What you need to do to get a replacement license
To replace a lost Illinois driver's license, you visit a Secretary of State facility in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay a replacement fee, and take a new photo. The process takes about 30 minutes at the facility, and you'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
You cannot replace a lost license online or by mail. Illinois requires you to appear in person so they can photograph you and verify your identity against their records. If you need to drive before your permanent card arrives, the temporary license is valid when ready.
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 $20 for a standard license and $30 for a Real ID-compliant license, paid at the facility.
- You receive a temporary paper license to drive home the same day and your permanent card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license was stolen, you can report it to the Secretary of State during your visit, and they will flag it in their system.
- Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, because the Secretary of State will verify it against federal records.
Documents to bring to the Secretary of State
Bring one form of valid photo ID and one proof of your current address. Valid photo IDs include a passport, military ID, state ID card, or a foreign national ID. If you don't have a photo ID, you can bring two non-photo documents that prove your identity, such as a birth certificate and Social Security card.
For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your name and current Illinois address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you've recently moved and don't have a document yet, call your local Secretary of State office before you visit—they can sometimes accept an affidavit of residency instead.
Bring your Social Security number written down or on a card. The Secretary of State verifies it against federal records to confirm your identity. If you don't have your number memorized, write it on a piece of paper before you go.
Where to go and how to find your nearest office
Visit any Secretary of State driver services facility. Illinois has facilities in most counties, and you do not have to go to the one in your home county. Find the nearest one by visiting cyberdriveillinois.com and using their facility locator, or call 217-782-2000 to ask for the address and hours of the facility closest to you.
Hours vary by location. Most facilities are open Monday through Friday during business hours, and some offer limited Saturday hours. A few high-traffic locations stay open until 6 p.m. on weekdays. Check the hours before you go, because some facilities close for lunch or have reduced hours on certain days.
You do not need an appointment at most facilities, but some locations now use an online reservation system to manage wait times. Check the website or call ahead to see if your location uses reservations. If it does, you can book a time slot online, which usually cuts your wait time in half.
The replacement fee and what it covers
A standard replacement license costs $20. A Real ID-compliant license costs $30. Real ID is a federal security standard that allows you to use your license to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings. If your lost license was already Real ID, you can choose to replace it with a standard license for $20 or upgrade to a new Real ID for $30. If your lost license was standard, you can add Real ID for the extra $10.
Pay the fee at the facility when you submit your documents. The Secretary of State accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. The fee covers the temporary paper license you receive the same day and the permanent card that arrives by mail.
Your temporary license and when your permanent card arrives
You receive a temporary paper license before you leave the facility. This temporary license is valid for driving when ready and remains valid until your permanent card arrives. Write down the temporary license number and keep it with you while you drive, because police will ask for it if you're stopped.
Your permanent card is mailed to the address you provided at the facility. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you visit. If you don't receive it within two weeks, call the Secretary of State at 217-782-2000 to check the status. Occasionally cards are delayed by mail service, and the Secretary of State can reissue one if yours is lost in transit.
If your license was stolen, not just lost
Tell the Secretary of State employee that your license was stolen, not lost. They will flag it in their system so that if someone tries to use it, the flag will alert them. This does not prevent someone from using the card, but it creates a record that it was reported stolen.
You are not required to file a police report to replace a stolen license, but you may want to if you're concerned about identity theft. A police report creates an official record and can help if fraudulent activity occurs later. Contact your local police department's non-emergency line to file a report.
If you believe your personal information was compromised along with your license, consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can place one for free by calling any of the three bureaus.
What happens if you drive without a valid license
Driving without a valid license in Illinois is a traffic violation. If you're stopped by police and cannot show your temporary paper license or your permanent license, you can be cited. The penalty depends on whether it's your first offense and whether you actually held a valid license at the time—driving with an expired or suspended license carries different penalties than driving without ever having one.
Keep your temporary paper license with you at all times while you're waiting for your permanent card. If you lose the temporary license before your permanent card arrives, return to the Secretary of State facility and request a replacement. There is usually no additional fee for a replacement temporary license if you lost it before receiving your permanent card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license if it expired while it was lost?
Yes. The Secretary of State will issue you a new license with a new expiration date. You do not need to renew separately. Your new license will be valid for four years from the date you replace it (or eight years if you're over 69).
What if I don't have proof of my current address?
Call your local Secretary of State office before you visit. Some facilities accept an affidavit of residency, which you sign under oath stating your address. You may also be able to bring a lease or mortgage agreement that shows your name and address, even if it's not dated within 60 days. Ask what documents they'll accept.
Do I need to take a new photo, or can they use the old one?
You must take a new photo. The Secretary of State photographs you at the facility as part of the replacement process. You cannot use your old photo from the lost license.
How long is the temporary paper license valid?
The temporary paper license is valid until your permanent card arrives by mail, which is usually 7 to 10 business days. If your permanent card is delayed beyond two weeks, contact the Secretary of State to request a replacement or extension of your temporary license.
Can I replace my license if I'm not a U.S. citizen?
Yes, if you hold a valid visa or immigration document. Bring your passport and visa or immigration paperwork along with proof of address. The process is the same as for citizens, and the fee is the same.