How to replace a lost Illinois driver's license

If your Illinois driver's license is lost, you can replace it by visiting a Secretary of State facility in person, by mail, or through an online order if you meet certain conditions. The fastest route is in-person at a local Driver Services facility, where you can walk out with a temporary license the same day. By mail, the process takes longer but works if you cannot reach a facility. Online ordering is available only if your license is not expired and you have not reported it stolen.

You will need to bring identification documents, proof of residency, and pay a replacement fee. The fee for a standard replacement is $30 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license. If your license was lost rather than stolen, you do not need a police report, though having one can speed up the process if fraud is involved.

Key Takeaways

  • In-person replacement at a Secretary of State Driver Services facility takes one visit and gives you a temporary license on the spot.
  • You must bring a valid ID document, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and payment for the replacement fee.
  • Online replacement is only available if your license is not expired and you have not reported it stolen to police.
  • Mail-in replacement takes two to three weeks but works if you cannot visit a facility in person.
  • If your license was stolen and used fraudulently, file a police report and contact the Secretary of State to flag your license number.

In-person replacement at a Driver Services facility

The fastest way to replace a lost license is to visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility. You can find the location nearest you on the Illinois Secretary of State website by entering your zip code. Most facilities are open Monday through Friday during business hours, and some offer Saturday hours. Bring your appointment confirmation if you scheduled one online, though walk-ins are also accepted at most locations.

When you arrive, bring a valid ID document (passport, state ID, military ID, or certified birth certificate), proof of residency dated within the last 60 days (utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail), and your payment method. You will complete a replacement form at the facility. Once processed, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you, which typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Mail-in replacement

You can request a replacement license by mail if you cannot visit a facility. read the process for Illinois Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DL 100) from the Secretary of State website, complete it, and mail it along with your documents and payment to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of your valid ID and proof of residency with your process.

Mail processing takes two to three weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives your process. There is no temporary license issued by mail, so you will not have a valid license during this time. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you may want to use the in-person route instead. Include a check or money order for the replacement fee; the Secretary of State does not accept credit cards by mail.

Online replacement through the Secretary of State website

Illinois allows online license replacement through the Secretary of State's online services portal, but only under specific conditions. Your license must not be expired, and you must not have reported it stolen. If both conditions are met, you can order a replacement online and pay by credit or debit card. The fee is the same as in-person or mail replacement.

After you order online, your replacement license will be mailed to the address on file. Delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days. You will not receive a temporary license, so plan accordingly if you need to drive when ready. If your license is expired or you reported it stolen, you must use the in-person or mail-in route instead.

What to do if your license was stolen

If your license was stolen rather than straightforward lost, file a police report with your local police department and request a report number. This creates an official record and protects you if the license is used fraudulently. Bring the police report number with you when you replace your license in person, or include a copy with a mail-in process.

Contact the Secretary of State's Driver Services division by phone to report the stolen license number. This flags your license in the system so that if someone tries to use it, the discrepancy will be caught. You can reach Driver Services at 217-782-6900 during business hours. When you replace your license, request that a fraud alert be added to your record if you suspect the license may be used for identity theft.

Documents you need to bring or send

For any replacement method, you must provide proof of identity and residency. Acceptable identity documents include a valid U.S. passport, military ID, state ID card, certified birth certificate, or consular report of birth. Acceptable proof of residency includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail (such as a tax return or court document) dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address.

If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring documentation of the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). If you are replacing a license that was suspended or revoked, you may need additional documents or to complete other requirements before replacement is possible. Contact the Secretary of State before visiting a facility if your license was suspended or revoked.

Replacement fees and payment methods

A standard replacement license costs $30 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license. You can choose which term you want when you replace your license. Payment methods vary by replacement route: in-person facilities accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card; mail-in applications require a check or money order; online orders accept credit and debit cards only.

If you are a senior (age 81 and older), the replacement fee is reduced. Bring proof of age if you may have access to for the senior rate. No refunds are issued if you change your mind after payment, so confirm your choice before paying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive without a license while I wait for my replacement?

No, you cannot legally drive without a valid license. If you received a temporary paper license in person, you can drive with that for 30 days. If you used mail-in or online replacement, you have no valid license during the processing period, so you should not drive until your replacement arrives.

How long does it take to get a replacement license?

In-person replacement gives you a temporary license the same day and a permanent license within 7 to 10 business days. Mail-in replacement takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date received. Online replacement takes 7 to 10 business days for delivery. Times may vary during high-volume periods.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You can still replace it by mail or online if you meet the conditions. If you need it urgently and are traveling, contact the nearest Illinois Secretary of State facility to ask about expedited options. Some facilities may be able to help you replace it in person if you can reach one.

Do I need a police report to replace a lost license?

No, a police report is not required for a lost license. However, if your license was stolen and you suspect it may be used fraudulently, filing a report protects you and creates an official record. Bring the report number when you replace your license.

What if my address on file is wrong?

When you replace your license, you can update your address at the same time. Bring current proof of residency showing your correct address. If replacing by mail, include the new address on your process form.