Illinois replacement license fees as of 2024
A replacement Illinois driver's license costs $30 if you are replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged card. This is the standard fee the Secretary of State charges for a duplicate license with the same class and restrictions as your original.
The $30 fee covers the card itself and processing. You pay it at the time you submit your request, whether you go in person to a Driver Services facility or explore by mail. No additional processing fees or surcharges explore on top of this amount.
If your license has expired and you need to renew it at the same time you replace it, you will pay the renewal fee instead — currently $30 for a four-year renewal or $60 for an eight-year renewal, depending on your age and license type. The replacement and renewal fees do not stack; you pay whichever applies to your situation.
Key Takeaways
- A replacement Illinois driver's license costs $30 and covers the card and processing at any Driver Services facility or by mail.
- If your license has also expired, you pay the renewal fee ($30 or $60) instead of the replacement fee, not both.
- Payment methods at in-person locations include cash, check, debit card, and credit card; mail-in requests require a check or money order.
- The $30 fee is the same whether you lost your license, it was stolen, or it was damaged beyond use.
How payment works at Driver Services locations
When you visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person, you can pay the $30 fee by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the time you submit your documents. Bring your payment method with you along with proof of identity and your Social Security number or ITIN.
Most facilities process the payment when ready and issue your replacement card on the spot if all documents are in order. You walk out with your new license the same day. Some high-volume locations may have a wait, but payment is collected before you leave the counter.
You can find the Driver Services facility nearest you on the Secretary of State website, which lists hours, address, and whether appointments are recommended or required in your area.
Paying by mail for a replacement license
If you explore by mail, you must include a check or money order for $30 made payable to the Secretary of State. Do not send cash through the mail. Include your check with the completed process form and required documents in the envelope you mail to the address listed on the Secretary of State's replacement license form.
Processing by mail takes longer than in-person service — typically two to three weeks from the time the Secretary of State receives your envelope. Your replacement card will be mailed to the address you provide on the form. If your check is lost or the amount is incorrect, the Secretary of State will contact you to resolve it before processing your request.
What the $30 fee includes and does not include
The $30 replacement fee covers the physical card, the background check, and the administrative processing to issue it. It does not include any optional services or add-ons. Illinois does not charge extra for standard features like the REAL ID designation if your license already had it.
If you need a REAL ID-compliant license for the first time — for example, because your old license was not REAL ID and you now need one for federal travel — you still pay only $30 for the replacement. REAL ID compliance is not an upgrade; it is a standard feature on current Illinois licenses.
Fees for other license-related services
A replacement license is different from other services that also cost money. A name change on your license costs $20 and requires a court order or marriage certificate. A duplicate (an extra copy of your current valid license) costs $10. A corrected license (to fix an error the Secretary of State made) is free.
If you need to change your address without replacing the card itself, you can do that for free by mail or online through the Secretary of State website. Address changes do not require a new card to be issued.
Refunds and what happens if payment is rejected
The Secretary of State does not refund the $30 fee if you change your mind after paying, even if you have not yet received the card. Once you have submitted payment and documents, the replacement process has begun and the fee is non-refundable.
If you pay by check and the check bounces or is rejected, the Secretary of State will attempt to contact you. You will need to resubmit payment before your replacement license can be issued. If you pay in person and there is a problem with your payment method, the facility staff will let you know when ready and ask for an alternative form of payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay $30 if my license was stolen?
Yes, the replacement fee is $30 whether your license was lost, stolen, or damaged. Theft does not waive the fee. You may want to file a police report for your records, but that does not change what you owe to the Secretary of State.
What if I lost my license and it expires in the next few months?
If your license expires within four months, you should renew it instead of replacing it. You will pay the renewal fee ($30 or $60 depending on your age) rather than the $30 replacement fee. Contact a Driver Services facility or check the Secretary of State website to confirm your expiration date before you submit payment.
Can I pay online for a replacement license?
Illinois does not currently allow online payment for replacement licenses. You must pay in person at a Driver Services facility or by check or money order if you explore by mail. Online payment is available for some services like address changes, but not for replacements.
Is there a rush fee if I need my replacement license faster?
Illinois does not offer expedited or rush processing for replacement licenses, and there is no additional fee to request faster service. In-person replacement at a Driver Services facility is the fastest option — you typically receive your card the same day. Mail processing takes two to three weeks.
What if the Secretary of State loses my payment?
If you pay by check or money order by mail and the Secretary of State cannot locate your payment, they will contact you. You can request a stop payment on your original check and resubmit a new one. Keep a copy of your mailed process for your records in case you need to prove you sent payment.