Where to get a replacement license in Illinois
You can replace your Illinois driver's license at any Secretary of State facility. The main office is in Springfield, but there are branch locations in Chicago, Rockford, and several other cities across the state. You can also use a Driver Services facility, which are smaller offices run by the Secretary of State in various towns and counties.
Before you go, check the Secretary of State website to find the location nearest you and confirm their hours. Some facilities operate by appointment only, while others take walk-ins. If you live far from any office, you can mail in your replacement request, though this takes longer than visiting in person.
Key Takeaways
- You can replace your license in person at any Secretary of State office or Driver Services facility, or by mail if you cannot visit an office.
- Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and payment—the fee varies depending on how long you want the license to be valid.
- Replacement licenses typically arrive within two to three weeks if you explore in person, or four to six weeks if you mail your request.
- If your license was lost or stolen, report it to the Secretary of State when you explore so it cannot be used fraudulently.
What documents you need to bring
Bring your current Illinois driver's license if you still have it. If it was lost or stolen, bring a photo ID instead—a passport, military ID, or state ID card all work. You will also need proof that you live in Illinois: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
If your name has changed since your license was issued, bring a document proving the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The Secretary of State accepts certified copies only, not photocopies.
How much it costs and how long it takes
The fee depends on how long you want your replacement license to be valid. A license valid for four years costs $20. A license valid for eight years costs $40. A license valid for ten years costs $60. These are the standard fees as of 2024, though the Secretary of State may adjust them.
If you explore in person at a Secretary of State office or Driver Services facility, your replacement license typically arrives by mail within two to three weeks. If you mail your request, allow four to six weeks. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office if you explore in person, which you can use while you wait for your permanent card.
Replacing a lost or stolen license
If your license was lost or stolen, tell the Secretary of State when you explore for the replacement. This prevents someone else from using your old license number fraudulently. You do not need a police report, but having one can be useful if you later discover identity theft.
When you report a lost or stolen license, the Secretary of State cancels the old one when ready. Your replacement will have the same license number but a new card. If you later find your old license, you do not need to do anything—it is already inactive in the system.
explore by mail instead of in person
You can mail a replacement request to the Secretary of State if you cannot visit an office. read the process for Duplicate Driver's License or ID Card (Form DL 953) from the Secretary of State website. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it with a copy of your current license and proof of residency.
Mail your packet to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for the fee—do not send cash. The Secretary of State will process your request and mail your new license to the address on file. This method takes longer than explore in person, so use it only if you cannot reach an office.
What to do if your address has changed
If you have moved since your license was issued, bring proof of your new address when you explore for the replacement. A utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. The Secretary of State will update your address on your new license at no extra cost.
You do not need to replace your license just to update your address—you can change your address online through the Secretary of State website or by mail. However, if you are already replacing your license for another reason, the address update happens automatically as part of that process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a replacement license on the same day I explore?
No. Even if you explore in person, you will receive only a temporary paper license that day. Your permanent card arrives by mail within two to three weeks. The paper license is valid for driving and is accepted by police and other authorities while you wait.
What if I do not have proof of residency?
You will need to bring something that shows your current Illinois address. If you have no utility bill or lease, a bank statement, insurance bill, or government mail addressed to you works. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. Call your local Secretary of State office if you are unsure whether a specific document will work.
Do I need to take a new photo for my replacement license?
No. The Secretary of State uses the photo from your current license for the replacement. You will take a new photo only if your current license photo is more than eight years old or if the Secretary of State cannot read it clearly.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. You must pick up your temporary paper license in person when you explore. Your permanent card is mailed to the address on file, so no one needs to pick it up—it arrives at your home.
What if my license expired while I was waiting for the replacement?
Your temporary paper license remains valid even if your old license expires. Once your permanent replacement arrives, it will be valid for the full term you paid for, regardless of when your old license expired.