Illinois replaces lost or damaged licenses through the Secretary of State's office, either in person at a Driver Services facility or by mail
The Illinois Secretary of State handles all driver's license replacements. You have two main routes: visit a Driver Services facility in person, or mail your request to the state office. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes and you leave with a temporary license valid for 60 days while your permanent card is printed. The mail route takes longer — typically two to three weeks — but works if you cannot reach a facility.
You will need to bring or send specific documents depending on which route you choose. The state requires proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. If your license was lost or stolen, you do not need a police report, though having one can be useful if you are concerned about identity theft.
Key Takeaways
- Visit any Illinois Driver Services facility with your ID and proof of address to get a replacement license in one visit, receiving a temporary license when ready.
- The mail-in option requires sending certified documents to the Secretary of State's office and takes two to three weeks to receive your new card.
- A replacement license costs $30 in Illinois and is valid for the remainder of your current license term.
- You can find your nearest Driver Services facility and check wait times on the Secretary of State's website before you go.
What documents you need for an in-person replacement
Bring one form of government-issued photo ID — a passport, military ID, or state ID card all work. You also need proof that you live in Illinois: a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days.
Have your Social Security number ready. You do not need to bring your old license if it was lost, but if you have it and it was damaged, bring it along. The staff will take it and destroy it as part of the replacement process.
If you are under 21, bring an additional document proving your date of birth — a birth certificate or passport works. If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
In-person replacement at a Driver Services facility
Find your nearest facility on the Secretary of State's website by entering your ZIP code. Many facilities now show real-time wait times online, so you can check before you leave home. Facilities are open Monday through Friday, with some locations offering Saturday hours. Hours vary by location, so confirm before you go.
Arrive with your documents and be prepared to have your photo taken. The process itself takes about 15 minutes once you reach the window. You will receive a temporary license printed on the spot — this is valid for 60 days and can be used for driving, voting, or any other purpose that requires a license. Your permanent plastic card will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.
The replacement fee is $30, paid by cash, check, or card depending on the facility. Some locations accept card payments only. If you are replacing a license that was lost or stolen, the fee is the same — there is no additional charge for a replacement versus a renewal.
Mailing in your replacement request
If you cannot visit a facility, you can mail your request to the Secretary of State's office. Send a completed process for Duplicate Driver's License or Permit (form DL 953) along with copies of your ID and proof of address. You can read the form from the Secretary of State's website or request it by phone.
Mail your documents to the address listed on the form — currently the Secretary of State's office in Springfield. Include a check or money order for $30 made payable to the Secretary of State. Do not send cash. Use certified mail with return receipt so you have proof the envelope arrived.
Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the office receives your mail. You will not receive a temporary license with the mail-in option, so you cannot drive legally until your new card arrives. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you will need to visit a facility in person to get the temporary license.
What happens if your license was stolen
A stolen license does not require a police report to replace through the Secretary of State. You follow the same process as a lost license — bring your documents to a facility or mail in your request. The replacement fee remains $30.
However, if you are concerned about identity theft, consider filing a report with the police or the Federal Trade Commission. A police report can be useful if someone uses your stolen license to commit fraud, as it creates an official record of the theft. The FTC's IdentityTheft.gov website walks you through steps to monitor your accounts and place fraud alerts with credit bureaus.
Temporary license validity and what to do if it expires
Your temporary license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued. It works for all purposes — driving, voting, boarding a plane, entering federal buildings. Treat it like your regular license: keep it with you when you drive, and present it if stopped by police or asked for ID.
If your permanent card has not arrived after 60 days, return to any Driver Services facility with your temporary license. Staff can print you a new temporary license for another 60 days while they investigate the delay. Bring the same documents you brought the first time. This second temporary is free.
Replacing a license that was damaged or defaced
If your license is still readable but damaged — water-damaged, cracked, faded, or with a worn photo — you can replace it the same way you would replace a lost one. Bring the damaged card to a facility along with your other documents, or mail it with your process. The staff will destroy the old card and issue your replacement.
If your license is so damaged that your photo or information is no longer visible, the Secretary of State may require you to retake your photo during the replacement process. This happens at the facility during your visit — no additional appointment needed. The fee remains $30.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license online?
No. Illinois does not offer online replacement for lost or damaged licenses. You must either visit a Driver Services facility in person or mail your request to the Secretary of State's office. Renewal of an expiring license can sometimes be done by mail or online, but replacement of a lost or damaged card requires one of these two methods.
What if I do not have proof of residency?
You need a document showing your name and current Illinois address dated within the last 60 days. If you recently moved and have not received a utility bill or bank statement yet, a lease agreement or mortgage statement works. If you truly have no documents, call your local Driver Services facility — staff can sometimes accept alternative documents on a case-by-case basis, but this is not may provide.
How long is my replacement license valid?
Your replacement license is valid until the expiration date of your original license. If your original license was set to expire in two years, your replacement is also valid for two years from the issue date. You are not getting a fresh four-year or eight-year term — you are getting the remainder of your current license cycle.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. You must be present at the facility to have your photo taken and receive your temporary license. If you are mailing in your request, you can have someone else mail the envelope for you, but you must be the one to sign the process form and provide your photo and information.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
Bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Present it along with your other documents at the facility or mail it with your process. The new license will reflect your current legal name. If you have not yet updated your name legally, you cannot change it on your license until the legal change is complete.