Get a replacement license at a Secretary of State facility or by mail
If you have lost your Illinois driver's license, you can replace it in person at any Secretary of State Driver Services facility or by mail through the state's replacement program. The in-person route is faster — you can walk out with a temporary license the same day — but the mail option works if you cannot reach a facility. Both paths cost the same and use the same documents.
You do not need to retake the written or driving test to replace a lost license. The state treats a lost license as a straightforward document replacement, not a new licensing event. You will need to prove your identity and residency, and you should report the loss to prevent someone else from using your license number.
Key Takeaways
- Bring a valid passport, birth certificate, or state ID plus a recent utility bill or lease to any Secretary of State facility to replace your license in person.
- A replacement license costs $20 and takes about 10 business days by mail or is issued the same day in person as a temporary document.
- You can file a lost license report with the Secretary of State at the same time you request a replacement, which protects you if someone tries to use your number.
- The mail-in process requires you to complete Form DL 504 and mail it with copies of your documents and payment to the address on the form.
What documents you need to bring or send
The Secretary of State requires one document that proves your identity and one that proves you live in Illinois. For identity, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid U.S. passport, a military ID, or a state ID from another state. A photocopy does not work — the document itself must be present.
For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill or credit card statement also works. If you do not have a recent document in your name, you can bring a letter from your landlord or mortgage lender on letterhead confirming your address.
If you are replacing a license by mail, you will mail copies of these documents, not the originals. Make clear copies of both sides of any ID card. For utility bills or leases, a single-page copy is enough.
Replacing your license in person at a Secretary of State facility
Find the nearest Secretary of State Driver Services facility on the state website. Most cities have at least one, and Chicago has multiple locations. You do not need an appointment at most facilities, though some locations now offer optional appointment slots that can reduce wait time. Walk in during business hours with your identity document, proof of residency, and $20 cash or card.
Tell the clerk you are replacing a lost license. They will take your documents, verify your information against the state database, and take a new photo. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed. The permanent license arrives by mail in about 10 business days.
Bring your Social Security number or have it memorized — you will need it to complete the replacement form. If your address has changed since your last license, update it now; the new license will reflect the current address.
Replacing your license by mail
read Form DL 504 (process for Duplicate Driver's License or ID Card) from the Secretary of State website. Fill in your name, date of birth, driver's license number (if you remember it), and current address. Sign and date the form.
Make copies of your identity document and proof of residency. Include a check or money order for $20 made payable to the Secretary of State. Do not send cash. Mail the completed form, copies of documents, and payment to the address listed on the form — it is typically the Springfield Driver Services facility, but check the current form to confirm.
The state processes mail requests in the order received. Your new license should arrive within 10 to 15 business days of the state receiving your envelope. There is no tracking number, so if you do not receive it after three weeks, contact the Secretary of State Driver Services line to check the status.
Report your lost license to prevent misuse
When you replace your license, you can file a lost license report at the same time. If you are replacing in person, ask the clerk to note in the system that your previous license was lost. If you are replacing by mail, write "LOST LICENSE REPORT" at the top of Form DL 504 so the state flags your old license number as inactive.
Reporting the loss does not prevent someone from trying to use your number, but it creates a record that the license was reported missing. If you discover fraudulent activity tied to your old license number later, this report helps prove you did not authorize it. You can also contact the Secretary of State directly by phone to report a lost license without replacing it, though most people do both at once.
What to do if you need to drive before your replacement arrives
If you replace your license in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. You can drive legally on this temporary document while you wait for your permanent card. Keep it with you whenever you drive.
If you are replacing by mail and need to drive before the permanent license arrives, you have two options: go to a Secretary of State facility in person to get a temporary license when ready, or contact the state to request expedited processing (though this may add a fee). For most people, the 10-day wait is manageable, but if you need to drive for work or an emergency, the in-person route is faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with an expired license while I wait for my replacement?
No. An expired license is not valid for driving, even if you have filed for a replacement. If your license is both lost and expired, you will need to renew it as well as replace it — this requires a new photo and costs more. Go in person to a Secretary of State facility to handle both at once.
What if I lost my license out of state?
You can still replace it by mail from anywhere in the country. Mail your Form DL 504 and documents to the Springfield address. If you are in another state and need to drive before your Illinois license arrives, contact that state's DMV about a temporary permit or replacement license for your current state.
Do I need to report my lost license to the police?
No police report is required to replace a lost license. However, if you believe your license was stolen rather than lost, or if you are concerned about identity theft, you can file a report with local police. This creates a record but does not speed up the replacement process.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
If you have married, divorced, or legally changed your name, you will need to provide proof of the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) along with your identity and residency documents. This is treated as a renewal with a name change, not a straightforward replacement, and may require a new photo and signature.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. When your replacement license arrives by mail, it comes to the address you provided. You cannot authorize someone else to collect it from a Secretary of State facility. If you are moving before it arrives, you can file a change of address with the post office, or contact the Secretary of State to update your mailing address before the license ships.