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 order for a duplicate card. The fastest route is in-person at any Driver Services facility, where you can walk out with a temporary paper license the same day and receive your replacement card by mail within one to two weeks. You do not need to file a police report unless you suspect the license was stolen rather than lost.
Illinois does not charge a fee to replace a lost license if you report it within a set timeframe — currently no fee applies to standard replacements. If you wait longer or need expedited processing, fees may explore. The state's Secretary of State office handles all replacements, and you will need to bring specific documents to prove your identity and residency.
Key Takeaways
- You can replace a lost Illinois driver's license in person at any Driver Services facility, by mail, or online, with in-person visits offering same-day temporary documentation.
- Bring a valid passport, birth certificate, or other state ID along with proof of your current address, such as a utility bill or lease.
- The replacement card arrives by mail in one to two weeks; you receive a temporary paper license when ready if you visit in person.
- Standard replacements have no fee; expedited or rush processing carries additional costs that vary by method.
Documents you need to bring to a Driver Services facility
Illinois requires two forms of identification to replace a lost license: one document proving your identity and one proving your current address. For identity, bring a valid U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, military ID, or another state's driver's license. The document must show your full legal name and date of birth.
For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from your employer or school with your name and address also works. If you have recently moved and do not yet have mail at your new address, contact the facility ahead of time — they may accept alternative documentation such as a signed lease or a letter from your landlord.
In-person replacement at a Driver Services facility
Walk into any Secretary of State Driver Services facility during business hours with your documents. You do not need an appointment at most locations, though some facilities in Chicago and other high-traffic areas now use online scheduling to reduce wait times. Check the Secretary of State website to find the facility nearest you and see whether appointments are required.
The staff will verify your identity, take a new 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. The permanent license typically arrives within 7 to 14 business days. If you need to drive before the permanent card arrives, the temporary license is sufficient for all purposes — police will accept it as proof of licensure.
Replacing your license by mail
You can mail a replacement request to the Secretary of State if you prefer not to visit a facility in person. Complete the process for Duplicate Driver's License or ID Card (form DL 953) and mail it along with copies of your identity and address documents to the address listed on the form. Do not send original documents — send copies only, as the state will not return them.
Mail processing takes longer than in-person service: expect three to four weeks for your replacement card to arrive. You will not receive a temporary paper license through the mail process, so if you need to drive before the card arrives, you will need to visit a facility in person to get the temporary document. Include a check or money order if expedited processing is available in your situation, though standard mail replacement has no fee.
Online ordering for a duplicate license
Illinois allows you to order a duplicate license online through the Secretary of State's website if your license is still valid (not expired) and you have not changed your name, address, or other information since it was issued. If your license has expired or your information has changed, you must renew or update it in person or by mail rather than ordering a duplicate online.
The online process takes about 10 minutes. You will need to provide your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You pay a fee online using a credit or debit card, and your replacement card is mailed to the address on file. This method is convenient if your information has not changed, but it does not provide a temporary paper license, so plan accordingly if you need to drive when ready.
What happens if your license was stolen instead of lost
If you believe your license was stolen rather than lost, you may want to file a report with local police, though it is not required to replace the license itself. A police report creates a record that could help if the stolen license is used fraudulently. Contact your local police department's non-emergency line to file a report; you do not need to visit in person for a lost or stolen ID.
Regardless of whether you file a police report, follow the same replacement steps outlined above. Notify your bank and credit card companies if you are concerned about identity theft, since a driver's license contains enough information for someone to attempt fraud. Monitor your credit report through the free annual report at annualcreditreport.com to catch any unauthorized accounts opened in your name.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a replacement license in the mail?
Standard mail processing takes three to four weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives your completed form and documents. In-person replacement is faster: you get a temporary paper license when ready and the permanent card arrives in 7 to 14 business days. Online ordering also takes about two weeks for delivery.
Can I drive with the temporary paper license?
Yes. The temporary paper license is valid for 30 days and serves as proof of licensure for all purposes, including traffic stops. Police will accept it as your license while you wait for the permanent card to arrive by mail.
Do I have to pay a fee to replace a lost license?
Standard replacement has no fee. Expedited or rush processing, if available for your situation, carries additional costs. Online ordering may have a small fee. Check the Secretary of State website or call your local facility for current pricing on expedited options.
What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?
You can use a military ID, another state's driver's license, or a tribal ID as your identity document. If you do not have any of these, contact the Driver Services facility ahead of time to ask what alternative documents they will accept — options vary by location.
Can I replace my license if it is expired?
No. If your license is expired, you must renew it rather than order a duplicate. Renewal requires an in-person visit or mail process and involves a new photo and updated information. Visit the Secretary of State website to find the renewal process and required documents.