What You Need to Do to Replace Your Illinois 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. The state does not process replacements by mail or online. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The replacement fee is $20 for a standard license.
Illinois distinguishes between a duplicate (replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged card) and a renewal (replacing an expired card). This guide covers duplicates. The process is the same whether your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, and you do not need to explain what happened to it.
Key Takeaways
- You must go to a Secretary of State facility in person; there is no online or mail option for replacements.
- Bring a government-issued photo ID and proof of your current address, such as a utility bill or lease.
- The replacement costs $20 and you receive a temporary paper license when ready.
- Your new plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license was stolen, you may report it to the police, but the report is not required to get a replacement.
Documents You Must Bring to the Secretary of State
Bring one government-issued photo ID and one proof of residency. Your photo ID can be a U.S. passport, military ID, state ID card, or tribal ID. It must not be expired. If you do not have a photo ID, you can use two documents from the secondary list: a Social Security card, birth certificate, or naturalization papers.
For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your current address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. Your name must appear on the document. If you recently moved and have not received mail at your new address, bring your lease or a signed statement from your landlord.
If you are replacing a license because it was damaged, bring the damaged card with you if you still have it. The Secretary of State will take it. If you cannot find it, you can still get a replacement without it.
Where to Go and How Long It Takes
Find the nearest Secretary of State Driver Services facility using the office locator on the Illinois Secretary of State website. Not all Secretary of State offices handle driver's licenses; the locator shows which ones do. Most facilities are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations open on Saturday mornings. Hours vary by location, so check before you go.
Wait times range from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the time of day and location. Weekday mornings and early afternoons tend to be less busy than late afternoons and Fridays. You do not need an appointment; the system is first-come, first-served at most locations, though some facilities now offer online check-in to reduce waiting.
You will receive a temporary paper license before you leave the office. This temporary license is valid for driving while you wait for your plastic card. Your new card is mailed to the address you provide and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within two weeks, contact the Secretary of State to report it.
The Cost and Payment Methods
The replacement fee is $20 for a standard driver's license. The Secretary of State accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some facilities may accept checks, but cash and cards are most reliable.
If you are replacing a license because it was damaged due to a manufacturing defect, you may be able to request a fee waiver, though this is rare and requires documentation from the Secretary of State. Ask the staff member at the facility whether your situation qualifies before you pay.
What Happens If Your License Was Stolen
If your license was stolen rather than lost, you can report it to local police, but this step is not required to get a replacement. A police report does not speed up the replacement process. If you are concerned about identity theft, you can place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) or freeze your credit, but these are separate steps from replacing your license.
When you explore for your replacement at the Secretary of State, you do not need to provide a police report number or explain that it was stolen. straightforward tell the staff member that you are replacing a lost or stolen license, and they will process it the same way.
If You Have a Suspended or Revoked License
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot get a replacement until the suspension or revocation is lifted. The Secretary of State will check your driving record when you explore. If a suspension or revocation is on file, staff will tell you and you will need to resolve the underlying issue first—usually paying fines, completing a required course, or waiting out a suspension period.
You can check your driving record status online through the Illinois Secretary of State website before you go to the facility. This saves a wasted trip if there is a hold on your license.
Getting Your License Number Before Your Card Arrives
Your temporary paper license shows your new license number. You can use this number for insurance, employment, or any other purpose that requires your license number while you wait for your plastic card. The number on the temporary license is permanent and will not change when your plastic card arrives.
If you lose the temporary license before your plastic card arrives, contact the Secretary of State when ready. You may be able to get a replacement temporary license at a facility, though this is not may provide. To avoid this, keep the temporary license in a safe place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?
It depends on the type of ticket. If you have an unpaid traffic fine that resulted in a license suspension, you cannot get a replacement until you pay the fine or set up a payment plan. If you have an unpaid ticket that has not yet resulted in a suspension, you can still get a replacement. The Secretary of State will tell you if there is a hold on your record.
What if I moved out of state and need to replace my Illinois license?
You must return to Illinois or have someone else pick up your replacement for you. The Secretary of State does not mail licenses to out-of-state addresses. If you have moved permanently, you should get a driver's license in your new state instead.
How long is my temporary paper license valid?
Your temporary license is valid for 30 days. Your plastic card should arrive within 7 to 10 business days, so the temporary license is usually just a short-term document. If your plastic card does not arrive within 30 days, contact the Secretary of State before your temporary license expires.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. You must be present in person to explore for a replacement. However, once your plastic card arrives in the mail, anyone can open it. If you want someone else to handle the mailing, you can provide the Secretary of State with an alternate mailing address.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
Bring documentation of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The Secretary of State will update your name on your new license at no extra cost. This counts as a replacement, not a renewal, so the $20 fee still applies.