider’s license, not the class format: DUI evaluations and risk education only count when delivered by an organization licensed by IDHS/DBHR, and IDHS has publicly warned about organizations operating without a license. Some IDHS-licensed Illinois providers offer virtual classes, but a certificate from an unlicensed (often out-of-state, online-only) company is likely to be rejected by the court and the Secretary of State — verify the license and confirm acceptance with your court before paying. Your court and the Secretary of State (SOS) decide what counts — confirm the format and the specific provider before you enroll or pay.
Program structure in Illinois
| Program / level | Length | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal Risk | Minimum 10 hours of DUI Risk Education | Lowest classification from the required alcohol/drug evaluation |
| Moderate Risk | 10 hours risk education + minimum 12 hours early intervention (over 4+ weeks, max 3 hours/day) | Intermediate classification |
| Significant Risk | 10 hours risk education + minimum 20 hours substance use treatment | Elevated classification |
| High Risk | Minimum 75 hours of substance use treatment | Highest classification; also requires active continuing care after discharge |
Illinois-specific rules to know
- Everyone in the Illinois DUI process gets a uniform alcohol/drug evaluation that classifies them Minimal, Moderate, Significant, or High Risk — the classification, not the driver, decides the required hours.
- DUI evaluation and risk education providers must be licensed by IDHS/DBHR; IDHS has publicly flagged organizations delivering DUI services without a license.
- The Secretary of State (Illinois has no "DMV") uses the evaluation and proof of completed education/treatment at reinstatement hearings and can enforce treatment recommendations before restoring driving privileges.
- Evaluation fees are set by each provider, but licensed providers must offer reduced fees to people who demonstrate they cannot afford the full cost.
- IDHS does not publish a simple online provider search; to find a licensed DUI service provider, call the IDHS Helpline at 1-800-843-6154 or contact your local Family Community Resource Center.
Find an approved DUI class provider in Illinois
Start with the official state list — it's the one your court is most likely to accept — then confirm the specific provider with your court or probation officer:
Illinois doesn't publish a single public provider locator — your court, probation officer, or the Secretary of State (SOS) will tell you which providers are accepted for your case.
Prefer to look on a map? Search Google Maps for DUI classes in Illinois — then check any provider against the official list above and your court order before enrolling.
Might an online class work for you? Whether an online DUI class is accepted in Illinois depends on your court and offense. If your court and the Secretary of State (SOS) allow it, an approved online class can be faster — but confirm it's accepted for your specific case first. How state-approved online DUI classes work →
Source & accuracy: compiled from Illinois Department of Human Services — Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (IDHS/DBHR, formerly SUPR) and official Illinois licensing sources. Court requirements change and vary by case — always confirm the program, format, hours, and an accepted provider with your court and the Secretary of State (SOS) before enrolling. Sources: dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=68381, dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=44177, ilsos.gov/departments/baiid/reinstate.html.