Getting a replacement license in Illinois when yours is lost

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 usually in-person at a local facility, which takes about 15 minutes and costs $20 for a standard replacement. You'll need to bring proof of identity and residency, and you must be a current Illinois resident with a valid license on file.

Illinois does not issue replacements over the phone or through third-party vendors, so you cannot use a service to do this for you. The state also does not mail licenses to addresses outside Illinois, even if you've moved temporarily. If your license has expired or you've changed your name since it was issued, the process changes slightly—those situations require a renewal or amendment rather than a straightforward replacement.

Key Takeaways

  • In-person replacement at any Secretary of State facility takes about 15 minutes and costs $20, with your new license issued on the spot.
  • You must bring a government-issued photo ID (passport, military ID, or state ID) and proof of your current Illinois address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days).
  • Mail-in replacement takes 7 to 10 business days and requires the same documents plus a completed process form, but you cannot use this method if your license has been suspended or revoked.
  • Online ordering is available only if your license is not expired, you have not changed your name, and you have a valid email address on file with the Secretary of State.
  • If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the facility or during the mail-in process.

In-person replacement at a Secretary of State facility

Walking into a Secretary of State facility is the most straightforward path. You can visit any of the 159 facilities across Illinois—you do not have to go to the one in your home county. Bring your proof of identity (a valid passport, military ID, or state ID card) and proof of your current address. Acceptable address documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 90 days. A phone bill or credit card statement does not count.

Tell the clerk you need a replacement license due to loss. You will fill out a short form, have your photo taken (or use your existing photo if it is less than five years old), and pay $20. Your new license will be printed and handed to you before you leave. If you need to drive when ready and do not have a valid ID, ask for a temporary paper license—the facility can issue one on the spot, and it is valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent card to arrive by mail.

Wait times vary by location and time of day. Facilities in Chicago and other large cities often have longer lines, especially on weekday mornings. The Secretary of State website lists each facility's address and hours. Some facilities are open Saturdays, but not all, so check before you go.

Mail-in replacement if you cannot visit in person

You can request a replacement by mail if you cannot reach a facility. read the process for Duplicate Driver's License or ID Card (form DL 953) from the Secretary of State website, fill it out completely, and mail it along with copies of your proof of identity and proof of address to the address listed on the form. Do not send original documents—send copies only. Include a check or money order for $20 made out to the Secretary of State.

Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date the Secretary of State receives your envelope. You cannot use mail-in replacement if your license has been suspended, revoked, or cancelled. You also cannot use this method if your license has expired, if you have changed your name since it was issued, or if you have a medical condition that requires a new photo. In those cases, you must visit a facility in person or renew your license instead.

Mail your process to the address on form DL 953. The Secretary of State does not accept applications sent to other addresses. Keep a copy of what you mailed in case there are questions. If your process is incomplete or the documents do not meet the requirements, the Secretary of State will return it and you will have to resubmit, which adds time to the process.

Online ordering for a quick replacement without visiting

If your Illinois license is not expired, you have not changed your name, and you have a valid email address on file with the Secretary of State, you can order a replacement online through the Secretary of State's website. The process takes about five minutes. You will need to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.

Online ordering costs $20, and your new license will be mailed to the address on file with the Secretary of State. Delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. You cannot change your address during an online order—if you have moved, you must visit a facility in person or update your address separately before ordering online. You also cannot use online ordering if your license has been suspended or revoked.

The online system does not issue temporary paper licenses, so if you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you will have to visit a facility in person to request one. Online ordering is most useful if you have time to wait and your information on file is current.

What to do if your license was suspended or revoked

If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot order a replacement online or by mail. You must visit a Secretary of State facility in person. The clerk will check your driving record and explain the reason for the suspension or revocation. You may be required to pay a reinstatement fee, take a written test, or complete other steps before a replacement can be issued.

Suspensions in Illinois are usually due to unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or failure to maintain insurance. Revocations are more serious and typically result from DUI convictions or repeated violations. The Secretary of State website has a tool where you can check your driving record status before you visit, so you know what to expect. Bring any documents related to the reason for the suspension—proof of insurance, court documents, or payment receipts—because you may need them.

Getting a temporary paper license while you wait

If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at any Secretary of State facility. It is valid for 30 days and serves as proof that you have a valid Illinois license. You do not need to do anything special to get one—just ask the clerk when you visit for your replacement. If you ordered by mail, you cannot get a temporary license unless you visit a facility in person.

A temporary license is printed on paper and is not a card. It is not a substitute for a real ID if you need to board a plane or enter a federal building, but it is legal for driving. If your temporary expires before your replacement arrives, you can visit a facility again to request another one, though this is rare—mail-in replacements almost always arrive within the 30-day window.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a replacement license cost?

A replacement license costs $20 in Illinois, whether you get it in person, by mail, or online. This is the standard fee for a duplicate license due to loss. If your license has been suspended or revoked, you may owe additional reinstatement fees on top of the $20 replacement fee.

Can I get a replacement if my license has expired?

No, you cannot get a straightforward replacement if your license has expired. You must renew your license instead, which costs more and requires a new photo and vision test. You can only use the replacement process if your license is still valid but lost.

What if I moved out of Illinois after losing my license?

If you have moved to another state, you cannot get a replacement mailed to an out-of-state address. You would need to explore for a driver's license in your new state instead. If you are temporarily out of state but still an Illinois resident, you can visit a facility in person when you return or ask a trusted person to pick up your replacement on your behalf if you have given them written permission.

How long does it take to get a replacement by mail?

Mail-in replacements take 7 to 10 business days from the date the Secretary of State receives your process. This does not include the time it takes for your envelope to arrive at their office, so plan for 10 to 14 days total. In-person replacements are issued the same day.

Can I use a temporary license to fly or go to a federal building?

No, a temporary paper license is not accepted as a Real ID for air travel or federal building access. You need your permanent card for those purposes. If you have a trip planned before your replacement arrives, you can use a passport or other federal ID instead.