What You Need to Do Right Now

If your Illinois driver's license is lost, you must visit a Secretary of State facility in person to request a replacement. Illinois does not allow online or mail-in replacement for lost licenses — you will need to bring identification documents, pay a fee, and have your photo taken on the spot. The replacement license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

You do not need to take a written test or vision test to replace a lost license, as long as your current license is not expired and you have not had any suspensions or revocations. If your license is expired, you will need to renew it instead, which involves additional steps and fees.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person with valid identification to request a replacement license.
  • The replacement fee is $30 for a standard driver's license, and you will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • You do not need to retake the written or vision test if your current license is valid and not suspended.
  • Bring one primary ID document (passport, state ID, or birth certificate) plus one secondary document (Social Security card, utility bill, or bank statement) to prove your identity and residency.
  • If your license is expired, you must renew it instead of replacing it, which costs more and requires additional testing.

Documents You Must Bring to the Secretary of State

Illinois requires you to prove your identity and residency before issuing a replacement license. Bring one primary identification document and one secondary identification document. A primary document is a passport, state ID card, birth certificate, or military ID. A secondary document is a Social Security card, utility bill, bank statement, lease agreement, or property tax bill.

Your secondary document must show your current address. If you have moved since your lost license was issued and your primary document does not reflect the new address, bring a secondary document with your new address on it. You will also need to bring your Social Security number — write it down before you go, or bring a document that shows it.

Do not bring originals of documents you cannot replace easily, such as a birth certificate, unless you have a copy at home. The Secretary of State will not return documents to you, though they will photocopy them.

Finding a Secretary of State Facility and Making an Appointment

Illinois has 159 Secretary of State Driver Services facilities across the state. You can find the location nearest you and check hours on the official Secretary of State website at cyberdriveillinois.com. Some facilities accept walk-ins, but many require an appointment, and wait times vary by location.

To schedule an appointment, visit the Secretary of State website and use their online appointment system, or call the facility directly. Appointments typically fill up 2 to 4 weeks in advance during busy seasons. If you cannot get an appointment soon, check whether a nearby facility has shorter wait times — some rural locations have same-day or next-day availability.

Bring all your documents and arrive 10 minutes early. The replacement process takes about 15 minutes once you are called. Bring cash or a debit card — not all facilities accept credit cards.

The Fee and What Happens After You Pay

The replacement fee for a standard driver's license is $30. If you are replacing a license that was lost or stolen, you do not pay an additional fee for the report itself — the $30 covers the new license. If you are replacing a damaged license, the fee is also $30.

After you pay, the Secretary of State will take a new photo of you and print a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for driving when ready and remains valid until your permanent license arrives. Keep the temporary license with you while you drive — it is your proof of a valid license.

Your permanent license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within 12 business days, contact the Secretary of State Driver Services line to report the delay. Do not discard the temporary license until the permanent one arrives.

If Your License Is Expired or Suspended

If your lost license was already expired when you lost it, you cannot straightforward replace it — you must renew it instead. Renewal requires a written test, vision test, and a new photo, and costs $95 for a four-year license or $150 for an eight-year license. You will still need to visit a Secretary of State facility in person.

If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot replace it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the Secretary of State to find out the status of your license before you visit a facility. If a suspension is in place, you will need to complete the required steps — such as paying a reinstatement fee or completing a defensive driving course — before a replacement can be issued.

What to Do If Your License Was Stolen

If your license was stolen rather than lost, you may want to report the theft to local police, though it is not required to obtain a replacement. A police report can be useful if someone uses your stolen license fraudulently, as it creates a record of the theft. However, the Secretary of State does not require a police report to issue a replacement.

If you are concerned about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting one of them — they will notify the others. This is a free service and does not affect your credit. A fraud alert tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name.

Getting a Duplicate License for Your Records

Once your replacement license arrives, you may want to request a duplicate copy for your records. You can order a duplicate license by mail or in person at any Secretary of State facility. The fee is $5 per duplicate, and it takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail.

To order by mail, read the DL 44 form from the Secretary of State website, include a check for $5 payable to the Secretary of State, and mail it to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of your current license or a recent government-issued ID. This is optional but useful if you want a backup copy at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my lost Illinois license online or by mail?

No. Illinois requires you to visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person to replace a lost license. You must bring identification documents and have a new photo taken. Online and mail-in replacement are not available for lost licenses.

How long does it take to get a replacement license?

You receive a temporary paper license when ready after you pay the fee at the Secretary of State facility. Your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is valid for driving right away.

Do I need to retake the written and vision tests to replace a lost license?

No, not if your current license is valid and not expired or suspended. You only need to bring identification documents and pay the $30 fee. If your license is expired, you must renew it instead, which requires both tests.

What if I lost my license and my address has changed?

Bring a secondary identification document that shows your new address, such as a utility bill or lease agreement. The Secretary of State will update your address on your replacement license at the same time.

Can I get a replacement license the same day I visit the Secretary of State?

You receive a temporary paper license the same day, which is valid for driving when ready. Your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. There is no option for same-day permanent license pickup in Illinois.