You may visit the Criminal Department, Room 1006, or the Traffic Division located in the lower level of the Richard J. Daley Center and request an expungement package. It will contain information regarding the requirements and qualifications needed for tickets to be expunged.
The bottom right corner of your ticket will indicate whether or not a court appearance is required. A ticket marked "YOU MUST MAIL - NO COURT APPEARANCE IS REQUIRED" is issued for a violation that does not require a court appearance and is punishable by a fine only. Follow the instructions on the back of the ticket, choosing one of the three listed options:
Option A: Plead guilty, pay the fine and receive a conviction on your driving record.
Option B: Plead guilty, pay the fine, attend Traffic Safety School and avoid a conviction on your driving record.
Option C: Plead not guilty and request a court date.
If the ticket is marked "YOU MUST APPEAR," note the courtroom, date and time listed. You or your attorney must appear in court at this time. There are no automatic continuances, and court dates and times cannot be changed over the phone.
For additional information on Traffic questions, please refer to the following: Circuit Court of Cook County Traffic Court Information or Illinois Vehicle Code 625 ILCS 5/.
The driver's license will be returned when the case has been disposed of or if there is a judge's order to return the license.
You should contact the Traffic Division's Telephone Center at 312-603-2000 or 312-603-2945 for further information. Since each individual case may be different, you will be transferred to the appropriate area in Traffic for the best response(s). In addition, you may visit Traffic's Special Services Department located in the lower level of the Richard J. Daley Center, 50 West Washington St., Chicago, IL 60602 to speak directly with Traffic's counter personnel.