Get a replacement license from the Illinois Secretary of State
When you lose your Illinois driver's license, you replace it through the Illinois Secretary of State's office, not through your local DMV — Illinois does not have a separate DMV. You can request a replacement in person at a Driver Services facility, by mail, or online through the Secretary of State website. The fastest route is usually online if you have a valid Social Security number and a recent address on file.
A replacement license costs $30 and is valid for the same expiration date as your original license. If your license expired more than five years ago, you will need to renew it instead of replacing it, which involves a vision test and costs more. If you are unsure whether your license is still valid, you can check the status on the Secretary of State website before you start the replacement process.
Key Takeaways
- You can replace a lost Illinois driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services facility, with online being the fastest option.
- A replacement license costs $30 and keeps your original expiration date, so you do not pay for extra time.
- You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and the address currently on file to replace your license online.
- If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew it instead of replacing it, which requires a vision test and costs $95.
- A replacement license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you order online, or you can walk out with one the same day if you go in person.
Replace your license online through the Secretary of State website
Go to sos.illinois.gov and select "Driver Services" from the main menu. Click on "Order a Duplicate License" and log in with your Illinois driver's license number and date of birth. The system will pull up your current record and ask you to confirm your address and contact information.
You will need to pay $30 by credit card or debit card. Once you submit the order, the Secretary of State mails your replacement license to the address on file. Delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a confirmation email with a reference number — save this in case you need to check on your order status later.
Online replacement works only if your license is still valid (not expired more than five years ago) and your address on file is current. If either of those is not true, you will need to go in person or explore by mail.
explore by mail if you cannot go in person
read the process for Duplicate Driver's License form (DL 953) from the Secretary of State website. Fill it out completely, including your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and current address. Sign and date the form.
Mail the completed form along with a check or money order for $30 (made payable to "Secretary of State") to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of one piece of identification — a passport, state ID, or utility bill with your name and address works. The Secretary of State processes mail requests in the order they arrive, which usually takes 2 to 3 weeks.
Keep a copy of everything you mail for your records. If you want to track your order, include a phone number on the form so the Secretary of State can contact you if there is a problem.
Go in person to a Driver Services facility for same-day replacement
Find the Driver Services facility nearest you on the Secretary of State website. Bring your Social Security card, a piece of photo identification (passport, state ID, or military ID), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement). You do not need to make an appointment at most locations, but some facilities allow you to reserve a time slot online to reduce wait time.
Tell the staff member you are replacing a lost license. They will take a new photo, verify your information, and process the replacement on the spot. You will pay $30 and walk out with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. The permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
In-person replacement is the best option if you need to drive before your replacement arrives by mail, since the temporary license is valid when ready. Facilities are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though hours vary by location.
What to do if your license expired more than five years ago
If your license has been expired for more than five years, the Secretary of State treats this as a renewal rather than a replacement, even if you lost it. You cannot use the online duplicate order system. Instead, you must renew your license, which requires a vision test and costs $95.
You can renew in person at any Driver Services facility or by mail using the process for Driver's License Renewal form (DL 43). In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes and you receive a temporary license the same day. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. Either way, you will need to pass a vision screening, so bring glasses or contacts if you use them.
Report your lost license to prevent identity theft
While you are ordering your replacement, consider reporting the loss to the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You can place a fraud alert on your credit report for free, which makes it harder for someone to open accounts in your name. A fraud alert lasts one year and you can renew it if needed.
You do not have to report a lost license to the police unless you suspect it was stolen or used fraudulently. If someone uses your license to get a ticket or commit a crime, contact your local police department and the Secretary of State to document the misuse. Keep the report number for your records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while I wait for my replacement license?
If you go in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, so you can drive when ready. If you order online or by mail, you cannot drive legally until your replacement arrives, which takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before then, go in person to a Driver Services facility.
What if I lost my license and do not have my Social Security number memorized?
You can still replace your license in person or by mail. For in-person replacement, bring your Social Security card itself. For mail replacement, include it with your process. Online replacement requires you to enter your Social Security number, so if you cannot remember it, use the mail or in-person route instead.
Do I have to pay the $30 replacement fee if the Secretary of State lost my license?
No. If the Secretary of State's office damaged or lost your license while it was in their possession, they will replace it for free. Contact the Driver Services facility where you received the original license and explain what happened. They will investigate and issue a free replacement if they find the loss was their error.
How long does a replacement license stay valid?
Your replacement license is valid until the same expiration date as your original license. You do not get extra time — the $30 fee covers only the replacement card itself. When your original expiration date arrives, you will need to renew your license through the normal renewal process.
What if I lost my license out of state?
You can still replace it through the Illinois Secretary of State by mail or online from anywhere. If you need to drive in another state before your replacement arrives, contact that state's DMV about a temporary permit or replacement license. Some states will issue a temporary license to Illinois residents, but policies vary.