Where to go and what you'll need
In Illinois, you replace a lost or damaged driver's license at a Secretary of State facility. You cannot do this online or by mail — you must appear in person with specific documents. The state has over 150 locations statewide, including downtown offices in major cities and smaller branch offices in rural areas.
Before you go, gather these documents: your Social Security number, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and a form of identification. If your license was lost or stolen, bring a police report if you have one — it's not required, but it speeds up the process. If your license was damaged, bring the damaged card itself.
The replacement fee is $30 for a standard license valid for four years, or $60 for an eight-year license. You can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card at most locations, though a few smaller offices accept cash only — call ahead if you're unsure.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Secretary of State office in person; there is no online or mail option for license replacement in Illinois.
- Bring proof of residency dated within the last 60 days, your Social Security number, and a valid ID to complete the replacement.
- A police report is not required if your license was lost or stolen, but having one can reduce processing time.
- Replacement costs $30 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by cash or card at most locations.
- Your new license will be mailed to you within 5 to 10 business days; you cannot pick it up in person at the office.
Finding the nearest Secretary of State office
The Secretary of State website has a location finder tool where you can search by city or ZIP code. Each office listing shows hours, which vary — some downtown locations are open until 5 p.m. on weekdays, while smaller branches may close at 4 p.m. or have limited weekend hours. A few locations offer Saturday hours, which can be useful if you work during the week.
Walk-in service is available at all locations, but wait times vary widely. During lunch hours and late afternoon, offices tend to be busier. If you want to avoid a long wait, calling the office directly before you go is the fastest way to learn current wait times. Some locations also offer appointment scheduling through the Secretary of State website, though appointment slots fill up quickly during peak times.
What happens after you submit your replacement request
Once you complete the in-person transaction, the Secretary of State mails your new license to the address on file. Standard delivery takes 5 to 10 business days. If you need to update your address at the same time, tell the staff member before they process your request — changing your address after the fact requires a separate trip.
While you wait for your new license, you can request a temporary paper license at the office. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and can be used for identification purposes, though not all businesses accept it. Ask the staff member whether a temporary license is available before you leave the office.
Replacing a license that was stolen or lost in a specific way
If your license was lost in a car accident or fire, bring documentation of the incident if you have it — a police report, insurance claim, or fire department report. These documents are not required, but they can help if there are questions about your identity during the replacement process.
If your license was stolen, you may want to file a police report before going to the Secretary of State office, though it is not mandatory. A report creates an official record and can be useful if someone uses your license number fraudulently. The police report number should be brought with you to the office.
Replacing a license that expired while you were out of state
If your Illinois license expired and you were living outside Illinois, you can still replace it at a Secretary of State office. Bring proof of your current residency in Illinois (dated within the last 60 days) and your expired license if you still have it. If you don't have the expired license, bring your Social Security number and a valid ID instead.
You will need to pass a vision test as part of the replacement process. This is a standard requirement for all license replacements in Illinois, not just for expired licenses. The vision test takes a few minutes and is performed at the office.
Replacing a license with a name change
If your name has changed since your last license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — bring documentation of the change. For marriage, bring your marriage certificate. For divorce, bring your divorce decree. For a legal name change, bring the court order. These documents must be originals or certified copies.
The replacement process is the same as a standard replacement, and the fee remains $30 or $60 depending on which license term you choose. Your new license will reflect your current legal name.
What to do if you cannot visit an office in person
Illinois does not offer remote or mail-in replacement for lost or damaged licenses. If you are temporarily unable to visit an office — due to illness, disability, or being out of state — you have limited options. Some people in this situation request a temporary paper license by phone, though availability varies by location and circumstance.
If you are permanently disabled and cannot visit an office, contact the Secretary of State's office directly to ask about accommodations. Some locations can arrange for staff to meet you at your vehicle or provide other information, but this must be arranged in advance by calling ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my replacement?
Yes. At the time you submit your replacement request, ask the staff member for a temporary paper license. It is valid for 30 days and can be used for identification, though not all businesses accept it. You must request it before you leave the office.
What if I don't have proof of residency dated within the last 60 days?
You will need to bring a different document that shows your current address. Acceptable alternatives include a lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or vehicle registration. Call your local Secretary of State office to confirm which documents they accept, as requirements can vary slightly by location.
Do I need a police report if my license was stolen?
No, a police report is not required. However, filing one creates an official record and can help if someone uses your license number fraudulently. If you have a report, bring the report number with you to the office.
How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?
Standard delivery takes 5 to 10 business days from the date you submit your replacement request. This timeline assumes normal mail service and does not include weekends or holidays. If you need your license sooner, ask about expedited options when you visit the office.
Can I replace my license if I'm not a U.S. citizen?
Yes. You will need to bring your Social Security number, proof of residency, and a valid form of identification — which can include a passport, visa, or other immigration document. The staff member will let you know which documents are acceptable for your specific situation.