What to do when ready after losing your Illinois driver's license
If you've lost your Illinois driver's license, you can replace it by visiting a Secretary of State facility in person, by mail, or through an online order if you meet certain conditions. The fastest route is in-person at a local facility, which takes about 15 minutes and costs $20. You'll need to bring proof of identity and proof of residency — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works for residency.
Before you go, check whether you want to report the license as lost to the Secretary of State. This step is optional but recommended if you're concerned about identity theft or fraud. Reporting it doesn't speed up replacement, but it does create a record that the license was lost rather than voluntarily surrendered.
If you cannot visit a facility in person, you can order a replacement by mail or online. Mail orders take 7 to 10 business days after the Secretary of State receives your process. Online orders are available only if your current license is not expired and you have not had more than one replacement in the past 12 months.
Key Takeaways
- In-person replacement at any Secretary of State facility costs $20 and takes about 15 minutes; you need a photo ID and proof of residency dated within 60 days.
- Mail-in replacement takes 7 to 10 business days after the Secretary of State receives your completed process and documents.
- Online replacement is available only if your license is not expired and you have not had another replacement within the past 12 months.
- Reporting your license as lost to the Secretary of State is optional but creates a record that protects you if someone tries to use the lost license fraudulently.
- You can drive legally while waiting for your replacement as long as you carry the receipt or confirmation number from your replacement order.
In-person replacement at a Secretary of State facility
Walking into a Secretary of State facility with your documents is the most straightforward path. Bring your proof of identity — a passport, birth certificate, Social Security card, or other state ID — and proof of residency. The residency document must show your current address and be dated within the last 60 days. Utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, and bank or credit card statements all count.
Tell the clerk that you've lost your license and need a replacement. You'll fill out a short form, pay $20, and receive a receipt with a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If your address has changed since your last license was issued, bring documentation of the change so the Secretary of State updates their records.
Secretary of State facilities are located in most counties. You can find the nearest one and check its hours on the Illinois Secretary of State website. Some facilities are busier than others; visiting early in the day or mid-week often means shorter waits.
Mail-in replacement without visiting a facility
You can mail your replacement process to the Secretary of State if you prefer not to visit in person. read the Driver's License/ID Card process form (DL 101) from the Secretary of State website, fill it out completely, and mail it with copies of your proof of identity and proof of residency to the address listed on the form.
Include a check or money order for $20 made payable to the Secretary of State. Do not send cash. Write your name and date of birth on the back of the check so the office can match it to your process. Mail your packet to the address on the form — there is a separate mailing address for license applications.
Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the Secretary of State receives your process. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file. If you want to track your process, call the Secretary of State's Driver Services line at 217-782-6900 and provide your driver's license number or date of birth.
Online replacement if your license is not expired
Illinois allows online replacement through the Secretary of State website if your current license has not expired and you have not had another replacement within the past 12 months. This is the fastest option: you order online, pay the $20 fee by credit or debit card, and your new license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days.
To order online, you'll need your current driver's license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity using information on file with the Secretary of State. If your license has expired or if you've already had a replacement in the past year, the online system will not allow you to proceed — you'll need to use mail or in-person replacement instead.
What to do while you wait for your replacement
You can legally drive while your replacement is being processed as long as you carry the receipt or confirmation number from your replacement order. If a police officer stops you, show them the receipt and explain that you've ordered a replacement. The officer can verify your order through the Secretary of State system.
If you need to drive before your replacement arrives and you don't have the receipt with you, you risk a ticket for driving without a valid license. Keep your receipt in your car or wallet until your new license arrives. Once your new license comes in the mail, destroy the old one if you find it, or straightforward discard it — you don't need to return it to the Secretary of State.
Reporting your license as lost to prevent fraud
Reporting your license as lost is optional but worth doing if you're concerned about identity theft. Call the Secretary of State's Driver Services line at 217-782-6900 and provide your driver's license number. A staff member will note in the system that your license was lost. This creates a record that protects you if someone tries to use the lost license to open accounts or commit fraud in your name.
Reporting does not speed up your replacement or change the cost. It straightforward flags the license in the system so that if it's used fraudulently, there is a clear record that you reported it missing. If you believe your identity has been stolen, also file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov and consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus.
Replacing a license that was stolen or damaged
If your license was stolen rather than lost, follow the same replacement steps but also consider reporting the theft to local police. A police report creates an additional record and may be useful if the stolen license is used fraudulently. You don't need the police report to replace your license with the Secretary of State, but having one on file strengthens your case if you later dispute fraudulent charges.
If your license is damaged — torn, faded, or unreadable — you can replace it the same way as a lost license. Bring the damaged license with you if you're visiting in person, or include a photo of it with your mail-in process. The Secretary of State will accept a damaged license as proof that you held a valid license previously, which can speed up processing slightly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive without my license while waiting for the replacement?
Yes, as long as you carry your receipt or confirmation number from your replacement order. If you're stopped by police, show them the receipt and they can verify your order. Without the receipt, you risk a ticket for driving without a valid license.
How long does it take to get a replacement license in the mail?
Most replacements arrive within 7 to 10 business days after the Secretary of State receives your process. In-person orders are mailed the same day, so they typically arrive within that timeframe. Mail-in orders take longer because processing begins only after the office receives your packet.
What if I've lost my license more than once in the past year?
You cannot use online replacement if you've had another replacement within the past 12 months. You'll need to visit a Secretary of State facility in person or mail in your process. There is no penalty for multiple replacements, but the system limits online orders to prevent fraud.
Do I need to report my lost license to the police?
No, reporting to police is not required to replace your license. However, if you're concerned about identity theft or fraud, a police report creates an additional record. You can file a report online or in person at your local police department.
What if my address has changed since I got my current license?
Bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days — when you explore for replacement. The Secretary of State will update your address in their system. If you're mailing your process, include a copy of the address proof with your other documents.