What a duplicate license is and when you need one
A duplicate Illinois driver's license is an exact replacement of your current license with the same number, expiration date, and restrictions. You order one when your license is lost, stolen, or damaged but still valid — not when it has expired or you need to renew it.
The Secretary of State's office issues duplicates through the mail or in person at a Driver Services facility. The process is faster and cheaper than a renewal because the state does not re-examine your information or photograph; it straightforward prints a new card with your existing record.
You do not need a duplicate if your license expired. In that case, you must renew instead, which involves a new process and may require a new photograph depending on how long it has been since your last license was issued.
Key Takeaways
- A duplicate costs $5 and keeps your current license number and expiration date unchanged.
- You can order a duplicate by mail through the Secretary of State's website, or in person at any Driver Services facility.
- Mail orders take 7 to 10 business days; in-person duplicates at a facility are issued the same day.
- You will need your current license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method (credit card, debit card, or check by mail).
- If your license was stolen, report it to local police first and mention the report number when you order the duplicate.
Ordering a duplicate by mail through the Secretary of State website
The fastest way to order without leaving home is through the Illinois Secretary of State's online duplicate request system at cyberdriveillinois.com. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
Pay the $5 fee with a credit card or debit card at the time of order. The state will mail your duplicate to the address on file with your license. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date the Secretary of State receives your request, not from the date you submit it online.
If you do not have internet access or prefer not to order online, you can call the Secretary of State's Driver Services hotline at 217-782-6900 to request a duplicate by phone. You will still pay by credit or debit card.
Getting a duplicate in person at a Driver Services facility
If you need your license the same day, visit any Illinois Driver Services facility in person. Bring your current license (if you still have it) or a valid form of identification such as a passport, state ID, or birth certificate. You will fill out a short form on site and pay $5 in cash, by check, or by card.
The facility will photograph you and print your duplicate on the spot. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the location is. You walk out with your new license the same day.
To find the Driver Services facility nearest you, use the location finder on the Secretary of State's website or call 217-782-6900. Some facilities require appointments; others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Calling ahead is always a good idea to confirm hours and whether you need to reserve a time slot.
What to do if your license was stolen
If your license was stolen rather than lost or damaged, file a police report with your local police department or sheriff's office before you order the duplicate. Write down the report number or case number — you will reference it when you submit your duplicate request.
When you order online or by phone, mention that the license was stolen and provide the police report number. This alerts the Secretary of State that the original license should be flagged in the system so it cannot be misused. If you order in person at a facility, tell the staff member that the license was stolen and provide the report number there.
You do not need to bring a copy of the police report itself, but having the report number ready will speed up the process.
Documents and information you will need
| If ordering by mail or phone | If ordering in person at a facility |
|---|---|
| Current license number | Current license (if available) or valid ID such as passport, state ID, or birth certificate |
| Date of birth | Date of birth (will be on the form) |
| Last four digits of Social Security number | Last four digits of Social Security number (will be on the form) |
| Credit card or debit card for $5 fee | Cash, check, or card for $5 fee |
| Police report number (if stolen) | Police report number (if stolen) |
Common mistakes that delay your duplicate
The most frequent error is providing an incorrect license number or date of birth. The Secretary of State's system will not find your record if either piece of information does not match exactly. Double-check both before you submit your order online or call.
If you order by mail and your address on file has changed since your last license was issued, the duplicate will be mailed to the old address and you will not receive it. Update your address with the Secretary of State before ordering, either online at cyberdriveillinois.com or by calling 217-782-6900.
Another common delay happens when people order a duplicate but their license has actually expired. The system will reject the order because you must renew instead. Check your license expiration date before you start the process.
What happens after you receive your duplicate
Your new duplicate license is valid when ready upon receipt. The license number, expiration date, and all restrictions (such as corrective lenses required or organ donor status) remain exactly the same as your original license.
If you ordered by mail and your original license arrives after your duplicate, you can destroy the original or keep it as a backup. You do not need to return it to the Secretary of State. If your original license was stolen, you do not need to do anything further — the police report number you provided will have flagged it in the system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a duplicate if my license is suspended or revoked?
No. A duplicate is only for a valid, current license. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot order a duplicate. You must resolve the suspension or revocation with the Secretary of State first, then order the duplicate afterward.
What if I lost my license and do not remember the number?
Call the Secretary of State's Driver Services hotline at 217-782-6900. Staff can look up your license number using your name and date of birth. Once you have the number, you can order online or by phone.
How long does a duplicate license take if I order by mail?
Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date the Secretary of State receives your request. Mail delivery to your address may add another 2 to 5 days. If you need your license faster, order in person at a Driver Services facility for same-day issuance.
Do I have to go to the same Driver Services facility where I got my original license?
No. You can visit any Illinois Driver Services facility in the state. Use the location finder on the Secretary of State's website to find the one closest to you.
What if my duplicate arrives damaged or with errors?
Contact the Secretary of State's Driver Services hotline at 217-782-6900 right away. If the license has a printing defect or your information is wrong, the state will issue a replacement at no additional charge.