You can order a replacement Illinois driver's license online through the Secretary of State's website, but only if your license is still valid or expired less than one year ago
The Illinois Secretary of State lets you request a replacement license without visiting a facility, as long as your current license meets specific conditions. You cannot renew online if your license has been suspended, revoked, or expired for more than one year. The process takes about 7 to 10 business days from the time the Secretary of State receives your order, and the new card arrives by mail.
If your license expired more than a year ago, or if it was suspended or revoked, you must visit a Driver Services facility in person. The same applies if you need to change your name, address, or other information beyond what the online system allows.
Key Takeaways
- You can order a replacement online only if your current Illinois license is valid or expired less than one year ago.
- The online replacement costs $30 and requires you to have a valid payment method and an email address to receive your order confirmation.
- Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the Secretary of State receives your order, then the card is mailed to your address on file.
- If your license was suspended, revoked, or expired for more than one year, you must visit a Driver Services facility in person instead.
- You will need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to start the online order.
What you need before you start the online order
Gather your current Illinois driver's license and have your Social Security number ready. You will enter your license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number into the Secretary of State's online system to verify your identity. The system will not let you proceed without both pieces of information.
You also need a valid payment method — a debit card, credit card, or electronic check — to pay the $30 replacement fee. Have the email address you want to use for your order confirmation ready as well. The Secretary of State will send you a confirmation email once your order is processed, and you can use that to track when your new card ships.
Steps to order your replacement license online
Go to the Illinois Secretary of State website and look for the "Online Services" section. Click on the link for driver's license replacement. You will be taken to a form that asks for your license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. Enter this information exactly as it appears on your current license.
The system will pull up your current license information on file. Review it carefully to make sure the name, address, and other details are correct. If anything is wrong, stop here — you cannot correct information through the online replacement system. You will need to visit a Driver Services facility in person to make changes.
If everything is correct, proceed to the payment screen. Enter your debit card, credit card, or electronic check information. The $30 fee will be charged when ready. You will receive an order confirmation email with a reference number. Save this number in case you need to contact the Secretary of State about your order.
What happens after you submit your order
The Secretary of State processes online orders during business hours, Monday through Friday. Your order will be processed within one business day of submission. Once processed, your new license card is printed and prepared for mailing.
Mailing typically takes 5 to 9 business days from the date your order is processed. You should receive your new license within 7 to 10 business days total from the time you placed the order. The card will be mailed to the address on file with your current license. If you have moved recently and updated your address with the Secretary of State, the card will go to your new address.
If you do not receive your card within 10 business days, use your order confirmation number to contact the Secretary of State's driver services line. They can look up your order and tell you whether it is still in process or if there was a problem.
When you cannot use the online replacement system
The online system is not available if your license has been suspended or revoked. You must visit a Driver Services facility in person to resolve the suspension or revocation before you can get a replacement. Bring documentation of whatever caused the suspension — unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or failure to maintain insurance — along with proof that the issue has been resolved.
You also cannot use the online system if your license expired more than one year ago. Illinois considers licenses expired for more than one year to be invalid for replacement purposes. You will need to explore for a new license in person at a Driver Services facility, which involves a vision test and a new photo.
If you need to change your name, address, or other information on your license, the online replacement system will not let you make those changes. You must visit a facility in person. Bring a government-issued ID, proof of your new address if you are changing it, and any legal documents that support a name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
Tracking your replacement license after ordering
Use your order confirmation number to check the status of your replacement license. The Secretary of State's website has a tracking tool where you can enter your confirmation number and see whether your order has been processed and mailed. This tool updates once per business day.
If your tracking shows that your order was processed but you have not received the card after 10 business days, contact the driver services line with your confirmation number. They can verify the mailing address on file and determine whether the card was sent or if there was a delay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my address when I order a replacement license online?
No. The online replacement system uses the address currently on file with the Secretary of State. If you have moved and need to update your address, you must visit a Driver Services facility in person to make that change at the same time you request your replacement license.
What if I lost my license and do not have the number memorized?
You will need your license number to start the online order. If you do not have it, contact the Secretary of State's driver services line with your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. They can look up your license number for you, and then you can proceed with the online order.
How long does the $30 replacement fee take to show up on my credit card or bank account?
The charge appears when ready when you submit your payment. If you used a debit card, the money is withdrawn right away. If you used a credit card, the charge shows up on your next statement. The fee is non-refundable once your order is processed.
Can I order a replacement if my license is currently suspended?
No. You cannot order a replacement online or in person while your license is suspended. You must first resolve the reason for the suspension — usually by paying outstanding fines or appearing in court — and then contact the Secretary of State to lift the suspension before you can get a replacement.
What if my replacement license arrives damaged or with a printing error?
Contact the Secretary of State's driver services line with your order confirmation number and a description of the damage or error. They will issue a replacement at no additional charge. You may need to return the damaged card, depending on the type of error.