Getting a replacement license in Illinois takes one visit to a Secretary of State office and costs $20
If you have lost your Illinois driver's license, you can get a replacement at any Secretary of State Driver Services facility. You will need to bring your Social Security number, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and a valid form of ID. The replacement license costs $20 and is valid for the same expiration date as your original license — you do not pay to renew it early.
You can also renew by mail if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you have not had any suspensions or revocations. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and costs $20. read the DL 44 form from the Secretary of State website, include a copy of your proof of residency, and mail it to the address on the form with a check or money order.
Key Takeaways
- Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency from the last 60 days, and a valid ID to any Secretary of State Driver Services office to get a replacement.
- The replacement costs $20 and keeps your original expiration date — you do not pay extra to renew early.
- If your license expired fewer than five years ago and you have no suspensions, you can renew by mail using the DL 44 form.
- In-person replacement usually takes 30 minutes to an hour; mail renewal takes two to three weeks.
What counts as proof of residency
Illinois requires proof that you live at the address on your replacement license. The Secretary of State accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail (like a tax return or court document) dated within the last 60 days. The document must show your name and current address.
If you do not have any of these, you can bring two documents that together show your name and address — for example, a lease plus a bank statement that shows only your name. Ask the Secretary of State office staff which combination they will accept before you go, because rules can vary slightly by location.
Finding the nearest Secretary of State office
Illinois has Secretary of State Driver Services facilities in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Secretary of State website under "Driver Services Locations." Some offices take walk-ins only; others use an online appointment system. Check the specific office's page before you go — if appointments are required and you show up without one, you may be turned away.
Busy offices in Chicago and other large cities often have wait times of 45 minutes to two hours during peak hours (late morning and early afternoon on weekdays). Going early in the morning or on a Tuesday or Wednesday usually means a shorter wait.
What to bring to the office
| Item | What it is | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security number | Your nine-digit SSN | You can write it down or bring a Social Security card, but you do not have to show the card. |
| Proof of residency | Utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail from the last 60 days | Must show your name and current address. |
| Valid ID | Passport, military ID, state ID, or other government-issued photo ID | Does not have to be from Illinois. |
| Payment | $20 cash, check, or card | Most offices take all three; call ahead if you want to confirm. |
Bring originals, not copies, of your proof of residency and ID. The staff will look at them but will not keep them. If you are renewing by mail, you can send a copy of your proof of residency instead.
If your license was stolen or you suspect fraud
If someone stole your license or you think it has been used fraudulently, tell the Secretary of State staff when you explore for the replacement. They can flag your old license number in the system so it cannot be used. You do not need a police report to do this, though having one can help if there is fraud on your credit report later.
If you see fraudulent activity tied to your license number (like traffic tickets you did not get or a vehicle registered in your name), contact the Secretary of State's fraud line at 217-782-6900 or file a report through their website. Keep a record of any fraudulent activity and report it to the credit bureaus and the Federal Trade Commission as well.
Renewing by mail instead of in person
Mail renewal is an option only if your license expired fewer than five years ago, you have not had any suspensions or revocations, and you are not changing your address. read the DL 44 form from the Secretary of State website, fill it out, include a copy of your proof of residency, and mail it with a check or money order for $20 to the address listed on the form.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your process. If you need your license sooner, go to an office in person instead — that is the only way to get it the same day.
If you need your license before the replacement arrives
The Secretary of State does not issue temporary licenses or paper permits while you wait for your replacement to arrive by mail. If you need to drive before your replacement comes, you have two options: go to an office in person to get it the same day, or carry a copy of your replacement receipt and your valid ID until the new license arrives. Police may or may not accept a receipt as proof of a valid license, so this is not a reliable solution.
If you are in a situation where you need to drive when ready — for work, medical reasons, or a court appearance — plan to visit an office in person. Most offices can process a replacement in under an hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a replacement if my license is suspended or revoked?
No. You cannot get a replacement while your license is suspended or revoked. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the Secretary of State. Contact them at 217-782-6900 to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take to clear it.
What if I lost my license out of state?
You can still get a replacement from any Illinois Secretary of State office as long as you have your Social Security number, proof of Illinois residency, and a valid ID. You do not have to be in Illinois to mail in a renewal, but you do have to visit an office in person if you need it the same day.
Do I have to pay the $20 fee if I lost my license within a year of getting it?
Yes. Illinois charges $20 for every replacement, regardless of how long you have had the license. There is no waiver for lost licenses issued recently.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. You must be present in person to get a replacement license. The staff will not issue it to someone else, even with a power of attorney.
What happens if I find my old license after I get a replacement?
Destroy it or return it to the Secretary of State. Do not use it — your new license is the valid one. If you return the old one, the staff will destroy it for you.