Illinois replaces lost or damaged licenses through the Secretary of State, either in person at a facility or by mail

To replace a lost or damaged Illinois driver's license, you have two main routes: visit a Secretary of State facility in person, or request a replacement by mail. The in-person route is faster — you can walk out with a temporary license the same day — but requires a trip to an office during business hours. The mail route takes longer but works if you cannot reach a facility or prefer to stay home.

Both routes require the same core documents: proof of identity (your Social Security card, birth certificate, or passport), proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment. The fee for a replacement license is $30 for a standard four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license. You do not need to retake the written or vision test unless your license has been expired for more than a year.

Key Takeaways

  • Illinois Secretary of State offices issue replacement licenses in person with a same-day temporary license, or by mail if you submit the required documents and fee.
  • You need proof of identity (Social Security card, birth certificate, or passport), proof of residency dated within 60 days, and $30 or $60 depending on the license term you choose.
  • If your license expired more than one year ago, you will need to pass the vision and written tests again, not just pay the replacement fee.
  • Mail replacements typically arrive within two to three weeks, while in-person visits produce a temporary license you can use when ready.
  • You can find your nearest Secretary of State facility and check its hours on the Illinois Secretary of State website before you go.

In-person replacement at a Secretary of State facility

Walking into a Secretary of State office is the fastest way to replace your license. Bring your proof of identity, proof of residency, and payment. The staff will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue you a temporary paper license on the spot. That temporary license is valid for 30 days and lets you drive legally while you wait for your permanent card to arrive by mail, usually within two to three weeks.

Secretary of State facilities are located in most Illinois counties. You can search for the office nearest you and check its hours on the Illinois Secretary of State website. Some offices accept walk-ins, while others use an appointment system — call ahead or check online to see what your local office requires. Bring all documents in original form; copies are not accepted for proof of identity or residency.

Replacing your license by mail

If you cannot visit an office, you can request a replacement by mail. read the process for Duplicate Driver's License or ID Card (Form DL 953) from the Illinois Secretary of State website, fill it out completely, and mail it along with your proof of identity, proof of residency, and a check or money order for $30 or $60 to the address listed on the form.

Processing time for mail requests is typically two to three weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives your envelope. You will not receive a temporary license, so you cannot drive legally during this period unless your current license is still valid. If your current license is lost or damaged but not yet expired, you may still be able to drive on it in some situations — contact the Secretary of State to confirm your specific case.

What counts as proof of identity and residency

For proof of identity, the Secretary of State accepts a Social Security card, certified birth certificate, U.S. passport, or military ID. The document must be an original, not a photocopy. If you do not have any of these, you can use a combination of other documents — the Secretary of State website lists alternatives, but calling your local office is faster than guessing.

Proof of residency must be dated within the last 60 days and show your current Illinois address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail addressed to you. A driver's license or ID card does not count as proof of residency, even if it shows your address. If you recently moved and your documents still show an old address, bring a lease or utility bill for your new address.

License expiration and retesting requirements

If your Illinois driver's license expired less than one year ago, you can renew it by replacement without retaking any tests. You straightforward pay the fee, provide your documents, and receive a new license with a fresh expiration date.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must pass the vision test and written knowledge test again before the Secretary of State will issue a replacement. This means you cannot drive legally until you pass both tests and receive your new license. You will need to schedule a test appointment at a Secretary of State facility — you cannot take the tests by mail. The written test covers Illinois traffic laws and road signs; the vision test checks that you can see well enough to drive safely.

Temporary license and driving during replacement

When you replace your license in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. This temporary license has the same legal weight as a permanent card — police will recognize it, and you can use it to drive, board a plane, or enter a federal building. Keep it with you at all times while you wait for your permanent card.

If you replace by mail, you do not receive a temporary license. If your current license is still valid (not yet expired), you can continue to drive on it while waiting for your replacement to arrive. If your current license is already expired, you cannot drive legally until your replacement arrives, which is why the in-person route is often better if you need to drive when ready.

Fees and payment methods

A replacement Illinois driver's license costs $30 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license. The four-year license is the standard option for most drivers. The eight-year license costs more but lasts longer, so some drivers choose it to reduce how often they need to replace their license.

At a Secretary of State office, you can pay with cash, debit card, or credit card. If you replace by mail, you must send a check or money order — the Secretary of State does not accept credit cards or debit cards through the mail. Do not send cash in the mail. Make your check or money order payable to the Illinois Secretary of State.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if it was stolen instead of just lost?

Yes, the process is the same whether your license is lost or stolen. You do not need to file a police report first, though you may want to if you are concerned about identity theft. Bring the same documents and fee to a Secretary of State office or mail them in.

What if my name has changed since my license was issued?

You will need to bring proof of the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — along with your other documents. The Secretary of State will update your name on your new license at no extra cost.

How long does a replacement license stay valid?

A replacement license is valid for four years or eight years, depending on which term you chose when you paid the fee. Your expiration date will be printed on the card. You can renew before it expires, or wait until it expires and then replace it.

Can I get a replacement license if I owe child support or have unpaid traffic tickets?

Illinois can suspend your license for unpaid child support or certain unpaid traffic fines. If your license is suspended, the Secretary of State will not issue a replacement until the suspension is lifted. Contact the agency that suspended your license to find out what you owe and how to resolve it.

What if I moved out of state — can I still replace my Illinois license?

You can replace your Illinois license by mail from anywhere, but you will need to provide proof of your current out-of-state address. If you have moved permanently, you may want to get a driver's license from your new state instead, since Illinois will eventually expire your license if you no longer live there.