Illinois replaces a lost driver's license through the Secretary of State, either in person at a facility or by mail

If you have lost your Illinois driver's license, you will need to request a replacement from the Illinois Secretary of State. You can do this in one of two ways: visit a Driver Services facility in person, or submit a request by mail. The in-person route is faster — most facilities can issue a replacement the same day or within a few days. The mail route takes longer, typically two to three weeks, but works if you cannot reach a facility.

You will need to bring or send proof of your identity and residency. A Social Security number is also required. The replacement fee is $20 for a standard license. If your license was lost in Illinois, you do not need to retake the written or driving test — the Secretary of State will straightforward issue a new card with the same information and expiration date as your original.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit any Illinois Driver Services facility with proof of identity and residency to get a replacement the same day or within a few days.
  • The replacement fee is $20, and you do not need to retake any tests if your license was lost in Illinois.
  • If you cannot visit a facility, you can mail a completed process with supporting documents to the Secretary of State, though this takes two to three weeks.
  • Your new license will have the same expiration date as your original, so you do not lose time on your current license term.
  • If your license was lost outside Illinois, you may need to provide additional documentation depending on where it was lost.

In-person replacement at a Driver Services facility

The fastest way to replace a lost Illinois driver's license is to visit a Driver Services facility in person. Illinois has facilities in most counties, and you can find the location nearest you on the Secretary of State website. Bring your Social Security number (written down or memorized), proof of identity, and proof of residency.

Proof of identity can be a passport, birth certificate, military ID, or other government-issued document. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The facility will take a new photo, process your request, and issue your replacement license on the spot or within a few business days. The $20 fee can be paid by cash, check, or card at most facilities.

Wait times vary by location and time of day. Visiting early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon typically means shorter waits than midday or Friday afternoons. Some facilities accept walk-ins only; others allow you to schedule an appointment online. Check the Secretary of State website for your specific facility's policy.

Mailing in your replacement request

If you cannot visit a Driver Services facility, you can request a replacement by mail. read the process for Duplicate Driver's License or Permit (Form DL 953) from the Secretary of State website, or call 217-782-6900 to request the form be mailed to you.

Complete the form and include a copy of your proof of identity and proof of residency. Mail the form, copies, and a check or money order for $20 (made payable to the Secretary of State) to the address listed on the form. Processing typically takes two to three weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives your request. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file with your current license.

Keep a copy of everything you mail for your records. If you do not receive your replacement within four weeks, contact the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 to check the status of your request.

What happens if your license was lost outside Illinois

If your license was lost in another state or country, the process is the same — you still request a replacement from the Illinois Secretary of State. However, if you lost your license and cannot remember your current address in Illinois, or if you have moved since your license was issued, you may need to provide additional documentation showing your current Illinois address.

If your license was lost in a way that suggests fraud or theft (for example, if your wallet was stolen), you may want to report the loss to local police and keep a copy of the police report. While not required for the replacement itself, a police report can protect you if someone tries to use your lost license fraudulently.

Temporary driving while waiting for your replacement

Illinois does not issue a temporary paper license or permit while you wait for your replacement. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you have limited options. If you visited a facility in person and received your replacement the same day, this is not an issue. If you are waiting for a mailed replacement, you cannot legally drive until the new license arrives.

If you need to drive urgently while waiting, your only legal option is to request an expedited replacement at a Driver Services facility in person, which will be issued the same day. There is no additional fee for this — the $20 replacement fee covers both standard and same-day service.

Replacing a lost license if you have unpaid traffic fines or child support obligations

If you have unpaid traffic fines or outstanding child support obligations in Illinois, the Secretary of State may suspend or deny your license replacement until those obligations are resolved. The Secretary of State checks for these issues when you request a replacement.

If your replacement is denied for this reason, you will be notified in writing. You will need to resolve the fine or obligation (by paying it or setting up a payment plan) and then resubmit your replacement request. Contact the court that issued the fine or the Illinois Department of Human Services if the issue involves child support.

Replacing a lost license if your name has changed

If your name has changed since your license was issued (through marriage, divorce, or legal name change), you can update your name on your replacement license at the same time. Bring proof of the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — along with your proof of identity and residency.

The replacement fee remains $20. The process is the same whether you visit in person or mail your request, except that you will need to include a copy of the name change document with your mailed process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive without my license while waiting for the replacement?

No. Illinois does not issue a temporary paper license. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you must visit a Driver Services facility in person to receive a same-day replacement. If you are waiting for a mailed replacement, you cannot legally drive until the new license arrives.

How much does a replacement license cost?

The fee is $20. This covers both in-person same-day replacements and mailed replacements. There are no additional fees for expedited service.

Will my new license have the same expiration date as my old one?

Yes. Your replacement license will have the same expiration date as your original license. You do not lose any time on your current license term.

What if I lost my license outside of Illinois?

The replacement process is the same. You request a replacement from the Illinois Secretary of State whether your license was lost in Illinois or elsewhere. If you lost it in another state, you may want to file a police report to protect yourself against fraud, though this is not required for the replacement.

Do I need to retake the written or driving test?

No. If your license was lost in Illinois, you do not need to retake any tests. The Secretary of State will issue a replacement with the same information and restrictions as your original license.