Getting a replacement license in Illinois

If you've lost your Illinois driver's license, you can get a replacement by visiting a Secretary of State facility in person. You'll need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and pay a replacement fee. The process takes about 15 minutes at the facility, and you'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your plastic card is mailed to you.

Illinois does not issue replacement licenses by mail or online. You must appear in person at a Driver Services facility. The state does not charge extra for a lost license replacement compared to a standard renewal — the fee is the same.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person with valid ID and proof of residency to get a replacement.
  • Bring your Social Security number or an ITIN, as you'll need it to verify your identity in the system.
  • The replacement fee is the same as a standard license renewal and varies based on how long you want the license to be valid.
  • You receive a temporary paper license when ready and the plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your license was lost in Illinois but you live out of state, you can request a replacement by mail through a limited process.

Documents you need to bring

Bring one form of primary identification — a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or REAL ID-compliant state ID from another state. If you don't have any of those, bring two forms of secondary ID such as a Social Security card, birth certificate, or bank statement with your name and address.

You also need proof of residency showing your current Illinois address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. The name on the residency document must match the name on your primary ID.

Bring your Social Security number or ITIN. If you don't have it memorized, bring a document that shows it — a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return. You'll also need to know your current address and any previous addresses from the last five years.

Where to go and what it costs

Find the nearest Secretary of State Driver Services facility on the Illinois Secretary of State website. You can search by city or ZIP code. Facilities are located in most counties, and many are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Some locations have extended hours on certain days. You do not need an appointment at most facilities, but checking the location's page first can tell you current wait times.

The replacement fee depends on how long you want the license to be valid. A license valid for four years costs less than one valid for eight years. As of 2024, the fee ranges from roughly $20 to $30, but confirm the exact amount when you visit or check the Secretary of State website. You can pay by cash, check, or card at most facilities.

What happens after you explore

You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready after you complete the process. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and can be used for driving and identification purposes. Keep it with you until your plastic card arrives.

Your replacement card is mailed to the address you provide and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you don't receive it within two weeks, contact the Secretary of State to check the status. If your mail is unreliable or you're moving soon, ask the facility staff if you can pick up your card in person instead of having it mailed.

If you live outside Illinois

If you lost your Illinois license but now live in another state, you have two options. You can travel back to Illinois and visit a Driver Services facility in person with the documents listed above. Alternatively, you can request a replacement by mail, though this option is limited and not available in all circumstances.

To request a replacement by mail, contact the Secretary of State's Driver Services division directly at 217-782-6900 or check their website for the current mailing address and required forms. You'll need to mail in copies of your ID and residency proof, along with a completed process. Processing takes longer this way — typically three to four weeks — and you won't receive a temporary license.

If your license was stolen or you suspect fraud

If you believe your lost license was stolen or might be used fraudulently, report it to the Secretary of State when you explore for the replacement. You can also file a report with local police, though this is not required to get a replacement. Having a police report on file can help if someone uses your license fraudulently later.

When you report the loss to the Secretary of State, ask them to flag your file so that if someone tries to use your old license, it will be rejected. This is a standard precaution and takes no extra time. If you're concerned about identity theft more broadly, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive without my license while waiting for the replacement?

Yes. The temporary paper license you receive at the facility is valid for 30 days and satisfies the legal requirement to carry a license while driving. Keep it with you in your vehicle. Once your plastic card arrives, the temporary license is no longer needed.

What if I lost my license outside of Illinois?

You can still get a replacement through the Illinois Secretary of State. If you're out of state, you can request a replacement by mail, though processing takes longer. If you're returning to Illinois soon, it's often faster to wait and visit a facility in person.

Do I need to take a new photo or written test?

No. A replacement for a lost license does not require a new photo, vision test, or written test. You're straightforward getting a duplicate of your existing license. If your current license is expired, you'll need to renew it separately instead of replacing it.

How long does the replacement license last?

That depends on which validity period you choose when you explore — typically four or eight years. Your new license will have the same expiration date as the one you lost would have had. When you're ready to renew, you can do so online or by mail if you meet certain requirements.

What if I find my old license after I get the replacement?

Destroy it or return it to a Secretary of State facility. Using or carrying both licenses is not illegal, but having two valid licenses can cause confusion with law enforcement or when you're asked to present ID. The old license will eventually expire and become invalid on its own.