Get a replacement driver's license through the Illinois Secretary of State
You can replace a lost Illinois driver's license by visiting a Secretary of State facility in person, by mail, or through an online request if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route is fastest — you can walk out with a temporary license the same day — but mail and online options exist if you cannot visit an office. The process requires proof of identity, proof of residency, and a fee. Illinois does not issue replacement licenses by phone or email.
The state distinguishes between a lost license and a stolen one. If your license was stolen, you should also file a report with local police and provide that report number to the Secretary of State, though it is not required to get a replacement. A lost license straightforward means you cannot locate it; a stolen one means someone else has it and might use it fraudulently.
Key Takeaways
- In-person replacement at any Secretary of State facility takes about 15 minutes and costs $20 for a standard license or $30 for a Real ID-compliant license.
- You must bring a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current Illinois address, and your Social Security number or ITIN.
- Mail-in replacement takes 7 to 10 business days and requires the same documents plus a completed DL 44 form and a check or money order.
- Online replacement is available only if your license has not expired and you have not had more than one replacement in the past 12 months.
- A temporary paper license issued on the spot at an office is valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent replacement to arrive by mail.
What documents you need to bring
Bring one government-issued photo ID — a U.S. passport, passport card, 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: a birth certificate plus a Social Security card, or a birth certificate plus a utility bill in your name. The Secretary of State website lists all acceptable combinations under "REAL ID Documents."
You also need proof that you live in Illinois right now. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address works. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency — tax return, voter registration card, or court document — also counts.
Bring your Social Security number or ITIN. You do not need to bring the card itself, just know the number. If you do not have either, you can still get a replacement, but the process takes longer because the Secretary of State will verify your number through the Social Security Administration.
In-person replacement at a Secretary of State office
Find your nearest Secretary of State facility on the state website under "Driver Services Facilities." Most cities have at least one office; Chicago has multiple. Hours vary by location, but most are open Monday through Friday during business hours and some offer Saturday hours. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but you can reserve a time slot online to skip the walk-in line.
Bring your documents, fill out form DL 44 (available at the office or online), and pay the fee. A standard replacement license costs $20; a Real ID-compliant license costs $30. Real ID is required for domestic air travel and federal building access starting in 2025, but a standard license works for driving. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, and your permanent license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
If you need the license faster, ask about expedited mail service when you visit. Some offices offer it for an additional fee, though availability varies. The temporary license is valid for driving when ready and is accepted by police.
Mail-in replacement without visiting an office
read or request form DL 44 from the Secretary of State website. Fill it out completely, including your driver's license number if you remember it (the form will work without it, but it speeds processing). Make a copy of your proof of identity and proof of residency — do not send originals. Include a check or money order for $20 (standard) or $30 (Real ID), made payable to the Secretary of State.
Mail the packet to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date the office receives your envelope, not from the date you mail it. You will not receive a temporary license by mail, so you cannot drive legally during this period unless you still have your original license or another valid ID. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you must visit an office in person instead.
Keep a copy of everything you send, including the form and the front and back of your ID documents. If your replacement does not arrive within two weeks, contact the Secretary of State to confirm receipt.
Online replacement through the state website
You can request a replacement online through the Secretary of State's website if all of these are true: your license has not expired, you have not had a replacement in the past 12 months, and you have a valid email address on file. The online form asks for your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
Online replacement costs $20 and takes 7 to 10 business days. You will not receive a temporary license, so you cannot drive during this period. The permanent license will arrive by mail. If your license has expired or you have already had one replacement this year, the online option will not be available; you must use mail or in-person instead.
The online system is fastest for people who do not need to drive when ready and do not want to visit an office. It is slower than in-person replacement but requires no trip and no mailing of documents.
What to do if your license was stolen
File a police report with your local police department or sheriff's office. You can do this in person, by phone, or online depending on your jurisdiction. Provide the report number to the Secretary of State when you request your replacement — include it on the DL 44 form or mention it when you visit an office. This alerts the state that your license may be used fraudulently and can help protect you if someone tries to use it.
A police report is not required to get a replacement license, but it creates a record that you reported the theft. If fraudulent activity occurs later, the report helps prove you did not authorize it. Some police departments will email or text you a report number when ready; others mail it. Ask which method your department uses when you file.
You should also consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) if you are concerned about identity theft. A driver's license alone is not enough to open credit accounts, but combined with other information it can be used fraudulently.
Timeline and what to expect
| Method | Time to Get License | Cost | Temporary License |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-person at office | Same day (temporary); 7–10 days (permanent) | $20 or $30 | Yes, valid 30 days |
| Mail-in | 7–10 business days | $20 or $30 | No |
| Online | 7–10 business days | $20 | No |
Your permanent replacement license will arrive by mail in a plain envelope. It looks identical to your original license and has the same expiration date. If you do not receive it within two weeks of explore, call the Secretary of State's driver services line to check the status. Have your driver's license number and date of birth ready.
If you move to a different address before your replacement arrives, you can update your address at a Secretary of State office or online through the state website. The replacement will be mailed to your old address unless you change it first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with the temporary paper license?
Yes. The temporary license is valid for driving, and police will accept it. It is valid for 30 days from the date you receive it. Keep it with you while you drive, just as you would your permanent license. Once your permanent license arrives, the temporary one is no longer needed.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
You can still get a replacement using an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead. If you have neither, contact the Secretary of State before you explore — the office can walk you through the process and may require additional documents to verify your identity.
Do I need to take a new photo for a replacement license?
No. A replacement license uses your photo from your original license. You only need a new photo if your original license is more than 10 years old or if you request a new photo for a fee. Most people do not need to do this for a straightforward replacement.
How much does a Real ID license cost compared to a standard one?
A Real ID replacement costs $30, while a standard replacement costs $20. Real ID is required for domestic air travel and federal building access starting in 2025. If you fly or visit federal buildings, Real ID is worth the extra $10. Otherwise, a standard license works for driving.
What if my replacement does not arrive after two weeks?
Contact the Secretary of State's driver services line with your driver's license number and date of birth. They can confirm whether your replacement was mailed and provide a tracking status. If it was lost in the mail, they can issue a new one. Keep copies of your process documents in case you need to prove you applied.