How to replace your Illinois driver license

You can replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Illinois driver license through the Secretary of State's office. The process depends on whether you need it mailed to you or want to pick it up in person, and whether your license is still valid or has expired. Most replacements take 7 to 10 business days if you order by mail, or you can walk into a Driver Services facility and get a temporary license the same day while your permanent one is printed.

You will need to bring proof of identity and proof of residency. A valid passport, birth certificate, or military ID works for identity. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement with your current address. If you are replacing a license that was lost or stolen, you do not need a police report, but you should report it to local police if you are concerned about identity theft.

Key Takeaways

  • You can replace your license by mail, at a Driver Services facility, or through the Secretary of State's online system if your license is still valid and not expired.
  • In-person replacement at a Driver Services office gives you a temporary license when ready and your permanent license within 7 to 10 business days.
  • Bring a government-issued photo ID and proof of your current address; a police report is not required for lost or stolen licenses.
  • The replacement fee is $30 for a standard license, and you can renew your license early if it is expiring soon rather than replacing it twice.

Replacing your license in person at a Driver Services facility

Walking into a Driver Services office is the fastest way to get a working license the same day. You will fill out form DL 44 (process for Illinois Driver License or Permit), show your identity and residency documents, and have your photo taken. The office will issue you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed to your address on file.

Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, such as a tax return or Social Security card. If your address has changed since your last license, update it on the form. Driver Services facilities are located throughout Illinois; you can find the one nearest you on the Secretary of State website. Wait times vary by location and time of day, so calling ahead or checking online can help you plan.

If your license expired more than a year ago, you may need to pass a vision test or written exam depending on how long it has been. Ask when you call or arrive. The $30 replacement fee is paid at the facility, and you can pay by cash, card, or check.

Replacing your license by mail

Mail replacement works if your license is still valid and not expired. read form DL 44 from the Secretary of State website, fill it out completely, and mail it with copies of your identity and residency documents to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for $30 made out to the Secretary of State.

Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date the office receives your packet. Your new license will be mailed to the address you list on the form. If you need your license sooner, do not use mail; go to a Driver Services facility instead. Keep a copy of everything you send in case there are questions.

Replacing your license online

The Secretary of State offers online replacement through its website if your current license is valid and not expired, you have not changed your name, and you still live in Illinois. You will create an account, upload photos of your identity document and proof of residency, and pay the $30 fee by card. Your new license ships within 7 to 10 business days.

Online replacement is the most convenient option if you meet the requirements, because you do not have to visit an office or mail documents. However, you will not receive a temporary license, so if you need to drive before your permanent license arrives, you will need to use your old license or go to a facility in person.

What to do if your license expired

If your license expired fewer than 12 months ago, you can renew it using the same methods as replacement—mail, online, or in person. The process is identical, and the fee is the same. If your license expired more than 12 months ago, you will need to go to a Driver Services facility in person because you must pass a vision test and may need to retake the written exam.

If you are close to your expiration date, consider renewing early instead of replacing your license twice. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. This saves you a trip and a second fee.

Replacing a license with a name change

If your name has changed since your last license was issued—through marriage, divorce, or legal petition—you must go to a Driver Services facility in person. Bring your identity document, proof of residency, and a certified copy of the document showing your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will update your name on your new license.

You cannot do a name change by mail or online. The facility will issue a temporary license and mail your permanent one within 7 to 10 business days. The replacement fee is still $30.

Replacing a license if you have moved out of state

If you no longer live in Illinois, you cannot replace your Illinois license through the Secretary of State. You will need to get a driver license from your new state instead. Contact your new state's Department of Motor Vehicles to learn what documents you need and whether you can transfer your Illinois license or must take a new test.

If you still own property in Illinois or plan to move back, you can keep your Illinois license current by renewing it by mail or online before it expires, even if you live elsewhere. However, once it expires, you will need to be physically present in Illinois to replace it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement license?

A temporary license is issued the same day if you go to a Driver Services facility in person. Your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Mail and online orders also take 7 to 10 business days from the date received.

Can I drive with a temporary license?

Yes. The temporary paper license is valid for 30 days and has the same legal standing as your permanent license. You can drive, work, and use it for identification during that time.

What if I lost my license and I am worried about identity theft?

Report the loss to local police and keep a copy of the report for your records. You do not need the report to replace your license, but it documents the loss if someone tries to use your information fraudulently. Consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus.

Do I need an appointment at a Driver Services facility?

Appointments are not required, but many facilities allow you to schedule one online to reduce wait time. Check the Secretary of State website for your local facility to see if appointments are available.

What if my documents are from another country?

Foreign documents must be accompanied by an official English translation. Bring both the original and the translation to a Driver Services facility. The office will verify that the translation is certified before accepting it.