How to Replace Your Illinois Driver's License

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. These are the official offices that issue and renew licenses — there is no online replacement option, and you cannot mail in a replacement request. You must appear in person with the required documents.

The Secretary of State operates about 130 Driver Services locations statewide. You can find the one nearest you, check its hours, and see current wait times on the Secretary of State website at cyberdriveillinois.com. Some locations are busier than others, and wait times vary by time of day and day of week — visiting early in the morning on a weekday typically means shorter lines than afternoons or Saturdays.

You do not need an appointment at most locations, though some facilities now offer appointment scheduling through the website. Taking an appointment can save you time, especially if you are replacing a license during a busy season.

Key Takeaways

You must visit a Secretary of State Driver Services office in person with a valid ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to replace your license.
The replacement fee is $30 for a standard license valid for four years, or $48 for a Real ID-compliant license valid for eight years.
You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your plastic card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If your license was lost or stolen, you should report it to local police and bring the police report number to the Driver Services office.

Documents you need to bring

Bring a valid form of identification — a passport, military ID, or state ID card all work. If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, bring a police report number or a copy of the report itself. The office will not issue a replacement without proof that you reported the loss.

You will also need proof of your current Illinois address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all count. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you have recently moved and do not yet have a document in your new name at your new address, bring two documents showing your old address plus a document showing your new address — a lease or utility bill in your name at the new place is sufficient.

Have your Social Security number ready. You do not need to bring your Social Security card, but you must know the number. If you do not know it, you can bring your Social Security card to verify it, but the office will not accept a card as your only form of ID.

The replacement process and fees

When you arrive at the Driver Services office, take a number and wait to be called. Tell the clerk you need a replacement license. They will ask you to verify your name, address, and date of birth, and they will check your driving record to make sure there are no suspensions or holds on your license.

You will then pay the replacement fee. A standard Illinois driver's license costs $30 and is valid for four years. A Real ID-compliant license costs $48 and is valid for eight years. Real ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner and meet federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. If your old license was a Real ID, you can choose to replace it with either type. If it was a standard license, you can upgrade to Real ID at this time if you want to.

After you pay, the clerk will take a new photo and print a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and works anywhere a regular license does — you can drive, show it as ID, and use it for any purpose. Your permanent plastic card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the Secretary of State to check the status.

If your license was lost or stolen

Report the loss or theft to your local police department before you go to the Driver Services office. You do not need to file a formal report — a phone call to the non-emergency line is enough. The police will give you a report number or send you a report number by email. Bring this number with you when you replace your license.

If you lost your license and cannot get a police report number, tell the Driver Services clerk. Some offices will issue a replacement without a police report if you sign a statement saying the license was lost, though policies vary by location. Calling ahead to your local office to ask about their specific requirement can save you a trip.

If your license was stolen and you are concerned about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This is separate from replacing your license but adds a layer of protection. You can place a fraud alert by calling any one of the three bureaus, and they will notify the other two automatically.

Real ID compliance and what changed

Illinois has two types of driver's licenses: standard licenses and Real ID licenses. Real ID licenses meet federal standards set after 2001 and are required to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings as of May 2025. If you currently have a standard license and plan to fly domestically or visit a federal facility, you will need to upgrade to Real ID at some point.

When you replace your license, you can choose which type to get. A standard replacement costs $30 and lasts four years. A Real ID replacement costs $48 and lasts eight years. If you are unsure whether you need Real ID, consider that the extra $18 covers four additional years of validity, so the annual cost difference is small. Many people choose Real ID at replacement time to avoid having to replace their license again in a few years.

If you already have a Real ID license, your replacement will also be Real ID unless you specifically ask for a standard license instead.

What to do if you cannot visit in person

Illinois does not allow mail-in replacements or online replacements under any circumstances. You must appear in person at a Driver Services office. If you are unable to travel to an office due to a disability or medical condition, you can request a home visit by calling the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900. Home visits are available in limited circumstances and must be requested in advance. The office will tell you whether you are may be able to access and how long the wait is for a home visit appointment.

If you are temporarily out of state or out of the country, you will need to return to Illinois to replace your license in person. There is no workaround for this requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement license in the mail?

Your permanent plastic license arrives within 7 to 10 business days after you visit the office. You receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for 30 days. If your card does not arrive within two weeks, contact the Secretary of State Driver Services at 217-782-6900 to check on it.

Can I replace my license if it is suspended or revoked?

No. The Driver Services office will check your driving record before issuing a replacement. If your license is suspended or revoked, you must resolve the suspension first — usually by paying fines, completing a required course, or waiting out the suspension period. Once the suspension is lifted, you can replace your license.

What if I changed my name since my last license?

Bring a document proving your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The Driver Services office will update your name in the system and issue a license with your new name. You will still pay the standard replacement fee.

Do I need to replace my license if I just moved within Illinois?

You do not have to replace your license when ready, but your address on the license should match your current address. You can update your address at any Driver Services office without paying a fee — this is different from a replacement. If you want a new card with your updated address, you can pay the $30 replacement fee to get one, or you can wait until your license expires to renew it with the new address.

What if I lost my temporary paper license before my plastic card arrived?

Contact the Secretary of State Driver Services right away. They can issue a new temporary license or expedite your plastic card. Call 217-782-6900 to report the lost temporary license and ask what your options are.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.