Get a replacement 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 a third-party vendor. The in-person route is fastest — you'll walk out with a temporary license the same day and receive your permanent one by mail within two weeks. By mail, the process takes three to four weeks total. You'll need to bring or send proof of identity, proof of residency, and pay a replacement fee (currently $30 for a standard license, though this may vary).
The Secretary of State does not issue licenses by phone or online, so you must choose one of these three methods. Which one works best depends on how quickly you need the license and whether you can get to a facility during business hours.
Key Takeaways
- In-person replacement at any Secretary of State facility gives you a temporary license when ready and your permanent license within two weeks.
- You must bring a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and payment; a Social Security card or birth certificate may be required if your ID is expired or damaged.
- Mail-in replacement takes three to four weeks but works if you cannot visit a facility, though you will not have a temporary license during that time.
- Third-party vendors (currency exchanges and other licensed locations) can process replacements faster than mail but may charge an additional service fee on top of the state fee.
What documents you need to bring
Bring one government-issued photo ID — a passport, military ID, or state ID card all work. You also need proof of your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts.
If your ID is expired or damaged, the Secretary of State may ask for additional proof of identity, such as a Social Security card, birth certificate, or certified copy of your marriage license if your name has changed. Call the facility you plan to visit ahead of time if you are unsure whether your documents will be accepted — staff can tell you over the phone whether what you have is sufficient.
In-person replacement at a Secretary of State facility
Find the nearest Secretary of State Driver Services facility on the Illinois Secretary of State website. Most are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some locations have Saturday hours. You do not need an appointment at most facilities, but some locations now use an online reservation system — check the website for your location before you go.
Bring your documents, the $30 replacement fee (cash, check, or card accepted at most locations), and be prepared to have your photo taken. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed to your address on file. If your address has changed, update it before you leave.
Processing times vary by location. Busy facilities may take 30 minutes to an hour; quieter ones may be faster. Going early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits than afternoons or Fridays.
Replacing your license by mail
Complete the process for Duplicate Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DL 953) and mail it to the address listed on the form along with your documents and payment. You can read the form from the Illinois Secretary of State website or request it by calling the Driver Services line.
Mail your original documents (not copies) — the Secretary of State will return them to you. Include a check or money order for $30 made payable to the Secretary of State. Do not send cash through the mail. The entire process takes three to four weeks from the date they receive your envelope.
You will not receive a temporary license by mail, so you cannot legally drive during the processing period. This method works best if you do not need to drive when ready or if you live far from any Secretary of State facility.
Using a third-party vendor
Currency exchanges and other licensed vendors throughout Illinois can process driver's license replacements. These locations are often closer to home and may have longer hours than Secretary of State facilities. You bring the same documents and pay the same $30 state fee, but the vendor typically charges an additional service fee (usually $5 to $15, depending on the location).
Processing time is often faster than mail but slower than in-person at a Secretary of State facility — usually one to two weeks. You will receive a temporary license on the spot. Find licensed vendors near you through the Illinois Secretary of State website, which lists all authorized locations and their hours.
What to do if your address has changed
Update your address at the same time you replace your license. If you are replacing in person, tell the staff member before you leave — they can update it on the spot. If you are replacing by mail, include a note with your process stating your new address, and the Secretary of State will update their records when they process your request.
If you do not update your address when you replace your license, your new license will be mailed to your old address and you will not receive it. You can change your address later through the Secretary of State website, by phone, or at any facility, but it is simpler to do it all at once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive without a license while I wait for my replacement?
No. If you replace in person, your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days and you can drive with it. If you replace by mail, you have no valid license during the processing period and cannot legally drive. This is why the in-person or vendor route is better if you need to drive soon.
What if I lost my license out of state?
You must replace it through Illinois because your license was issued by Illinois. You can do this by mail from anywhere, or you can visit any Secretary of State facility when you are back in Illinois. If you are stranded out of state and need to drive, contact the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services line to ask about temporary options.
Do I need to retake the written or driving test?
No. A replacement for a lost license is not a new license — you keep your same license number and driving record. You only need to provide proof of identity and pay the fee. You would only retake a test if your license was suspended or revoked, which is different from a replacement.
How much does it cost?
The state fee is $30 for a standard driver's license replacement. Third-party vendors add their own service fee on top, usually $5 to $15. There is no additional cost for in-person replacement at a Secretary of State facility beyond the $30 state fee.
What if I never received my replacement license in the mail?
Contact the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services line with your name, date of birth, and the date you submitted your replacement request. They can check whether it was mailed and to which address. If it was lost in transit, they can reissue it or you can visit a facility in person to get a new temporary license while a replacement is printed.