What a duplicate license is and when you need one
A duplicate Illinois driver's license 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 card in your wallet, your car, or somewhere safe at home. It costs less than a replacement (which you'd need if your license were lost or stolen), and the state processes it faster.
The Secretary of State's office handles all duplicate requests. You do not go to a local DMV office for this — Illinois does not have branch offices. Instead, you mail in a form, pay a fee, and receive your duplicate by mail within two to three weeks under normal circumstances.
Key Takeaways
- A duplicate license costs $5 and keeps your current license number and expiration date.
- You order a duplicate by mailing Form DL 953 and a check to the Secretary of State's office in Springfield.
- The form and mailing address are on the Illinois Secretary of State website under "Driver Services."
- Processing takes two to three weeks, and your duplicate arrives by mail at the address on your current license.
- If you need your license sooner, you cannot rush a duplicate — you would need to visit a Driver Services facility in person for a replacement instead.
How to order your duplicate by mail
Start by downloading Form DL 953 from the Illinois Secretary of State website. Search for "DL 953" or go to the Driver Services section and look for "Duplicate License." Print the form and fill in your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and current address exactly as they appear on your license.
Write a check for $5 payable to the Secretary of State. Attach it to the form — do not send cash. Mail both to the address listed on the form, which is the Secretary of State's office in Springfield. Keep a copy of the form for your records.
Your duplicate will be mailed to the address currently on file with your license. If you have moved recently and updated your address with the Secretary of State, the duplicate goes to your new address. If you have not yet updated your address, the duplicate goes to your old one, so update your address first if you want the card sent somewhere specific.
What to expect during processing
The Secretary of State typically processes duplicate requests within two to three weeks. You will not receive a confirmation email or text — the first notice you get is when the duplicate arrives in your mailbox. Check your mail regularly starting around the two-week mark.
If three weeks pass and you have not received your duplicate, contact the Secretary of State's Driver Services line. Have your driver's license number ready. They can tell you whether the request was received and processed, or whether there was a problem with the form or payment.
When to order a duplicate instead of a replacement
Order a duplicate if your original license is still in your possession and valid. Order a replacement if your license is lost, stolen, or damaged. The difference matters because a replacement requires different paperwork and proof of the loss or damage, while a duplicate does not.
If you are unsure whether your situation calls for a duplicate or a replacement, contact the Secretary of State's Driver Services line. They can tell you which form to use based on what happened to your license.
Updating your address before ordering
If you have moved since your license was issued, update your address with the Secretary of State before you mail in your duplicate request. This ensures your duplicate arrives at your current home. You can update your address online through the Secretary of State website, by mail using Form DL 44, or in person at a Driver Services facility.
Updating your address online is the fastest method and takes effect when ready. If you mail a form, allow one to two weeks for processing before sending your duplicate request.
Cost and payment details
A duplicate license costs $5. Payment must be by check made out to the Secretary of State. Do not send cash, credit cards, or money orders — only checks are accepted for mail-in requests.
If you need to pay by a different method, you would need to visit a Driver Services facility in person instead of mailing in your request. Facilities accept cash, checks, debit cards, and credit cards.
If you need your duplicate faster
The mail-in process takes two to three weeks, and there is no way to rush it. If you need a duplicate sooner, you have one option: visit a Driver Services facility in person and request a replacement instead. A replacement is processed on the spot or within a few days, though it costs more ($20 instead of $5) and requires you to bring documents proving your identity and residency.
Find the nearest Driver Services facility on the Secretary of State website by entering your city or ZIP code. Facilities are located throughout Illinois, and hours vary by location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order a duplicate online?
No. Illinois only accepts duplicate requests by mail. You must print Form DL 953, fill it out by hand, attach a check, and mail it to the Secretary of State's office in Springfield. There is no online portal for duplicates.
Will my duplicate have the same number as my original?
Yes. A duplicate keeps your current license number, expiration date, and all other information. It is an exact copy, not a new license.
What if I moved and my mail forwarding expired?
Update your address with the Secretary of State before you mail your duplicate request. If you do not, the duplicate will go to the old address on file and you may not receive it. Update your address online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services facility.
Can I get a duplicate if my license is expired?
No. You can only order a duplicate if your license is currently valid. If your license has expired, you need to renew it first. Contact the Secretary of State's Driver Services line for renewal instructions.
What if the check bounces or payment fails?
The Secretary of State will return your form and notify you that payment was not processed. You will need to resubmit the form with a valid check. If this happens, contact Driver Services to confirm what went wrong before sending it again.