How to Get a Replacement Illinois Driver's License

The fastest way to replace your Illinois license

You can replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Illinois driver's license in person at a Secretary of State office, by mail, or online through the Illinois Secretary of State website. The online option is the quickest if your license is straightforward lost or damaged — you can order a replacement without leaving home, and it arrives in about 7 to 10 business days. If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police first, though it is not required to get a replacement.

The cost is $30 for a standard replacement license. You will need your current Illinois driver's license number or state ID number to start the process, whether you go online, by mail, or in person. If you cannot remember your number, you can look it up on the Secretary of State website using your name and date of birth.

Key Takeaways

The online replacement option through the Illinois Secretary of State website takes about 7 to 10 business days and costs $30.
You need your driver's license number or state ID number to order a replacement, which you can look up on the Secretary of State website if you do not remember it.
Replacing by mail takes 2 to 3 weeks and requires you to mail in a completed form, a check or money order, and a copy of your ID.
In-person replacement at a Secretary of State office is the slowest option but lets you walk out with a temporary license the same day.
If your license was stolen, you can report it to police, but it is not required — you can proceed directly to ordering a replacement.

Ordering a replacement online

The online method is available through the Illinois Secretary of State website at cyberdriveillinois.com. Go to the "Driver License and ID Card Services" section and select "Order a Duplicate License." You will need to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and confirm your current address on file.

Once you complete the order, you will receive a confirmation number. Your replacement license will be mailed to the address on file with the Secretary of State. If you have moved recently and your address has not been updated, you should update it before ordering online, or use the mail-in method instead so you can provide your current address on the form.

There is no option to choose expedited shipping for online orders. Standard delivery takes about 7 to 10 business days from the time your order is processed.

Replacing your license by mail

To replace your license by mail, read the "process for Duplicate Driver's License or Identification Card" form (DL 412) from the Secretary of State website. Fill it out completely, including your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and current mailing address. Sign and date the form.

Mail the completed form along with a check or money order for $30 (made payable to the Secretary of State) and a photocopy of your current ID to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a copy of any government-issued ID — your passport, state ID card, or a photocopy of your current license if you still have it.

Processing by mail takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the Secretary of State receives your envelope. Mail delivery itself can add several days on each end, so plan for 3 to 4 weeks total. Keep your confirmation number or a copy of what you mailed in case you need to follow up.

Replacing your license in person at a Secretary of State office

You can walk into any Secretary of State Driver Services facility and request a replacement license on the spot. Bring your current driver's license if you still have it, or bring another form of government-issued photo ID (passport, state ID, military ID). Bring $30 in cash or a debit or credit card to pay the fee.

The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent replacement is mailed. The permanent license arrives in about 7 to 10 business days. In-person service is slower than online ordering because you have to travel to an office and wait, but it is useful if you need proof of a valid license when ready.

Secretary of State offices have different hours and locations across Illinois. You can find the office nearest you and check hours on the Secretary of State website. Some offices are busier than others, so arriving early in the day or on a weekday morning usually means a shorter wait.

What to do if your license was stolen

If your license was stolen rather than lost or damaged, you may want to report it to your local police department. This creates a record in case someone tries to use your license fraudulently. However, reporting it to police is not required in order to get a replacement — you can proceed directly to ordering a replacement through any of the three methods above.

When you report a stolen license to police, you will receive a report number. Keep this for your records. 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 any one of them.

Updating your address at the same time

If you have moved since your license was issued, you should update your address when you replace it. If you are ordering online, the system will show your current address on file and let you confirm or change it before you submit. If you are mailing in a form, write your new address clearly on the DL 412 form.

If you are replacing your license in person, tell the staff member at the Secretary of State office that you have moved, and they will update your address in the system while they process your replacement. This way you get a new license with the correct address without paying an extra fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my temporary paper license as a valid ID?

Yes, the temporary paper license issued in person is valid for 30 days and can be used as proof of a valid driver's license. After 30 days, you must have your permanent replacement license. If your permanent license has not arrived by then, return to a Secretary of State office for another temporary.

What if I do not remember my driver's license number?

You can look up your license number on the Secretary of State website by entering your name and date of birth. If that does not work, you can call the Secretary of State Driver Services line or visit an office in person and staff can look it up for you.

Do I need to take a new photo for my replacement license?

If you order online or by mail, the Secretary of State will use the photo from your current license on file. If you replace your license in person at an office, they will take a new photo. You cannot request a new photo if you order online or by mail.

How long is a replacement license valid?

A replacement license is valid for the same length of time as your original license. If your original license was set to expire in 2027, your replacement will also expire in 2027. You do not get extra time added to your license just because you replaced it.

What if my replacement license arrives damaged or with wrong information?

Contact the Secretary of State Driver Services line or visit an office in person with your damaged or incorrect license. They can issue another replacement at no additional charge if the error was made by the Secretary of State.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.