What you need to do to replace a lost Illinois driver's license
To replace a lost Illinois driver's license, you must visit a Secretary of State facility in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay a replacement fee, and have your photo taken. You cannot renew a lost license by mail or online — the state requires a new photograph and in-person verification. The process takes about 15 minutes at the facility, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to you.
Illinois does not issue replacement licenses through the mail or through third-party vendors. You must go to an official Secretary of State Driver Services facility. The state operates facilities in most counties, and some locations offer extended hours or Saturday appointments. Your replacement license will have the same number as your lost license and will expire on the same date as the original would have.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person with valid proof of identity and one document showing your current address.
- The replacement fee is $30 for a standard driver's license, and you pay at the facility when you explore.
- You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, and your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days in most cases.
- Bring your Social Security number or have it memorized, as you will need it to complete the process.
- If your license was stolen, you may want to file a police report first, though it is not required to get a replacement.
Documents you must bring to the Secretary of State
You need two categories of documents: one form of valid photo identification and one document proving your current address. The photo ID must be unexpired and issued by a government agency. Acceptable photo IDs include a U.S. passport, a military ID, a state ID card from another state, or a tribal ID. A Social Security card, birth certificate, or expired driver's license does not count as photo ID for this purpose.
For proof of address, bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and current Illinois address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance policy. A piece of mail from a government agency (such as a tax notice or voter registration card) also works. Post office mail forwarding notices do not count as proof of address.
If you do not have a document showing your current address, you can bring an affidavit of residence signed by someone else who lives at your address and has an acceptable proof-of-address document. That person must bring their document to the facility with you. This adds time to the appointment, so bring the proof-of-address document yourself if possible.
The replacement fee and what it covers
The replacement fee for a lost Illinois driver's license is $30. You pay this fee at the Secretary of State facility when you submit your process. The fee covers the cost of the new plastic license card and the temporary paper license you receive on the spot. If you are under 21, the fee is the same.
The $30 fee is a one-time charge for the replacement. You do not pay additional fees for the temporary license or for mailing the plastic card to you. If you pay by debit card or credit card, the facility will process the payment when ready. Some facilities accept cash, but call ahead to confirm payment methods at your location.
Finding a Secretary of State facility and scheduling an appointment
Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services facilities are located in most counties. You can find the facility nearest you by visiting the Secretary of State website and using the facility locator tool, or by calling 217-782-6900. The website shows hours of operation, which vary by location. Some facilities are open Monday through Friday during business hours, while others offer evening hours or Saturday appointments.
You do not need to schedule an appointment in advance at most facilities — you can walk in during business hours. However, some high-traffic locations now use an online appointment system to manage wait times. Check the Secretary of State website for your specific facility to see if appointments are recommended or required. If you book an appointment, you will receive a confirmation with the date, time, and location.
If you cannot reach a facility during regular hours, some Secretary of State offices offer mobile services or satellite locations in smaller towns. Call the main number or check the website to see if a mobile unit visits your area. Rural counties may have limited facility hours, so plan ahead if you live outside a major city.
What happens when you arrive at the facility
When you arrive, check in at the front desk and tell the staff member that you are replacing a lost driver's license. You will be given a number or called to a window. Bring all your documents with you — do not leave them in your car. The staff member will review your proof of identity and proof of address, verify your information in the system, and ask you to confirm your address and any other details on file.
You will then be taken to a photo station where a new photograph will be taken. Wear clear glasses if you normally wear them, and avoid wearing hats or head coverings unless for religious reasons. The photo must meet federal standards, so your face must be clearly visible and centered. Once the photo is taken, you cannot retake it at that visit, so make sure you are ready before the photo is taken.
After your photo is taken, you will sign the process and pay the $30 fee. The staff member will print your temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and can be used as proof of a valid driver's license during that time. Your plastic card will be mailed to the address on file, usually within 7 to 10 business days. If you move before the card arrives, contact the Secretary of State to update your address.
Your temporary license and when your new card arrives
The temporary paper license you receive at the facility is a valid Illinois driver's license for 30 days. You can use it to drive, as proof of identity, and for any other purpose a plastic license serves. The temporary license shows your name, license number, expiration date, and a small photo. Keep it in a safe place — if you lose it before your plastic card arrives, you will need to return to the facility for another replacement.
Your plastic driver's license card is mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days in most cases. Mail delivery times vary, so allow up to two weeks. If you do not receive your card within 14 days, contact the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 to check the status. If your card is lost in the mail, the Secretary of State can issue a new one, though you may have to pay another replacement fee.
If your license was stolen or you want to file a police report
If your license was stolen rather than lost, you may want to file a police report with your local police department or sheriff's office. A police report is not required to get a replacement license, but it creates an official record that your license was stolen. This can be useful if someone uses your stolen license to commit fraud or if you need documentation for insurance purposes.
To file a police report, contact your local police non-emergency line or visit the police station in person. You will need to provide your name, address, the date you discovered the license was missing, and any details about how it was stolen. The police will give you a report number. Keep this number for your records. You do not need to bring the police report to the Secretary of State to get a replacement license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my lost license online or by mail?
No. Illinois requires you to appear in person at a Secretary of State Driver Services facility to replace a lost license. The state must take a new photograph and verify your identity face-to-face. You cannot complete this process online, by mail, or through any third-party service.
What if I don't have a document showing my current address?
You can bring an affidavit of residence, which is a signed statement from someone else who lives at your address. That person must bring their own proof-of-address document to the facility with you. This takes longer than bringing your own proof-of-address document, so plan for extra time.
How long does it take to get my new plastic license card in the mail?
Your plastic card is mailed within 7 to 10 business days in most cases, though delivery can take up to two weeks depending on mail service. Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days, so you have time to receive your card before the temporary expires. If you do not receive it within 14 days, call the Secretary of State to check the status.
Do I need a police report to replace my stolen license?
No. A police report is not required to get a replacement license from the Secretary of State. However, filing a report creates an official record and can be useful if someone commits fraud using your stolen license. You can file a report with your local police department at any time, whether or not you get a replacement license.
Can I use my temporary paper license to drive while I wait for my plastic card?
Yes. Your temporary paper license is a valid Illinois driver's license for 30 days. You can drive, use it as proof of identity, and use it for any other purpose. Keep it safe — if you lose it before your plastic card arrives, you will need to return to the facility for another replacement.