What you need to do to replace your Illinois driver license
To replace an Illinois driver license, you must visit a Secretary of State facility in person with proof of identity and residency. The state does not issue replacements by mail or online. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your new plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The fee is $20 for a standard replacement, or $30 if you need a REAL ID-compliant license.
The process differs slightly depending on whether your license was lost, stolen, or damaged. If your license was stolen, you should report it to local police and bring the report number or case number to the Secretary of State office — this protects you against identity theft and may be required by your insurance company. If your license is damaged but still in your possession, you can bring it with you to the office.
Key Takeaways
- You must appear in person at a Secretary of State facility with a valid ID and proof of Illinois residency; no online or mail-in replacements are available.
- A replacement license costs $20 for a standard license or $30 for a REAL ID-compliant license, and you receive a temporary paper license when ready.
- Your new plastic license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; if your old license was stolen, bring a police report number to the office.
- You do not need to retake the written or vision test unless your license has been suspended, revoked, or expired for more than one year.
Documents you must bring to the Secretary of State office
Bring one form of government-issued photo ID and one document proving your current Illinois address. The photo ID can be a passport, military ID, or an out-of-state driver license. Do not bring an expired Illinois license as your only ID — it does not count as valid identification for this purpose.
For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill or credit card statement does not count. If you have moved recently and your ID does not show your new address, bring both the ID and the residency document.
If your license was stolen, bring the police report number or case number. You do not need the full report — the office can look it up by case number. If you do not have a case number, call the police department's non-emergency line before your visit and ask for the report number.
Where to go and how to schedule your visit
Illinois has 159 Secretary of State driver services facilities across the state. Find the office nearest you at cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/index/register/home.html. The website shows hours, address, and phone number for each location. Some offices are busier than others; smaller branch offices often have shorter wait times than downtown Chicago or major city locations.
You do not need an appointment at most facilities, but some offices now offer optional appointment scheduling through the website. If your local office offers appointments, booking one can reduce your wait time from 30 minutes to 2 hours down to 15 to 30 minutes. Walk-ins are still accepted at all locations during posted hours.
Bring all documents with you. The office staff will take a new photo, verify your information, collect the $20 or $30 fee, and issue your temporary paper license on the spot. Keep the temporary license with you until your plastic card arrives — it is valid for driving.
Timeline and what happens after you leave the office
Your new plastic license is mailed to the address on file at the Secretary of State office. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you visit. If you do not receive it within 14 business days, call the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 to report the delay. Have your temporary paper license number ready when you call.
The temporary paper license is valid for driving until your plastic card arrives. You do not need to do anything else — no follow-up visit, no additional fees. If you move before your new license arrives, you can update your address online at cyberdriveillinois.com or at any Secretary of State office, but this does not speed up delivery of the card already in the mail.
If your plastic license arrives damaged or with incorrect information, return to any Secretary of State office with the damaged card and your temporary paper license. Corrections and reissues are free if the error was made by the state.
Replacing a license that has been suspended or revoked
If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward replace it. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the Secretary of State. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or medical suspension. Contact the Secretary of State's Cyberdrive office at 217-782-6900 to find out the reason and what you must do to clear it.
Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can visit a driver services facility to replace your license. You will need to retake the written test and vision test at that time, even if your original license was not expired. Bring the same documents as for a standard replacement, plus any court documents or clearance letters related to the suspension or revocation.
Replacing a license that expired more than one year ago
If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it — you must reapply as if you were getting your first license. This means you will need to retake the written test, vision test, and road test. You cannot straightforward replace it with a new card.
Visit a Secretary of State facility and tell the staff that your license expired more than one year ago. They will direct you to the testing area. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of identity. The fee for a new license is $20 or $30 depending on whether you want REAL ID compliance. You will receive a temporary paper license after passing all tests, and your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
REAL ID versus standard replacement
When you replace your license, you can choose between a standard Illinois driver license or a REAL ID-compliant license. A REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal identification standards for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. A standard license does not have the star and cannot be used for these purposes after May 7, 2025.
A REAL ID replacement costs $30; a standard replacement costs $20. To get a REAL ID license, bring the same documents as for a standard replacement, plus one additional document proving your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return) and proof of legal presence in the United States (such as a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers). If you are not a U.S. citizen, bring your visa or work permit.
If you are unsure whether you need REAL ID, consider that standard licenses will not work for domestic air travel after May 7, 2025. If you fly domestically or enter federal buildings, a REAL ID license is worth the extra $10.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or court fine?
No. If you have unpaid fines or a failure-to-appear warrant, your license will be suspended and you cannot replace it until the suspension is lifted. Contact the court or the Secretary of State to resolve the fine first. Once paid or resolved, you can replace your license at any driver services facility.
What if I lost my license out of state?
You must replace it in Illinois in person at a Secretary of State facility. You cannot replace an Illinois license at a DMV in another state. Bring your documents and visit the nearest Illinois Secretary of State office. If you are out of state and need to drive in Illinois, your temporary paper license issued at the office is valid when ready.
Do I have to retake the written test to replace my license?
No, unless your license was suspended, revoked, or expired for more than one year. For a straightforward replacement due to loss, theft, or damage, you do not retake any tests. The office will take a new photo and issue your temporary license on the spot.
How much does it cost to replace a stolen license?
The cost is the same as any replacement: $20 for a standard license or $30 for a REAL ID license. There is no extra fee for a stolen license. Bringing a police report number protects you against identity theft but does not change the replacement fee.
What if my temporary paper license gets lost before my plastic card arrives?
Return to any Secretary of State driver services facility with your proof of identity and residency. They will issue a new temporary paper license at no charge. Bring the same documents you brought for the original replacement.