What you need to do to replace your Illinois driver's license
To replace a lost or damaged Illinois driver's license, you must visit a Secretary of State facility in person with proof of identity and residency. Illinois does not allow online replacement for lost or damaged licenses — you cannot mail in an process or use a third-party service. The process takes about 15 minutes at the facility, and you will receive a temporary paper license when ready while your plastic card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
The cost is $20 for a standard replacement. If your license is damaged but not lost, you can sometimes exchange it at the counter without the full replacement fee, though the staff member will determine this when you arrive. You do not need to retake the written or vision test unless your license has been expired for more than a year.
Key Takeaways
- You must go to a Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person with a government-issued ID and proof of your current address.
- The replacement fee is $20, and you will get a temporary paper license on the spot while your permanent card is mailed within 7 to 10 business days.
- You do not need to retake any tests if your license expired less than a year ago.
- Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, because the Secretary of State will verify it against federal records.
- If your license is damaged but you still have it, bring the card itself — the staff may process it as an exchange rather than a full replacement.
Documents you must bring to the Secretary of State
Bring one government-issued photo ID as your primary proof of identity. This can be a passport, military ID, state ID from another state, or a tribal ID. A Social Security card alone is not enough — you need a photo ID.
Bring proof of your current Illinois address. The Secretary of State accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you have moved recently and your utility bill is not yet in your name, bring a lease or rental agreement instead.
Bring your Social Security number. You can write it on a piece of paper or bring a Social Security card, tax return, or W-2 that shows it. The Secretary of State will verify it against federal records to confirm your identity.
If your original license is damaged and you still have it, bring the card with you. The staff will examine it to decide whether to process it as a replacement or an exchange.
How to find and visit a Secretary of State facility
The Secretary of State operates Driver Services facilities across Illinois. You can find the location nearest you on the Illinois Secretary of State website under "Driver Services" or by calling 217-782-6900. Not every facility offers the same services, so confirm that the location you plan to visit handles license replacements before you go.
Most facilities operate Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening hours or limited Saturday service. Wait times vary by location and time of day. Visiting early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter lines than afternoons or Fridays.
You do not need an appointment for a replacement. Walk-in service is available at all facilities, though some locations now offer an online reservation system that lets you reserve a time slot to reduce wait time. Check the Secretary of State website to see if your local facility offers reservations.
What happens after you submit your replacement request
After you complete the process at the facility, the staff will take your photo and issue you a temporary paper license. This temporary license is valid for driving when ready and remains valid for 30 days. You can use it anywhere a regular license is accepted.
Your permanent plastic license card will be mailed to the address you provided on your process. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license faster, the Secretary of State does not offer expedited mail service, but you can request that it be mailed to a different address if you will not be home during the standard delivery window.
If you do not receive your license within 14 business days, contact the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 to report it. Keep your temporary paper license until the plastic card arrives.
Special situations: expired licenses and name changes
If your license expired less than one year ago, you can replace it without retaking the written or vision test. The staff will process it as a standard replacement. If your license expired more than one year ago, you must pass the vision test and written test before receiving a replacement, even if you are only replacing a lost or damaged card.
If your name has changed since your license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — bring a document proving the change. Acceptable documents include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order of name change. The Secretary of State will issue a new license with your current legal name.
If you are replacing a license that was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward replace it. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the Secretary of State. Call 217-782-6900 to find out what steps are required before you can replace your license.
Fees and payment methods
A standard license replacement costs $20. This fee covers the temporary paper license and the permanent plastic card. The Secretary of State accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at all facilities. Some locations may accept checks, but cash or card is most reliable.
If you are replacing a license that was damaged due to a manufacturing defect — for example, the laminate is peeling or the card is cracked through no fault of your own — ask the staff whether you may be charged a reduced fee or no fee. The decision is made at the facility, so bring your damaged license and explain the situation.
If you cannot visit a facility in person
Illinois law requires you to appear in person to replace a lost or damaged license. There is no mail-in option, no proxy service, and no way to complete the replacement online. If you are unable to travel to a Secretary of State facility due to a disability or medical condition, call 217-782-6900 to ask whether the Secretary of State offers any accommodation or mobile service in your area.
If you are out of state temporarily, you can wait until you return to Illinois to replace your license. Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days, which may give you time to return. If you will be out of state longer than 30 days, contact the Secretary of State to discuss your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license if it is suspended or revoked?
No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation first by contacting the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900. They will tell you what steps are required — this might include paying a reinstatement fee, completing a remedial driving course, or waiting out a suspension period. Only after the suspension or revocation is lifted can you replace your license.
What if I lost my license out of state?
You must replace it in Illinois by visiting a Secretary of State facility. Your temporary paper license is valid nationwide, so you can drive while waiting for your permanent card to arrive. If you are stranded out of state and cannot travel back when ready, the temporary license gives you 30 days to do so.
How long is the temporary paper license valid?
The temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. After 30 days, you must have the permanent plastic card to drive legally. If your permanent card has not arrived after 14 business days, contact the Secretary of State to report it missing.
Do I need to bring my old license if it is lost?
No. If your license is lost, you do not have it to bring. If your license is damaged and you still have it, bring the card so the staff can examine it. Bringing the damaged card may result in a lower fee or faster processing.
Can I change my address at the same time I replace my license?
Yes. When you fill out the replacement process, you can update your address. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). The new address will appear on your replacement license.