What You Pay for a Replacement Learner's Permit in Illinois
A replacement learner's permit in Illinois costs $20. This is the same fee you paid for your original permit. You pay it when you submit your replacement request to the Secretary of State's office, either in person at a Driver Services facility or by mail.
The $20 covers the new permit document itself. There are no additional processing fees, testing fees, or administrative charges added on top. If you lose your permit, have it damaged, or need a duplicate for any reason, the cost remains $20 each time you replace it.
Payment methods vary by location. At a Driver Services facility, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. If you mail in your request, you must include a check or money order made payable to the Secretary of State. Do not send cash through the mail.
Key Takeaways
- A replacement learner's permit costs $20, payable when you submit your request to the Secretary of State.
- You can replace your permit in person at any Driver Services facility or by mail to the Springfield office.
- Bring or send your driver's license number, date of birth, and reason for replacement (lost, damaged, or name change).
- In-person replacement usually takes a few minutes; mail requests take 7 to 10 business days after the office receives them.
- You do not need to retake the written test or vision screening to get a replacement permit.
Replacing Your Permit in Person at a Driver Services Facility
Walk into any Secretary of State Driver Services facility with your $20 payment and a form of identification. Bring your current driver's license or state ID if you have one. If you do not have either, bring a passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card. Tell the clerk you need a replacement learner's permit and explain whether it was lost, damaged, or if you are changing your name.
The clerk will print a new permit on the spot. The entire process takes about 5 to 10 minutes. Your new permit is valid when ready. You do not take another written test, vision test, or road test. The replacement carries the same expiration date as your original permit would have had.
Driver Services facilities are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations have Saturday hours. Check the Secretary of State website for the facility nearest you and its specific hours before you go.
Replacing Your Permit by Mail
Write a letter to the Secretary of State explaining that you need a replacement learner's permit. Include your full name, date of birth, driver's license number (if you have one), and the reason for replacement. Enclose a check or money order for $20 made payable to the Secretary of State. Do not include your Social Security number unless you have never been issued a license or permit in Illinois.
Mail your request to: Secretary of State, Driver Services Department, 501 South Second Street, Springfield, Illinois 62756. The office will process your request within 7 to 10 business days of receiving it. Your new permit will arrive by mail at the address on file with the Secretary of State.
Mail replacement takes longer than in-person replacement, so use this method only if you cannot reach a Driver Services facility. Keep a copy of your letter for your records in case you need to follow up.
When You Need a Replacement Permit
You need a replacement if your learner's permit is lost, stolen, or too damaged to read. Damage includes fading, water damage, torn corners, or a cracked or peeling laminate. You also need a replacement if you legally changed your name and want the new name printed on your permit.
If your permit expired, you do not replace it—you renew it instead. Renewal is a different process with different fees and requirements. If you are unsure whether you need a replacement or renewal, call the Secretary of State Driver Services line at 217-782-6900 or visit a Driver Services facility in person.
If your permit was stolen, you may want to report the theft to local police, though it is not required to get a replacement. A police report can help if someone tries to use your permit fraudulently, but the Secretary of State will issue a replacement based on your request alone.
What Happens to Your Original Permit
When you get a replacement, your original permit becomes invalid. If you later find your original permit, do not use it. Carry only your new replacement permit when you drive with a licensed adult.
The Secretary of State does not ask you to return the old permit. If you have it, you can destroy it or keep it for your records. If it was lost or stolen, there is nothing to return.
Timeline and What to Expect
| Method | Time to Complete | When You Get Your Permit |
|---|---|---|
| In-person at Driver Services | 5–10 minutes | Same day, when ready |
| By mail to Springfield | 7–10 business days after receipt | Arrives by mail |
If you need your replacement permit urgently—for example, because you have a scheduled driving test—go in person to a Driver Services facility. There is no expedited mail option, and mailing always takes at least a week.
If you are mailing your request, send it early in the week so it arrives before the weekend. The office is closed on weekends and state holidays, which can add time to processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to retake the written test to get a replacement permit?
No. A replacement permit is a duplicate of your original permit. You do not retake any test. Your new permit has the same restrictions and expiration date as your original would have had.
Can I get a replacement permit if my name changed?
Yes. Bring a legal document showing your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Pay the $20 replacement fee. Your new permit will show your current legal name.
What if I lost my permit and do not have a driver's license number?
If you have never been issued a license or permit in Illinois before, you may not have a number yet. Bring your date of birth and a form of identification to a Driver Services facility, or include your date of birth and full name in your mail request. The office will look up your record.
Is there a fee if I damaged my permit by accident?
Yes, the replacement fee is $20 whether your permit was lost, stolen, or damaged. There is no discount or waiver for accidental damage.
How long is my replacement permit valid?
Your replacement permit is valid until the same expiration date as your original permit. If your original permit was set to expire in two years, your replacement also expires in two years from the date you got it.