What a duplicate license is and when you need one
A duplicate driver's license in Illinois is an exact copy of your current license — same number, same expiration date, same restrictions. You order one when your original is still valid but you want a second physical card. This is different from a replacement, which you get when your license is lost, stolen, or damaged and you need a new one with the same number.
You might request a duplicate if you want to keep one license at home and carry another, or if you're about to travel and want a backup. The duplicate costs less than a replacement and takes less time to arrive because the Secretary of State doesn't have to issue a new number or update your record — they just print another card with everything already on file.
Key Takeaways
- A duplicate license costs $5 and keeps your current license number and expiration date unchanged.
- You can order a duplicate online through the Illinois Secretary of State website, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services facility.
- Online orders typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days; mail and in-person requests may take longer depending on processing volume.
- You do not need to pass a test or provide new documents — the Secretary of State prints a copy of what's already in your file.
Ordering online through the Secretary of State website
The fastest way to get a duplicate is through the Illinois Secretary of State's online portal. Go to cyberdriveillinois.com, find the Driver Services section, and look for the option to order a duplicate license. You'll need your current license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.
After you enter your information, you'll pay the $5 fee using a credit or debit card. The Secretary of State will mail your duplicate to the address on file. Most people receive it within 7 to 10 business days, though processing times can vary during high-volume periods. You'll get a confirmation number — save it in case you need to check the status of your order.
Requesting by mail or in person
If you prefer not to order online, you can request a duplicate by mail. Contact your local Driver Services facility or the Secretary of State's main office to ask for the duplicate license request form. Fill it out, include a check or money order for $5 made payable to the Secretary of State, and mail it to the address they provide.
You can also walk into any Driver Services facility in Illinois and request a duplicate in person. Bring your current license and be ready to pay $5 cash, check, or card. The staff will process your request on the spot, but you'll still need to wait for the card to be printed and mailed to you — you won't leave with it that day. In-person requests sometimes move through the queue faster than mail requests, but there's no may provide.
What documents and information you need
Because a duplicate uses your existing record, you don't need to bring documents proving your identity, address, or legal name. You only need to prove you are the person whose license is on file. Online, that means entering your license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. In person, your current license is proof enough.
Make sure the address on file with the Secretary of State is correct before you order. If you've moved recently and haven't updated your address yet, update it first — your duplicate will be mailed to whatever address is in their system. You can update your address online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services facility before you request the duplicate.
How long it takes and what to expect
Online orders usually arrive within 7 to 10 business days. Mail-in requests take longer — typically 2 to 3 weeks from the time the Secretary of State receives your form, plus the time it takes your envelope to reach them. In-person requests at a Driver Services facility are processed when ready, but the card still has to be printed and mailed, so you're looking at the same 7 to 10 business day window.
You'll receive your duplicate at the address on file. If you don't receive it within the expected timeframe, contact the Secretary of State's Driver Services division with your confirmation number (if you ordered online) or your request details. They can tell you whether the card has been mailed and provide a tracking update if available.
Cost and what's included
A duplicate license costs $5, regardless of whether you order online, by mail, or in person. That's the only fee — there are no processing charges or shipping fees added on top. The duplicate card will have the same license number, the same expiration date, and all the same information as your current license, including any restrictions or endorsements.
Your duplicate is a valid form of identification and can be used anywhere your original license can be used. Both cards remain active and valid until the expiration date printed on them. If your original license expires before you use your duplicate, you'll need to renew both of them together or renew just the one you're carrying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a duplicate if my license is suspended or revoked?
No. The Secretary of State will not issue a duplicate if your license status is suspended, revoked, or cancelled. You would need to resolve the suspension or revocation first. Contact Driver Services to find out what steps are required to restore your driving privileges.
What if I move after I order a duplicate?
Your duplicate will be mailed to the address that was on file when you placed the order. If you move before it arrives, you can contact the post office to forward it to your new address, or contact the Secretary of State to request they hold it or remail it. Update your address with the Secretary of State as soon as you move so future documents go to the right place.
Do I need to bring my duplicate license with me if I still have my original?
No. You only need one valid license on you at any time. The duplicate is a backup — you can keep it at home or in a safe place and carry your original. Both are equally valid for identification or driving purposes.
Can I order a duplicate if my name has changed since I got my current license?
No. If your legal name has changed, you need a replacement license, not a duplicate. A replacement requires you to provide documents showing your name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order) and to visit a Driver Services facility in person. Contact Driver Services for the full list of documents you'll need.
What happens if my duplicate arrives damaged?
Contact the Secretary of State's Driver Services division right away with your confirmation number or order details. They can reissue the duplicate at no additional cost if it arrived defective. Keep the damaged card and any packaging it came in until you've spoken with them.