Get a replacement license by visiting a Secretary of State facility with proof of identity and residency
Illinois does not mail replacement licenses or let you order one online. You must visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person, bring documents that prove who you are and where you live, pay a fee, and have your photo taken. The process takes about 30 minutes at most locations, though wait times vary by facility and time of day. You can drive legally while waiting for your replacement as long as you have a receipt from the Secretary of State showing you applied.
The state issues your replacement license on the spot at most facilities, though some locations mail it instead. You will know which before you leave the building. If your license is mailed, it arrives within 5 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person with a government-issued ID and proof of your current address.
- The replacement fee is $30 for a standard license and $50 for a REAL ID-compliant license, and you pay at the facility when you explore.
- Some facilities issue your license on the spot; others mail it within 5 to 10 business days — the facility will tell you which before you leave.
- You can legally drive on the receipt you receive at the facility until your replacement arrives, even if you do not have your old license.
- Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate if your name has changed since your last license, or if you do not have a current government ID.
What documents you need to bring
Bring one government-issued photo ID — a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID all work. If you do not have one of those, bring your original or certified copy of your birth certificate instead, plus one additional form of ID like a Social Security card or school ID.
You also need proof of your current address. The Secretary of State accepts a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. The document must show your name and current Illinois address.
If your name has changed since your last license — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. A certified copy is safest, though the Secretary of State may accept an original.
Finding the nearest Secretary of State facility and checking hours
The Secretary of State operates Driver Services facilities across Illinois. You can find the location nearest you, check current hours, and see typical wait times on the Secretary of State website at cyberdriveillinois.com. The site lists all facilities by county and shows which ones are open on Saturdays.
Call ahead if you are traveling more than 30 minutes. Some facilities close for lunch or have reduced hours on certain days. A few locations require you to book an appointment online through the Secretary of State website, though walk-ins are still accepted at most facilities.
If you live in Cook County, the Chicago Loop facility and the Cicero facility are the busiest. Suburban and downstate facilities often have shorter waits. Going on a weekday morning, especially Tuesday through Thursday, usually means a shorter wait than Friday or Saturday.
The fee and what type of license to request
A standard Illinois driver's license costs $30 to replace. A REAL ID-compliant license — which you will need to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 2025 — costs $50. You pay the fee at the facility when you explore, and the Secretary of State accepts cash, debit, and credit cards.
If your old license was a REAL ID license, you should get a REAL ID replacement. If it was a standard license and you do not plan to fly or enter federal buildings, a standard replacement is cheaper. You can always upgrade to REAL ID later by returning to a facility with your passport and paying the difference.
The fee covers the license itself. There is no separate charge for the photo or for the Secretary of State to process your process.
What happens during your visit
When you arrive, check in at the front desk and give the staff member your documents. They will verify your identity and address, then direct you to a photo station where your new license photo is taken. The photo follows the same rules as your original license: no sunglasses, no hats, neutral background, and a direct look at the camera.
After your photo is taken, you pay the fee and receive a receipt. The receipt shows your process number and tells you whether your license will be issued on the spot or mailed. If it is issued on the spot, you will receive it within a few minutes. If it is mailed, the receipt is your proof that you applied and can be used as a temporary driving document.
Keep the receipt in your vehicle. Illinois law allows you to drive on the receipt alone until your replacement license arrives, even if a police officer stops you. The receipt is valid proof that you have applied for a replacement.
If your license was stolen or used fraudulently
If someone stole your license or you suspect it has been used fraudulently, tell the Secretary of State staff when you explore for your replacement. They can flag your old license number in the system so it cannot be used. You do not need a police report to do this, though filing one is a good idea if fraud occurred.
If your identity was stolen or misused, contact the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — and consider placing a fraud alert on your credit file. This is separate from replacing your license but protects you from further misuse of your personal information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license by mail or online?
No. Illinois requires you to appear in person at a Secretary of State Driver Services facility. You cannot mail in an process or order a replacement online. However, you can check facility hours and wait times on the Secretary of State website before you go.
How long does the replacement license take to arrive if it is mailed?
If your facility mails your license, it typically arrives within 5 to 10 business days. The receipt you receive at the facility is your proof of process and is valid for driving until the license arrives. Some facilities issue licenses on the spot, so ask before you leave.
Do I need to take a written test or driving test to get a replacement?
No. A replacement license does not require a test. You only need to provide proof of identity and residency, have your photo taken, and pay the fee. Tests are only required when you first get a license or renew after a suspension.
What if I do not have a government-issued photo ID?
Bring your original or certified birth certificate instead, plus one additional form of ID such as a Social Security card, school ID, or employee ID. The Secretary of State will accept this combination in place of a government photo ID.
Can I use my receipt as a valid ID while I wait for my replacement?
Yes. The receipt from the Secretary of State is valid proof that you have applied for a replacement and can be used for driving. It is not valid for other purposes like boarding a plane or entering a bar, but it satisfies the requirement to carry a valid license while driving.