Where to get a replacement Illinois driver's license
You can replace your Illinois driver's license at any Secretary of State office, at a currency exchange that offers driver services, or online through the Illinois Secretary of State website if you meet certain conditions. The online route is fastest if your license is not expired, suspended, or revoked — you can order a replacement and have it mailed to you without visiting an office. If your license has been lost, stolen, or damaged, or if you need to update information on it, you will need to visit a Secretary of State facility or an authorized currency exchange in person.
The Secretary of State maintains about 130 facilities across Illinois, including offices in Chicago, Springfield, and most county seats. Currency exchanges that offer driver services are scattered throughout the state and often have shorter wait times than state offices. Both routes cost the same and produce the same license.
Key Takeaways
- You can order a replacement online if your license is valid and you only need a duplicate; mailing takes about two weeks.
- If your license is expired, suspended, revoked, or damaged, you must visit a Secretary of State office or authorized currency exchange in person.
- Bring your current license or state ID, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number.
- A replacement license costs $30 and is valid for four years if you are under 69, or eight years if you are 69 or older.
- Processing at an office usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, and you receive your new license when ready.
Online replacement: when you can use it
The online replacement option works only if your current Illinois driver's license is valid (not expired, suspended, or revoked) and you straightforward need a duplicate because yours was lost, stolen, or damaged. You cannot use the online route to change your address, name, or other information on the license. You also cannot order online if you are a commercial driver or if your license has any restrictions or endorsements that have changed.
To order online, visit the Illinois Secretary of State website, select "Order a Duplicate Driver's License," and follow the steps. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method. The new license will be mailed to the address on file, which typically takes 10 to 14 business days. You can continue to use your current license until the replacement arrives.
In-person replacement at a Secretary of State office
Visit a Secretary of State office if your license is expired, suspended, revoked, or damaged, or if you need to change information on it. You do not need an appointment at most offices, though some locations allow you to reserve a time slot through the Secretary of State website to reduce wait time. Walk-in hours vary by location; check the office locator on the Secretary of State website to find the nearest facility and its hours.
Bring your current license or state ID, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease agreement, or recent bank statement with your name and address), and your Social Security number. If your license was stolen, you may also need to provide a police report number, though this is not always required. Processing usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, and you receive your new license before you leave.
Using a currency exchange for replacement
Many currency exchanges throughout Illinois are authorized to issue driver's licenses and can often process replacements faster than Secretary of State offices because they typically have shorter lines. Not all currency exchanges offer this service, so call ahead or check the Secretary of State website for a list of authorized locations near you. The cost and the documents required are identical to those at a state office.
Bring your current license or state ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. Processing time is usually 15 to 30 minutes, and you receive your new license when ready. Some currency exchanges may charge a small service fee on top of the $30 state fee, so ask before you begin the transaction.
Cost and validity of your replacement license
A replacement Illinois driver's license costs $30, whether you order online or in person. This fee covers a four-year license if you are under 69 years old, or an eight-year license if you are 69 or older. The expiration date on your new license will be four or eight years from the date you receive it, not from the expiration date of your previous license.
If you are replacing a license that was suspended or revoked, you will need to resolve the suspension or revocation before you can receive a new license. The Secretary of State office or currency exchange will check your driving record before issuing the replacement. If there is an active suspension or revocation, staff will tell you what steps you need to take to clear it.
What to do if your license was stolen or lost
If your license was stolen, you can report it to the Secretary of State when you order a replacement, either online or in person. Reporting it prevents someone else from using your license number for fraudulent purposes. You do not need a police report to replace a stolen license, though having one can be helpful if you later discover identity theft.
If your license was damaged or defaced, bring it with you to the office or currency exchange. Staff will take the damaged license and issue the replacement. If your license is so damaged that it is unreadable, bring any other state ID you have, such as a state ID card, passport, or military ID, along with proof of residency and your Social Security number.
Timeline and what to expect after you order
If you order online, your replacement will arrive by mail in 10 to 14 business days. You can use your current license until the new one arrives. If you visit an office or currency exchange in person, you will receive your new license before you leave, usually within 15 to 30 minutes of arriving.
Once you receive your replacement, destroy your old license by cutting it in half or shredding it. This prevents someone from finding it and using it. Your new license will have a new number and will be valid for four or eight years depending on your age.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license if it is expired?
Yes. If your license is expired, you must visit a Secretary of State office or authorized currency exchange in person; you cannot order online. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. Processing takes 15 to 30 minutes, and you receive your new license when ready.
What counts as proof of residency?
Proof of residency must show your name and current Illinois address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or recent bank statement all work. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license or state ID with your current address also counts.
Do I need an appointment to replace my license at a Secretary of State office?
Most offices accept walk-ins without an appointment, but some locations allow you to reserve a time slot online to reduce wait time. Check the office locator on the Secretary of State website for your nearest location and whether appointments are available. Even with an appointment, bring all required documents.
How long is my replacement license valid?
A replacement license is valid for four years if you are under 69, or eight years if you are 69 or older. The expiration date is four or eight years from the date you receive the replacement, not from your old license's expiration date.
What if I need to change my address at the same time?
If you need to change your address, you must visit a Secretary of State office or authorized currency exchange in person. You cannot change your address online when ordering a replacement. Bring your current license, proof of your new address, and your Social Security number. The new license will show your updated address.