Getting a replacement license in Illinois takes one trip to a Secretary of State facility 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 a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and pay a $20 fee. The replacement license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days, though you can request a temporary paper license to use while you wait.

You do not need to retake the written or driving test. A replacement license is a straightforward transaction—the state already has your information on file. The main decision you face is whether to visit a facility in person or use the mail-in option, which takes longer but requires no trip.

If your license was stolen rather than lost, you may want to report it to local police first. This creates a record in case someone tries to use it fraudulently, though it is not required to get a replacement.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a valid ID (passport, state ID, or military ID), proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and $20 to any Secretary of State Driver Services facility.
  • In-person replacement takes about 30 minutes and your temporary paper license is valid when ready; the permanent card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • You can also request a replacement by mail through the Secretary of State website, though this takes 2 to 3 weeks total.
  • If your license was stolen, file a police report first so you have documentation if the lost license is misused.

What to bring to a Secretary of State facility

You need three things: a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and the $20 replacement fee. Valid IDs include a U.S. passport, military ID, state ID card, or an out-of-state driver's license. If you do not have any of these, bring two documents that together prove your identity and date of birth—a birth certificate plus a Social Security card, for example.

Proof of residency must show your current Illinois address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work. If you have recently moved and your documents do not yet show your new address, bring a lease or mortgage document plus a piece of mail from a government agency (tax notice, voter registration card) sent to your new address.

Bring the $20 fee in cash or card. Some facilities accept both; a few accept cash only. Call ahead if you are unsure which payment methods your local office takes.

Where to go and how long it takes

The Secretary of State operates Driver Services facilities in most Illinois counties. You can find the one nearest you on the Secretary of State website by entering your zip code. Facilities are typically open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations open on Saturday mornings. Hours vary by location, so check before you go.

Walk-in service is available at all facilities, but wait times vary. During morning hours on weekdays, you may wait 15 to 30 minutes. Afternoons and Saturdays are often busier. If you want to avoid a wait, some facilities offer online appointment scheduling through the Secretary of State website—you can book a specific time slot and skip the line.

Once you are called, the transaction itself takes about 10 to 15 minutes. The staff member will verify your documents, take a new photo, and issue you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent license is mailed to the address on file and arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Requesting a replacement by mail

If you cannot visit a facility, you can request a replacement license by mail through the Secretary of State website. You will fill out an process form, gather copies of your ID and proof of residency, and mail everything along with a check or money order for $20 to the address provided on the form.

Mail-in replacement takes longer than in-person service. The state typically receives your process within 3 to 5 business days, processes it within 5 to 7 business days, and mails your new license within 7 to 10 business days after that. Total time is usually 2 to 3 weeks. You will not receive a temporary paper license with the mail-in option, so you cannot drive legally during this period unless you have another valid ID.

Mail-in service is useful if you are out of state, unable to take time off work, or live far from the nearest facility. However, if you need to drive before your replacement arrives, an in-person visit is the only way to get a temporary license when ready.

What to do if your license was stolen

If someone stole your license rather than you straightforward losing it, file a police report with your local police department or sheriff's office. Provide them with your license number if you know it (it is on any documents you received when you got your license). The police report creates an official record that can protect you if the lost license is used fraudulently.

You do not need the police report to get a replacement license, but having one on file is useful if someone later tries to use your old license to open accounts or commit fraud in your name. If that happens, you can show the police report as evidence that you reported it missing.

After filing a report, proceed with getting your replacement license through the Secretary of State using the steps above. The two processes are separate and do not affect each other.

Using your temporary paper license

When you receive your temporary paper license at the facility, it is valid for 30 days and works anywhere a regular license does—for driving, as ID at bars or airports, and for any other purpose. Treat it the same way you would treat your permanent license: keep it with you when you drive and do not lose it.

Your temporary license is not a backup. If you lose the temporary license before your permanent one arrives, you will need to return to the Secretary of State and request another temporary, which means another $20 fee and another trip. Keep the temporary in a safe place until your permanent license arrives.

Once your permanent license arrives by mail, the temporary is no longer valid. Destroy it or keep it for your records—it has no legal use after that point.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Only if you have the temporary paper license issued at the Secretary of State facility. If you used the mail-in option, you cannot drive legally until your permanent license arrives. If you need to drive before then, you must visit a facility in person to get the temporary.

What if I do not have proof of residency?

Bring two documents that together show your name and Illinois address. A lease plus a utility bill, a mortgage statement plus a bank statement, or a government notice plus a piece of mail from a financial institution all work. If you have no documents with your address, bring a notarized letter from someone who lives with you confirming your residency.

Do I have to retake the written or driving test?

No. A replacement license uses the information already on file. You only retake tests if your license was suspended or revoked, or if you are renewing after it has been expired for more than a certain period.

How much does a replacement license cost?

The replacement fee is $20. Some facilities may charge an additional fee if you request expedited mail delivery, but standard mail delivery is included in the $20.

Can someone else pick up my temporary license for me?

No. You must be present in person at the Secretary of State facility to receive your temporary license. Only you can pick it up, as the staff member will verify your identity and take a new photo.