Get a replacement license by visiting a Secretary of State facility in person with your ID and payment
You cannot replace a lost Illinois driver's license online or by mail. The Secretary of State requires you to appear in person at a Driver Services facility with a valid ID and payment. The process takes about 30 minutes at the facility, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
If you have lost your license and need to drive before your replacement arrives, the temporary paper license is valid for driving when ready. You should carry it with your vehicle registration and insurance card. If you are stopped by police, the temporary license satisfies the requirement to show a valid driver's license.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person with a valid ID and payment to replace a lost license.
- Bring a government-issued photo ID such as a passport, military ID, or state ID card — a lost driver's license does not count.
- The replacement fee is $30 for a standard license, and you can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card at the facility.
- You receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for driving, and your plastic replacement card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- Secretary of State facilities are open Monday through Friday during business hours, with limited Saturday hours at some locations.
Gather your ID and payment before you go
Bring one valid government-issued photo ID. Acceptable forms include a U.S. passport, military ID, state ID card, or passport card. If you do not have any of these, you will need to obtain one before you can replace your driver's license. A Social Security card, birth certificate, or school ID will not work on their own.
Bring payment for the replacement fee. A standard Illinois driver's license replacement costs $30. You can pay with cash, a debit card, or a credit card at the facility. Some facilities have ATMs on-site if you need cash, but do not rely on this — bring payment with you.
If your license was lost in a way that suggests fraud or identity theft, bring a police report. This is not required, but it can help if you need to dispute charges or if someone uses your license number fraudulently. You can file a police report online through your city or county police department's website, or in person at a local station.
Find and visit your nearest Secretary of State facility
Go to the Secretary of State website and use the facility locator tool to find the Driver Services office nearest you. Enter your city or ZIP code, and the tool will show you all nearby locations, their hours, and whether they accept walk-ins. Most facilities accept walk-ins, but some require you to schedule an appointment online first. Check your specific location's requirements before you go.
Secretary of State facilities are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Some locations have Saturday hours from 8 a.m. to noon. Hours vary by facility, so check the locator tool for your location. Arrive early in the day if possible — wait times are typically shorter in the morning and on weekdays.
If you cannot visit during regular hours, some facilities offer evening appointments on certain days. The facility locator will show you which locations near you offer extended hours. You can also call the facility directly to ask about the shortest wait times.
Complete the replacement process at the facility
When you arrive, check in at the front desk and tell the staff member you are replacing a lost license. You will be given a number or added to a queue. When your number is called, go to the window and hand over your valid ID and payment. The staff member will verify your information in the system and take a new photo for your replacement license.
The photo will be taken at the facility using their camera. Wear clear glasses if you normally wear them — the photo must match how you typically look. Avoid wearing hats or sunglasses. The photo rules are the same as for a new license: you must be facing the camera, your face must be clearly visible, and the background is white.
After your photo is taken, you will receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for driving when ready and will work if you are stopped by police. Keep it with your vehicle registration and insurance card. Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
Update your address if you have moved since your lost license was issued
If you have moved since your license was issued, tell the staff member at the facility before they process your replacement. Your new license will be mailed to your current address, not the old one on file. The staff member can update your address in the system at the same time you replace your license, with no additional fee.
If you do not update your address at the facility and your license is mailed to an old address, you will have to return to the facility again to correct it. It is faster to update it the first time.
Track your replacement license and handle delays
Your replacement license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The Secretary of State does not send tracking information, so you cannot check the status online. If more than 10 business days have passed and you have not received your license, call the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 to report it.
If your replacement license is lost or damaged in the mail, you will need to return to a Driver Services facility and pay the $30 replacement fee again. There is no way to prevent this other than replacing it a second time. If you believe the license was stolen from your mailbox, file a police report and bring it with you when you return to the facility.
If you need to drive before your replacement arrives and your temporary paper license is damaged or lost, return to the facility when ready. You can request a new temporary license for $5, though some facilities may waive this fee if the damage was not your fault.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or suspended license?
No. If your license is suspended, you cannot replace it until the suspension is lifted. You must resolve the underlying issue — pay the ticket, complete traffic school, or satisfy the court's requirements — before visiting a Driver Services facility. The staff member will check your status in the system before processing your replacement.
What if I lost my license out of state and I am now in Illinois?
You can replace your Illinois license at any Secretary of State Driver Services facility in the state, regardless of where you lost it. Bring your valid ID and $30. If you have moved to Illinois permanently, you may want to update your address at the same time.
Do I need to bring my Social Security number or birth certificate?
No. The Secretary of State already has your Social Security number and birth date on file from when you first obtained your license. Bring only a valid government-issued photo ID and payment. If the staff member asks for additional documents, they will tell you what they need.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license from the mail?
Your replacement license will be mailed to the address on file in your name. Anyone living at that address can receive it, but the license itself is only valid when you carry it. If someone else receives it, they should give it to you unopened. If your license is mailed to the wrong address, you will need to return to a facility to correct it.
What if my name has changed since my license was issued?
Tell the staff member at the facility that your name has changed. Bring legal documentation of the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The staff member will update your name in the system and issue your replacement license under your new name at no additional cost.