What you need to do to get a replacement license in Illinois
To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Illinois driver's license, you visit a Secretary of State facility in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay the replacement fee, and have your photo taken. The process takes about 15 minutes at the counter. You'll leave with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to you, which usually arrives within two to three weeks.
Illinois does not issue replacement licenses by mail or online. You must appear in person at a Driver Services facility. If your license was stolen, you should also report it to local police and get a report number — some facilities ask for this, though it is not always required.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person with valid ID and proof of your current address.
- The replacement fee is $30 for a standard license and $50 for a REAL ID-compliant license, and you pay at the time of your visit.
- You will receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for 30 days, and your plastic card arrives by mail in two to three weeks.
- If your license was stolen, bring a police report number if you have one, though it is not required to process the replacement.
- Bring an original or certified copy of a document proving your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days.
Documents you need to bring
Bring one form of valid photo ID — your passport, military ID, or an out-of-state driver's license all work. If you do not have a photo ID, you can bring two documents that together prove your identity, such as a birth certificate and a Social Security card.
You also need proof that you live at your current address. Illinois accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail dated within the last 90 days. The document must show your name and current address. A cell phone bill does not count as proof of residency.
If your license was stolen, bring the police report number. If your license was damaged, bring the damaged card itself if you still have it.
Where to go and how to find your nearest facility
The Secretary of State operates Driver Services facilities across Illinois. You can find the location nearest you, hours, and current wait times on the Secretary of State website at cyberdriveillinois.com. Search by city or ZIP code. Many facilities are in or near county courthouses, but some are in standalone offices.
Wait times vary widely by location and time of day. Facilities in smaller towns often have shorter waits than those in Chicago or other large cities. Early morning on a weekday is usually faster than afternoons or weekends. Some facilities allow you to check current wait times online before you go.
You do not need an appointment at most facilities, but some locations now offer appointment scheduling through the Secretary of State website. If your local facility offers appointments, booking one can save you time.
The fee and what type of license to choose
A standard Illinois driver's license replacement costs $30. A REAL ID-compliant license costs $50. The difference matters if you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building — starting May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration will require REAL ID for all domestic flights.
If you choose REAL ID, you will need to bring additional documents proving citizenship and your Social Security number. Acceptable citizenship documents include a U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or consular report of birth abroad. You will also need to provide your Social Security number — bring your Social Security card or a document that shows it.
If you are not sure whether you need REAL ID, the standard license is cheaper and works for driving and most everyday uses. You can always upgrade to REAL ID later by visiting a facility again and paying the difference.
What happens at the facility and what you get
At the counter, you will hand over your documents, answer questions about your address and any name changes, and have your photo taken. The photo is taken on the spot — you cannot bring a photo from home. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in, and avoid wearing a hat or sunglasses unless for religious or medical reasons.
You will pay the fee by cash, debit card, or credit card. The facility will then issue you a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and works for driving, getting pulled over, and most ID purposes. It is not valid for flying or entering federal buildings.
Your permanent plastic card is mailed to the address you provided. Standard mail delivery takes two to three weeks, though it can occasionally take longer. If you do not receive it within four weeks, contact the Secretary of State to report it.
If your address has changed since your last license
When you explore for a replacement, you can update your address at the same time. Bring proof of your new address as described above. The address on your new license will be the one you provide at the facility, not the one on your old license.
If you have moved but do not want to replace your license yet, you can update your address online through the Secretary of State website without visiting a facility. However, since you are already replacing your license, it is simpler to update the address in person during the same visit.
What to do if you cannot visit a facility in person
Illinois does not offer mail-in or online replacement for lost, stolen, or damaged licenses. You must appear in person. If you are unable to travel to a facility due to disability or medical condition, contact the Secretary of State to ask about accommodations or alternative options. Some facilities can arrange for a staff member to information you, or you may be able to bring someone to help you through the process.
If you are out of state or out of the country, you will need to return to Illinois to replace your license in person. There is no way around the in-person requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license if it expired?
Yes. A replacement is different from a renewal. You can replace an expired license, and the new one will be valid for four years from the date you receive it. If your license expired more than a year ago, you may need to pass a vision test at the facility.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
Bring legal proof of the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Tell the staff member at the counter about the change. Your new license will show your current legal name.
How long is the temporary paper license valid?
The temporary license is valid for 30 days. If your permanent card has not arrived by then, you can request an extension at a Driver Services facility, though this is rare. Contact the Secretary of State if you need to extend it.
What if I move before my new license arrives?
Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided at the facility. If you move before it arrives, you can contact the Secretary of State to request that it be held at a facility for pickup, or you can update your address online and have it reissued to your new address. There may be an additional fee for reissuing.
Do I need a police report to replace a stolen license?
No, a police report is not required. However, if you have one, bring the report number. Some people file a report for their own records or for fraud protection, but the Secretary of State will process your replacement without it.