What to do when ready after losing your Illinois driver's license
If you have lost your Illinois driver's license, you can replace it by visiting a Secretary of State facility in person, by mail, or through an online request if you meet certain conditions. The fastest route is an in-person visit to any Driver Services facility, where you can walk out with a replacement the same day. If you cannot go in person, you can request a replacement by mail or online, though processing takes longer.
You do not need to file a police report to replace a lost license, though you may want to if you are concerned about identity theft. The replacement process itself is straightforward: you provide proof of identity, proof of residency, and pay a fee. Illinois does not require you to retake the written or vision test unless your license has expired or you have other violations on your record.
Key Takeaways
- Visit any Secretary of State Driver Services facility with proof of identity and proof of residency to get a replacement license the same day.
- The replacement fee is $30 for a standard license and $50 for a REAL ID-compliant license, and you can pay by cash, check, or card at most locations.
- If you cannot visit in person, you can request a replacement by mail by sending a completed DL 44 form, proof of identity, and proof of residency to the Secretary of State.
- Online replacement is available only if your license is not expired and you have not had certain violations or suspensions in the past five years.
- Processing time by mail is typically two to three weeks; online requests process within one to two weeks.
Proof of identity and residency documents you will need
The Secretary of State accepts a specific list of documents as proof of identity. These include a U.S. passport, a U.S. passport card, a military ID, a state ID from another state, a tribal ID, or a certified birth certificate. You need one document from this list; you do not need multiple forms of ID.
For proof of residency, you must show a document dated within the past 90 days that displays your current Illinois address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a property tax bill, or a government-issued letter. A driver's license or state ID card does not count as proof of residency, even if it shows your address.
If you do not have proof of residency in your name, some facilities will accept a notarized affidavit of residency signed by someone else who lives at your address and can provide their own proof of residency. Call your local Driver Services facility before you visit to confirm they accept this option.
In-person replacement at a Driver Services facility
To replace your license in person, locate your nearest Secretary of State Driver Services facility using the office locator on the Secretary of State website. Bring your proof of identity, proof of residency, and the $30 replacement fee (or $50 for REAL ID). You do not need an appointment at most locations, but some facilities operate by appointment only during certain hours, so check ahead.
When you arrive, tell the staff member you are replacing a lost license. They will take your photo and process your replacement on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed to you. The permanent license typically arrives within one to two weeks.
Bring your Social Security number if you have it, though the facility can look it up if you do not have it memorized. If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
Replacing your license by mail
To request a replacement by mail, read and complete the DL 44 form from the Secretary of State website. Write "DUPLICATE" at the top of the form. Enclose your proof of identity, proof of residency, and a check or money order for $30 (or $50 for REAL ID) made payable to the Secretary of State. Do not send cash.
Mail your packet to the address listed on the DL 44 form. Processing typically takes two to three weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives your request. You will not receive a temporary license by mail, so you will be without a valid license until your replacement arrives. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can request an in-person appointment to get a temporary paper license.
Keep a copy of everything you send for your records. If your packet does not arrive or is lost in the mail, you can contact the Secretary of State to confirm receipt and check the status of your request.
Online replacement through the Secretary of State website
You can request a replacement license online through the Secretary of State's online services portal if your current license is not expired and you have not had a suspension, revocation, or cancellation in the past five years. You will need to create an account, provide your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
The online system will verify your identity using information from your existing license record. If verification is successful, you can pay the $30 replacement fee by credit or debit card. Your replacement license will be mailed to the address on file and typically arrives within one to two weeks.
If your license is expired, you cannot use the online system and must visit a facility in person or request a replacement by mail. If you have had a suspension or revocation, you must visit a facility in person to resolve the issue before you can receive a replacement.
What happens if your lost license is found
If your lost license is found after you have requested a replacement, you do not need to cancel your replacement order. The old license will no longer be valid once your replacement arrives, and you should destroy the old license by cutting it in half. If someone finds your old license and tries to use it, it will not scan or work at any official checkpoint because the Secretary of State's system will show it as replaced.
If you are concerned that someone may have found your license and could use it for identity theft, you can file a report with the Illinois Attorney General's office or the Federal Trade Commission. This creates a record in case fraudulent activity occurs later, though it does not prevent the license itself from being used as a form of ID in person.
Fees and payment methods
The replacement fee for a standard Illinois driver's license is $30. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license (required for federal air travel and entry to federal buildings), the fee is $50. At in-person facilities, you can pay by cash, check, or card. By mail, you must send a check or money order; the Secretary of State does not accept cash through the mail. Online, you can pay by credit or debit card.
If you are replacing your license because it was lost or stolen, there is no additional fee beyond the standard replacement cost. Some facilities may charge a small additional fee if you request expedited processing or a REAL ID upgrade at the same time, so ask when you visit or call ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a temporary paper license while I wait for my replacement?
Yes. If you receive a temporary paper license at a facility, it is valid for 30 days and counts as a legal license for driving. If you request a replacement by mail or online, you do not receive a temporary license, so you cannot legally drive until your replacement arrives. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, visit a facility in person to get a temporary paper license.
What if my address has changed since my last license?
You can update your address at the same time you request your replacement. Bring proof of your new residency along with your proof of identity. At a facility, staff will update your address in the system before they process your replacement. By mail, write your new address clearly on the DL 44 form.
Do I need to retake the written or vision test to replace a lost license?
No, not unless your license has expired or you have had a suspension or revocation. A lost license replacement is a duplicate of your existing license with the same restrictions and endorsements. If your license is expired, you must renew it instead, which requires the written and vision tests.
How long does it take to receive my replacement license in the mail?
By mail request, processing typically takes two to three weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives your packet. Online requests process within one to two weeks. In-person replacements are issued the same day as a temporary paper license, with the permanent card arriving within one to two weeks.
What if I lost my license outside of Illinois?
You can still request a replacement through the Secretary of State by mail or online. You do not need to be in Illinois to request a replacement, though you will need to provide proof of your Illinois residency. If you want a temporary paper license to drive when ready, you will need to visit an Illinois Driver Services facility in person.