How to Replace a Lost Driver's License in Illinois

What to do when ready after losing your Illinois driver's license

If you have lost your Illinois driver's license, you can request a replacement through the Illinois Secretary of State's office. The fastest way is to visit a Driver Services facility in person with proof of identity and residency. You can also request a replacement by mail, though it takes longer. Illinois does not charge a fee to replace a lost license — you pay only if you want to upgrade to a Real ID-compliant license at the same time.

You do not need to file a police report for a lost license unless you suspect identity theft. If someone else has your license and uses it, contact the Secretary of State's office to report it as lost or stolen; they can flag your record so the old license cannot be used.

Key Takeaways

Visit any Driver Services facility with a valid ID and proof of Illinois residency to get a replacement in one visit at no cost.
If you cannot go in person, mail a completed process for Duplicate Driver's License or ID Card (form DL 953) with copies of your ID and residency proof to the Secretary of State.
A replacement license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you explore in person, or 2 to 3 weeks if you mail your process.
Report your lost license to the Secretary of State if you believe someone else has it or might use it fraudulently.
Your license number stays the same when you get a replacement, so you do not need to update it with your employer or insurance company.

In-person replacement at a Driver Services facility

Visiting a Driver Services facility is the fastest option. Bring an original or certified copy of one document proving your identity — a passport, birth certificate, Social Security card, or military ID all work. You also need one document showing your current Illinois address: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

You can find the nearest facility and check its hours on the Secretary of State's website. Some facilities accept walk-ins; others require an appointment. Call ahead or check online before you go. The staff will take your photo, verify your information, and issue a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent replacement arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If you do not have the documents listed above, you can bring other forms of ID — a school ID, employee badge, or insurance card — but the staff will decide whether they meet the requirement. Having the standard documents avoids delays.

Mailing in your replacement request

If you cannot visit a facility, read and complete the process for Duplicate Driver's License or ID Card (form DL 953) from the Secretary of State's website. Print it, sign it, and mail it with photocopies of your identity document and proof of residency to the address listed on the form.

Mail your packet to the Secretary of State, Driver Services Division, 501 South Second Street, Springfield, Illinois 62756. Include a check or money order for $0 — there is no fee for a duplicate license. The Secretary of State will process your process and mail your new license within 2 to 3 weeks of receiving it.

Keep a copy of your mailed process for your records. If your replacement does not arrive within 4 weeks, call the Secretary of State's Driver Services line to confirm they received it.

Reporting a lost or stolen license

If you believe someone else has your license or might use it, contact the Secretary of State's office and report it as lost or stolen. They will flag your record so the old license cannot be used for identification or to obtain benefits. This step is optional if you straightforward misplaced your license and do not suspect fraud, but it adds a layer of protection.

You can report a lost or stolen license by calling the Secretary of State's Driver Services line or by visiting a facility in person. Have your driver's license number ready if you call, though staff can look it up using your name and date of birth.

What happens to your license number

Your replacement license will have the same number as your lost license. You do not need to update your number with your employer, insurance company, bank, or any other organization. The Secretary of State's system ties both the old and new physical cards to the same record, so anyone checking your license status will see the current one.

If your license was damaged rather than lost — cracked, faded, or unreadable — you can also request a replacement using the same process. The fee and timeline are identical.

Replacing a lost Real ID license

If your lost license was a Real ID-compliant license (marked with a gold star), your replacement will also be Real ID-compliant at no extra charge. You do not need to bring additional documents or pay an upgrade fee. If your lost license was a standard license and you want to upgrade to Real ID at the time of replacement, you can do so for an additional fee — check the current cost on the Secretary of State's website, as it varies.

Real ID compliance is required for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. If you do not need Real ID, a standard replacement license works for all state and local purposes.

Temporary driving while waiting for your replacement

If you visit a Driver Services facility in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready. This temporary license is valid for driving while you wait for your permanent replacement to arrive by mail. Do not lose the temporary — if you do, you will need to request another one.

If you mail in your process, you do not receive a temporary license. During the 2 to 3 weeks you wait for your replacement, you are not legally permitted to drive. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, visit a facility in person instead to get the temporary license on the same day.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Only if you have a temporary paper license issued at a Driver Services facility. If you mailed in your process, you cannot legally drive until your replacement arrives. If you need to drive when ready, visit a facility in person to get a temporary license the same day.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You can still request a replacement by mail or by visiting an Illinois Driver Services facility if you are back in the state. If you are out of state and need to drive, contact the Secretary of State's office to ask about temporary options or whether you can use your Social Security card or passport for identification.

Do I have to pay to replace a lost license?

No. Replacing a lost or damaged standard license is free. You pay only if you want to upgrade to a Real ID-compliant license at the same time, and the fee varies by year.

How long does a replacement license take if I explore in person?

You receive a temporary paper license to drive when ready. Your permanent replacement arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you mail in your process instead, the permanent license takes 2 to 3 weeks.

What if someone finds my lost license and tries to use it?

Report it to the Secretary of State so they can flag it as lost or stolen. Once flagged, the old license cannot be used for identification. If you suspect identity theft, also contact your bank and the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to monitor your accounts.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.