Get a replacement driver license from the Illinois Secretary of State within one business day
If you have lost your Illinois driver license, you can get a replacement by visiting a Secretary of State facility in person or by mail. The in-person route is faster — you can walk out with a temporary license the same day and receive your permanent license by mail within one to two weeks. The mail route takes longer but works if you cannot reach a facility.
You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and pay a replacement fee. The fee for a standard replacement is $30. You do not need to retake the written or driving test unless your license was suspended or revoked, or unless it has been expired for more than three years.
Illinois does not issue licenses at all Secretary of State locations — only at full-service driver services facilities. You can find the nearest one and check its hours on the Secretary of State website before you go.
Key Takeaways
- Visit a Secretary of State driver services facility in person to get a temporary replacement license the same day and your permanent license within one to two weeks.
- Bring a valid photo ID, proof of your current address, and $30 in cash or card to pay the replacement fee.
- If your license expired more than three years ago, you will need to retake the written test and vision test, even if you are just replacing a lost card.
- Not all Secretary of State offices issue licenses — use the facility locator on the Illinois Secretary of State website to find a driver services location near you.
- If you cannot visit in person, you can mail in a replacement request, but it will take two to four weeks total.
What to bring to a Secretary of State facility
Bring one valid photo ID — a passport, military ID, or state ID card all work. If you do not have a photo ID, bring two documents that prove your identity without a photo, such as a birth certificate and Social Security card.
You also need proof that you live at your current address. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. If you recently moved and do not have a document yet, bring a signed letter from your landlord or a utility company confirmation email.
Bring $30 in cash or a debit or credit card. Some facilities may not accept all payment methods, so cash is safest.
Getting your replacement license in person
Go to a Secretary of State driver services facility during business hours. Most are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Check the facility locator on the Secretary of State website for the exact hours of the location nearest you.
When you arrive, take a number or check in at the counter. Tell the clerk you need to replace a lost license. They will ask you to fill out a form — usually the DL 44 form — and verify your information. You will have your photo taken for the new license.
Once you complete the process, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. The temporary license works for driving, so you can use it when ready.
Replacing your license by mail
If you cannot visit a facility, you can request a replacement by mail. read the DL 44 form from the Secretary of State website, fill it out completely, and mail it with copies of your ID and proof of residency to the address listed on the form.
Include a check or money order for $30 made out to the Secretary of State. Do not send cash through the mail. Mail your packet to the address on the form — it is usually the Secretary of State's office in Springfield.
Processing by mail takes two to four weeks. You will not receive a temporary license, so you cannot drive legally during this time. This route is slower and riskier because mail can be lost or delayed, so use it only if you truly cannot visit a facility.
What happens if your license expired more than three years ago
If your license has been expired for more than three years, you cannot straightforward replace it — you must renew it as if you were getting a license for the first time. This means you will need to pass the written test and the vision test at the Secretary of State facility.
Bring the same documents you would for a replacement, plus $30 for the replacement fee. Some facilities charge an additional fee for the written test, usually $5 to $10. You can study for the written test using the Illinois Driver's Manual, available free on the Secretary of State website.
Schedule an appointment if possible, because walk-ins for tests can have long wait times. You can book an appointment through the Secretary of State website or by calling the facility directly.
If your license was suspended or revoked
If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward replace it. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the Secretary of State. This might mean paying a fine, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a suspension period.
Contact the Secretary of State's Driver Services department to find out the reason for the suspension or revocation and what you need to do to clear it. Once it is cleared, you can then replace your lost license using the normal process.
Do not attempt to drive on a temporary license if your license is suspended or revoked — doing so is illegal and can result in additional penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my temporary paper license to drive out of state?
Your temporary Illinois license is valid only in Illinois. If you need to drive out of state before your permanent license arrives, you should carry your temporary license plus your Social Security card or birth certificate as backup ID. Some states may not recognize the temporary license, so call ahead if you are crossing a state line.
What if I find my old license after I get a replacement?
Destroy your old license by cutting it up or shredding it. Do not try to use both licenses or return the old one — having two valid licenses can cause problems with law enforcement or at the DMV. If you want to be thorough, you can contact the Secretary of State to report that your old license has been found and destroyed.
How much does a replacement license cost?
A standard replacement license costs $30. If your license expired more than three years ago and you need to retake the written test, there may be an additional test fee of $5 to $10 depending on the facility. Some facilities charge extra for expedited mail service, usually $5 to $15.
Can I replace my license online?
Illinois does not offer online replacement for lost licenses. You must either visit a driver services facility in person or mail in your request. The in-person route is much faster and gives you a temporary license the same day.
What if I do not have proof of residency?
If you do not have a utility bill or lease in your name, bring a signed letter from your landlord or property manager on their letterhead stating your address and move-in date. A recent email confirmation from a utility company also works. If you are homeless, contact the Secretary of State to ask about alternative documentation.