Getting a replacement license in Illinois

If you've lost your Illinois driver's license, you can get a replacement through the Secretary of State's office. You'll need to visit a Driver Services facility in person, bring proof of identity and residency, and pay a replacement fee. The process takes about 30 minutes at the facility, though you may wait depending on how busy the location is that day.

Illinois does not issue replacement licenses by mail, so you cannot complete this entirely from home. However, you can find your nearest facility online and check wait times before you go, which saves time on the day of your visit.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Driver Services facility in person with a government-issued ID and proof of your current address to get a replacement license.
  • The replacement fee is $20 for a standard license, and you'll receive your new license the same day you visit.
  • You can find facility locations and current wait times on the Secretary of State's website before you go.
  • If your license was lost in another state, you may need to contact that state's motor vehicle agency first, depending on where you were when you lost it.

What documents you need to bring

Bring one government-issued photo ID — a passport, military ID, or state ID card all work. If you don't have a photo ID, you can bring two non-photo documents instead, such as a birth certificate and Social Security card, though this takes longer to process.

You also need proof that you live in Illinois right now. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address works. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days. If you've recently moved, bring a lease or utility bill from your new address.

Bring your Social Security number or have it memorized. You'll need it to complete the replacement request.

Where to go and how to prepare

Find a Driver Services facility near you on the Secretary of State's website. Enter your zip code to see all locations in your area, their hours, and current wait times. Some facilities are busier than others — smaller satellite offices often have shorter waits than main downtown locations.

You do not need an appointment. Walk-ins are accepted at all facilities during business hours. However, if you know you can only go at a specific time, you can call the facility ahead to ask how busy it typically is at that hour. Many facilities are less crowded early in the morning or mid-week.

Bring cash or a debit card — not all facilities accept credit cards. The replacement fee is $20.

What happens when you arrive

Check in at the front desk and tell the staff member you need a replacement license. They will give you a number and direct you to wait. When your number is called, you'll go to a window where a staff member will ask for your documents and take a new photo of you.

The staff member will review your identity and residency documents, enter your information into the system, and collect the $20 fee. You'll sign the back of your new license before you leave. The whole process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes at the window, though the wait before your number is called depends on how busy the facility is that day.

You'll receive your new license in person before you leave the facility. You can drive home with it when ready — it is valid as soon as you sign it.

If your license was lost out of state

If you lost your Illinois license while you were in another state, you still get the replacement from Illinois. Contact the Secretary of State's office by phone at 217-782-6900 to report the loss, then visit a Driver Services facility with your documents as described above.

If you lost a license from a different state while in Illinois, you need to contact that state's motor vehicle agency to report the loss and request a replacement. Illinois cannot issue a replacement for another state's license.

Replacing a license that was stolen

If your license was stolen rather than lost, the process is the same — you visit a Driver Services facility with your documents and pay the $20 replacement fee. You do not need a police report, though you may want to file one if other items were stolen with your license.

If you're concerned that someone might use your stolen license to commit fraud, you can place a fraud alert on your credit report by contacting one of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion. A fraud alert tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my replacement?

No. Illinois does not issue temporary licenses. However, because you receive your replacement license the same day you visit, you don't have to wait. Bring all your documents in one trip and you'll have a valid license to drive home with.

What if I don't have proof of residency?

You'll need to bring a document showing your current Illinois address dated within the last 60 days. If you've just moved and don't have a utility bill or lease yet, ask your landlord for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your address and move-in date. Some facilities accept this in place of a standard residency document.

Do I need to report my lost license to the police?

No, reporting to police is not required to get a replacement. You only need to contact the Secretary of State's office. However, if your wallet or purse was stolen, filing a police report may help if you need to dispute fraudulent charges later.

How long is a replacement license valid?

Your replacement license is valid for the same length of time as your original license. If your original license was set to expire in 2028, your replacement expires in 2028 as well. The expiration date does not reset when you get a replacement.