What you need to do right now
To replace a lost or damaged Illinois driver license, you must visit a Secretary of State facility in person with proof of identity and residency. Illinois does not process replacements by mail or online. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your new plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The replacement fee is $30 for a standard license.
If your license was stolen, you should also file a police report — some Secretary of State locations can file it for you during your visit, though you can also do this separately. A police report protects you if someone uses your license number for fraud.
Key Takeaways
- You must go to a Secretary of State facility in person with a government-issued photo ID and proof of your current Illinois address.
- The replacement fee is $30, and you will get a temporary paper license when ready and a plastic card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license was stolen, file a police report either at the Secretary of State office or with your local police department separately.
- Bring your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) — the Secretary of State will verify it during your visit.
Documents and ID you need to bring
Bring one government-issued photo ID — a passport, military ID, or state ID from another state all work. You also need proof that you live in Illinois right now. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days counts as proof of residency. If you do not have a recent document in your name, bring two documents showing your current address, even if one is not in your name (such as a piece of mail addressed to you).
Have your Social Security number or ITIN ready. The Secretary of State will ask for it during your visit. If you do not know your Social Security number, you can bring your Social Security card or a tax return that shows it. If your license was stolen and you want to file a police report at the Secretary of State office, ask the staff member whether your location handles this. Not all offices do. If yours does not, you can file the report with your local police department before or after your visit to the Secretary of State.
Finding a Secretary of State facility near you
The Secretary of State website has a facility locator at cyberdriveillinois.com. Search by city or ZIP code to find the office closest to you. Most facilities are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have different hours. A few locations offer Saturday hours — the website will show you which ones.
You do not need an appointment at most facilities, but some locations now use an online reservation system. Check the website for your specific office to see whether you can reserve a time slot. Walk-ins are usually accepted, but arriving early in the day or mid-week typically means a shorter wait.
What happens during your visit
When you arrive, tell the staff member you need to replace a lost or damaged license. They will ask you to fill out an process form (the DL 44 form) or may do this on a computer terminal while you watch. You will confirm your name, address, and other information from your existing license record.
The staff member will scan your photo ID and proof of residency, verify your Social Security number or ITIN, and take a new photo of you. You will review the information on screen to make sure it is correct before the photo is captured. Once everything is confirmed, you will pay the $30 fee — cash, debit, or credit card are accepted at most locations. Before you leave, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid when ready. This temporary license works for driving, voting, and other purposes while you wait for your plastic card. Keep it in a safe place until your new card arrives.
When your new license arrives
Your plastic driver license will be mailed to the address you provided at the Secretary of State office. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date of your visit. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the Secretary of State customer service line at 217-782-6900 to check the status.
Once your new card arrives, destroy your temporary paper license. You do not need to return it, but keeping it after your plastic card arrives can cause confusion if you are pulled over or asked for ID.
If your license was stolen
File a police report as soon as you know your license is missing. Some Secretary of State offices can file the report for you during your replacement visit — ask the staff member when you arrive. If your office does not offer this service, go to your local police department's non-emergency line or file a report online through your city or county police website.
A police report creates an official record that protects you if someone uses your license number fraudulently. Keep a copy of the report for your records. When you file the report, provide the officer with your license number, date of birth, and the date you discovered it was missing.
If you have a commercial driver license (CDL)
The replacement process is the same for a commercial driver license, but the fee is $30 for a standard CDL replacement. If your CDL has endorsements (such as hazmat or passenger), those will be restored on your new card automatically — you do not need to retake any tests. Bring the same documents: government-issued photo ID, proof of Illinois residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN.
Visit the same Secretary of State facilities for CDL replacement. The staff will process your replacement the same way as a standard license, and your temporary paper CDL will be valid for driving commercial vehicles when ready while you wait for your plastic card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license by mail or online?
No. Illinois requires you to visit a Secretary of State facility in person. You cannot mail in a replacement request or handle it through the website. However, you will receive a temporary paper license when ready during your visit, so you can drive right away while your plastic card is being mailed.
What if I do not have proof of residency?
Bring two documents showing your current address. One can be a utility bill, lease, or bank statement in your name. The second can be any piece of mail addressed to you at that address, even if it is not an official document. Both documents must show the same address and be dated within the last 60 days.
How much does a replacement license cost?
The fee is $30 for a standard driver license or commercial driver license. This is a one-time fee for the replacement. The Secretary of State accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at most locations.
What if my new license does not arrive after two weeks?
Contact the Secretary of State customer service at 217-782-6900. Have your temporary paper license handy so you can provide your license number. They can check whether your card is in the mail or if there was a problem with the address you provided.
Do I need to take a new photo or written test?
You will have a new photo taken during your replacement visit, but you do not take a written test or driving test. A replacement is straightforward a new card with your existing information and a current photo. Your license class and any endorsements stay the same.