How to Replace a Lost Driver's License in Illinois

What to do when ready after losing your Illinois license

If your Illinois driver's license is lost, you need to report it to the Illinois Secretary of State and request a replacement. The fastest way is to visit a Driver Services facility in person with proof of identity and residency. You can also mail in a request, but that takes longer. Until you have a replacement, you cannot legally drive — a lost license is treated the same as an expired one for traffic stops.

Start by checking whether you actually need to replace it right away. If your license is not suspended or revoked, you have time to gather documents. If you drive regularly or need to show ID for work, getting a replacement within a few days makes sense. If you rarely drive, you can take longer, but do not wait more than a few months — the longer you delay, the more likely you are to get stopped while unlicensed.

Key Takeaways

Report your lost license to the Illinois Secretary of State by visiting a Driver Services facility, calling 217-782-6900, or mailing a request with proof of identity and residency.
In-person replacement at a Driver Services facility takes about 30 minutes and costs $30 for a standard license or $42 for a Real ID-compliant license.
You must bring an original or certified copy of a document proving your identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID) and one document proving your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement).
Mail-in replacement takes 2 to 3 weeks and requires the same documents plus a completed DL 44 form and a check or money order.
Driving without a valid license in Illinois is a traffic violation that can result in fines, points on your record, and potential license suspension.

Replacing your license in person at a Driver Services facility

The fastest way to replace a lost Illinois license is to visit a Driver Services facility. You will need to bring proof of identity and proof of your current address. Acceptable identity documents include a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, state ID card, military ID, or tribal ID. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and current address — it must be dated within the last 60 days.

Bring your Social Security number or have it memorized. You will fill out a DL 44 form at the facility (or bring one completed ahead of time). The replacement fee is $30 for a standard driver's license or $42 for a Real ID-compliant license. Real ID is required for federal air travel and entry to federal buildings starting in May 2025, so many people choose it now to avoid replacing their license again later. You will have your new license photo taken on site. Processing takes about 30 minutes, and you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to you.

To find a Driver Services facility near you, visit cyberdriveillinois.com and use the facility locator. Facilities are open Monday through Friday, typically 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary by location. Some facilities accept walk-ins; others require an appointment. Check the website for your specific location before you go, because wait times can be long during peak hours (typically mid-morning and early afternoon).

Replacing your license by mail

If you cannot visit a Driver Services facility, you can request a replacement by mail. read the DL 44 form from cyberdriveillinois.com, fill it out completely, and mail it with copies of your identity and address documents, plus a check or money order for $30 (standard) or $42 (Real ID). Mail your packet to the address listed on the form — there are regional processing centers, and the form will tell you which one to use based on your county.

Mail-in processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives your packet. Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date you mail your request, so your plastic card should arrive before that expires. If it does not, contact the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 to check the status. Do not send cash through the mail — use a check or money order only.

Reporting your lost license to prevent fraud

When you lose your driver's license, someone else could use it to open accounts, get credit, or commit other fraud in your name. You do not need to file a police report for a lost license alone, but you should monitor your credit and consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus if you are concerned.

If your license was stolen rather than lost, or if you suspect someone is using it fraudulently, contact the Illinois Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 and ask them to flag your record. They can note that your license was lost or stolen, which helps if someone tries to use it. You can also place a fraud alert with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion by contacting any one of them — they will notify the others. A fraud alert lasts one year and tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts.

Driving without a valid license while waiting for replacement

You cannot legally drive in Illinois without a valid license, even if you have reported it lost and are waiting for a replacement. The temporary paper license you receive at a Driver Services facility or the one valid for 30 days after mailing a request is your proof of a valid license during that period. If you are stopped by police before you have that temporary license, you can be cited for driving without a valid license.

A first offense for driving without a valid license in Illinois is a traffic violation that carries a fine of $100 to $500 and can add points to your driving record. If your license is suspended or revoked (rather than straightforward lost), the penalties are much higher. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, ask a licensed friend or family member to drive instead, or use a rideshare service or taxi.

What to do if your replacement does not arrive

Your plastic driver's license should arrive by mail within 2 to 3 weeks of your in-person visit or mail-in request. If more than three weeks have passed and you have not received it, contact the Illinois Secretary of State at 217-782-6900. Have your temporary paper license or confirmation number ready. They can check whether your card was mailed and provide a tracking status if available.

If your replacement was lost in the mail, the Secretary of State can issue another one. You will need to pay the replacement fee again unless they determine the card was lost due to a postal service error. If your address has changed since you requested the replacement, you can update it before the card is sent, or you can request a replacement with your new address once the original arrives.

Replacing a license if you have moved out of state

If you have moved to another state, you no longer need an Illinois driver's license. You should obtain a license from your new state instead. However, if you still have property in Illinois, work there, or plan to move back, you may want to keep your Illinois license current. To replace a lost Illinois license while living out of state, you can mail in your request using the process described above — you do not need to be physically present in Illinois.

If you have moved and want to surrender your Illinois license, you can do so by mail or at a Driver Services facility if you are visiting. There is no fee to surrender a license. If you plan to return to Illinois later, you can straightforward let it expire and obtain a new one when you move back.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a temporary license to drive while I wait for my replacement?

Yes. If you visit a Driver Services facility in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. If you mail in your request, your temporary license is valid for 30 days from the date you mail it. This temporary license is valid for driving and is your proof of a valid license during that period.

What if I lost my license and my Social Security card at the same time?

You can still replace your driver's license without your Social Security card. Bring your passport, birth certificate, state ID, military ID, or tribal ID as proof of identity. You will need to provide your Social Security number, but you do not need the card itself. If you cannot remember your number, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213.

Do I have to get a Real ID license, or can I keep a standard license?

You can choose either. A standard Illinois driver's license costs $30 and works for driving and most ID purposes. A Real ID-compliant license costs $42 and is required for federal air travel and entry to federal buildings starting in May 2025. If you fly domestically or enter federal buildings, Real ID is worth getting now so you do not have to replace your license again in a few years.

How much does it cost to replace a lost license?

A standard Illinois driver's license replacement costs $30. A Real ID-compliant license costs $42. These fees are the same whether you replace it in person or by mail. There are no additional fees for reporting it lost or for the temporary license.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

Bring proof of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) along with your identity and address documents. You will need to update your name on your license at the same time you request the replacement. There is no additional fee for a name change when combined with a replacement.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.