Where to get a replacement Illinois driver's license
You can replace your Illinois driver's license at any Secretary of State Driver Services facility across the state. The main office is located in Springfield, but there are branch offices in Chicago, Rockford, and other major cities. You can also use an Illinois Driver Services facility — these are authorized locations run by the state that handle renewals and replacements without the wait times of the main office.
Before you go, check the Secretary of State website to find the office nearest you and confirm their hours. Some locations require you to book an appointment online; others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Calling ahead saves a trip if the office is temporarily closed or has a long backlog.
If you cannot travel to an office, you can request a replacement by mail, though this takes longer and works only if your license was lost or stolen and you are not renewing it early for another reason.
Key Takeaways
- You need your Social Security number, proof of residency (utility bill or lease dated within 90 days), and a valid form of ID to replace your license in person.
- A replacement license costs $20 if your current license is still valid; the fee is higher if your license has expired.
- Processing takes about 10 business days by mail or same-day in person at most Secretary of State offices.
- If your license was stolen, you should report it to local police and bring the police report number to the Secretary of State office.
- You can renew your license online if it is not damaged and you have not changed your address, which is faster than a replacement.
Documents you need to bring
Bring your Social Security number and at least one form of valid ID. A passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license all work. If you do not have any of these, you can use a combination of documents — ask the Secretary of State office what they accept before you visit.
You also need proof of residency dated within the last 90 days. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current Illinois address will do. If you recently moved and your documents have not caught up, a letter from your landlord or a recent lease can work in a pinch — call ahead to confirm.
If your license was lost or stolen, bring a police report number if you have one. You do not need the full report, just the number. If you do not have a report, you can still get a replacement, but the office may ask you to sign a statement saying the license is lost or stolen.
The cost and processing time
A replacement license costs $20 if your current license is still valid. If your license has expired, the fee is $30. You can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card at most offices.
If you go in person, you will usually walk out with a temporary paper license the same day. Your permanent license arrives by mail within 10 business days. If you explore by mail, the entire process takes about two to three weeks.
Do not plan to drive using only the temporary paper license for long trips — some police officers accept it and some do not. Use it only for local travel until your permanent card arrives.
Replacing a damaged or unreadable license
If your license is damaged, faded, or the barcode no longer scans, you can get a replacement at any Secretary of State office. Bring your current damaged license along with your ID and proof of residency. The office will take the damaged license and issue you a new one on the spot.
You do not need a police report for a damaged license. The fee is the same as a standard replacement — $20 if your license is still valid.
Replacing a license after a name change
If you changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you need to bring proof of the name change along with your ID and proof of residency. For marriage, bring your marriage certificate. For divorce, bring the divorce decree. For a court-ordered name change, bring the court order.
The Secretary of State office will update your name on your new license. The cost is still $20 if your license is valid. Processing time is the same — same day for a temporary license, 10 business days for the permanent card.
Replacing a license by mail
You can request a replacement by mail if your license was lost or stolen and you do not have time to visit an office. read the DL 44 form from the Secretary of State website, fill it out, and mail it along with a copy of your ID and proof of residency to the address listed on the form.
Include a check or money order for $20 payable to the Secretary of State. Do not send cash. Mail the packet to the Springfield office — the address is on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date they receive your packet.
You will receive a temporary paper license in the mail first, followed by your permanent license about a week later. This route is slower than going in person, so use it only if you cannot visit an office.
What to do if your license is suspended or revoked
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot get a replacement until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Check your status on the Secretary of State website using your driver's license number and date of birth.
Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic tickets, unpaid child support, or a DUI conviction. If your license is suspended, you will need to resolve the underlying issue — pay the ticket, arrange a payment plan, or complete a required program — before you can replace it. Contact the Secretary of State office or the agency that suspended your license to find out what steps you need to take.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license online?
No, you cannot replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license online. You can renew your license online if it is not damaged and you have not changed your address, but that is different from a replacement. To replace a license, you must go in person or mail in the DL 44 form.
How long does a replacement license last?
A replacement license is valid for the same amount of time as your original license. If your original license was valid until 2028, your replacement is also valid until 2028. You do not get a new expiration date just because you replaced it.
What if I lost my license out of state?
You can still replace it through the Illinois Secretary of State by mail or by visiting an office when you return to Illinois. If you need to drive before you return, you can request a temporary paper license by mail, though this takes time. Some states allow you to replace an out-of-state license at their DMV, but Illinois does not offer this reciprocal service.
Do I need an appointment to replace my license?
It depends on the office. Some Secretary of State locations require online appointments; others are first-come, first-served. Check the Secretary of State website for your local office to see if appointments are required. Even if appointments are not required, calling ahead to check wait times is a good idea.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No, you must pick up your temporary paper license in person at the Secretary of State office. Your permanent license arrives by mail at the address on file, so you do not need to pick that up. If you cannot visit the office, the mail-in route is your only option.