Where to get a replacement license in Illinois

You can get a replacement driver's license through the Illinois Secretary of State's office. They operate two channels: you can visit a Driver Services facility in person, or you can order by mail if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route is faster — you walk out with a temporary license the same day — but the mail route works if you cannot reach a facility or prefer to stay home.

Illinois has Driver Services facilities across the state. You can find the location nearest you, hours, and current wait times on the Secretary of State website. Some facilities are busier than others; checking the website before you go saves time. If you live in Cook County (Chicago area), facilities there tend to have longer waits, especially mid-week and mid-month.

Key Takeaways

  • You can replace your license in person at any Illinois Driver Services facility, or by mail if your license is not suspended and you have not had more than one replacement in the past year.
  • In-person replacement takes about 30 minutes to an hour depending on wait time, and you receive a temporary license when ready; the permanent card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • By mail, you send a completed form, payment, and a photocopy of your ID to the address on the form; processing takes 2 to 3 weeks.
  • You need either a REAL ID-compliant document (passport, birth certificate, or state ID) or a non-compliant ID plus a secondary document like a utility bill or bank statement.
  • The replacement fee is $30 for a standard license; you can pay by cash, check, or card in person, or by check or money order by mail.

What documents you need to bring in person

Proof of identity is the main requirement. Illinois accepts a passport, birth certificate, state ID card, or REAL ID-compliant document. If you do not have one of those, bring a non-compliant ID (like an old license or expired passport) plus one secondary document — a utility bill, bank statement, lease, or mortgage statement all work, as long as it shows your current name and address.

You also need proof of residency if your address has changed since your last license. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days is acceptable. If you have not moved, you do not need this.

Bring your Social Security number or the card itself. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that. You will also need to know your current Illinois license number if you remember it, though staff can look it up if you cannot.

How to replace your license by mail

Mail replacement is available only if your license is not suspended or revoked, and you have not had more than one replacement in the past 12 months. Start by downloading Form DL 953 from the Secretary of State website. Fill it out completely — include your name, date of birth, current address, and the reason for replacement (lost, stolen, or damaged).

Make a photocopy of both sides of an ID document — your passport, birth certificate, or state ID. Enclose the completed form, the photocopy, and a check or money order for $30 made out to "Secretary of State" in an envelope. Mail everything to the address printed on the form. Do not send cash.

Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives your envelope. You will not receive a temporary license by mail, so plan accordingly if you need to drive before the permanent card arrives. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you will have to visit a facility in person instead.

What happens at the Driver Services facility

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and take a number. Wait times vary by location and time of day; the website shows real-time estimates. When your number is called, go to the window and hand over your documents. The staff member will verify your identity, check your driving record, and take a new photo.

You will be asked to sign a form confirming your address and any restrictions (corrective lenses, hearing aid, etc.). Review this carefully — errors here will appear on your new license. Once everything is confirmed, you pay the $30 fee. Cash, debit card, and credit card are all accepted.

You will receive a temporary paper license when ready. This is valid for driving right away and lasts until your permanent card arrives. The permanent plastic license is mailed to your address on file 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.

Fees and payment methods

A replacement driver's license costs $30 in Illinois. This is a flat fee regardless of whether you are replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license. There are no additional charges.

In person, you can pay with cash, debit card, or credit card. By mail, you must pay with a check or money order — the Secretary of State does not accept card payments through the mail. Make the check or money order payable to "Secretary of State" and include it in the same envelope as your form and ID photocopy.

Timeline: how long replacement takes

In-person replacement is the fastest route. You walk out the same day with a temporary license valid for driving. The permanent card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license for a specific purpose — a job, travel, or a court appearance — ask the staff member whether the temporary license will work. Most employers and banks accept it, but some do not.

By mail, the entire process takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date your envelope is received. There is no way to speed this up. If you need to drive before the permanent card arrives, you will have to visit a facility in person to get the temporary license.

If your permanent license does not arrive within 14 days of your in-person visit, or within 21 days of mailing your form, contact the Secretary of State Driver Services line to report it. They can check the status and reissue if necessary.

What to do if your license is suspended or revoked

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot replace it by mail. You must visit a Driver Services facility in person. The staff will tell you the reason for the suspension or revocation and what you need to do to resolve it — this might be paying a fine, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a suspension period.

In some cases, you can get a restricted driving permit that allows you to drive to work, school, or medical appointments while your suspension is in effect. Ask the staff member whether you are may be able to access. If you are, they can issue the permit the same day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license online?

No. Illinois does not offer online license replacement. You must either visit a Driver Services facility in person or mail in a completed form. The Secretary of State website has a facility locator and the mail form, but the actual replacement must happen through one of those two channels.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

Bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you do not have a number. This counts as proof of identity. You will still need one other document showing your name and address, such as a utility bill or lease.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. You must be present in person to have your photo taken and sign the required forms. A family member or friend cannot do this on your behalf. If you are unable to visit a facility, the mail route is your only option.

What if my address has changed since my last license?

Bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The staff will update your address during the replacement process. If you are replacing by mail, include a copy of the proof of residency document with your form.

How long is a replacement license valid?

A replacement license is valid for the same length of time as your original license. If your original license was set to expire in 2028, your replacement will also expire in 2028. You do not get a new expiration date just because you replaced it.