What you need to do to replace your Illinois driver's license
To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Illinois driver's license, you'll visit a Secretary of State facility in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay a replacement fee, and have a new photo taken. The process takes about 15 to 30 minutes at the facility itself. Your replacement license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days in most cases, though you can request a temporary paper license to use while you wait.
Illinois does not allow online or mail-in replacement for lost or stolen licenses — you must appear in person. If your license is damaged but still readable, you may be able to renew it by mail, but a severely damaged license typically requires an in-person visit like a replacement does.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person with valid proof of identity and proof of your current Illinois address.
- The replacement fee is $30 for a standard license or $50 for a Real ID-compliant license, and you'll have a new photo taken at the facility.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can request a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while you wait.
- If your license was stolen, you may want to file a police report first, though it is not required to get a replacement.
- You can find your nearest Secretary of State facility and check wait times on the Illinois Secretary of State website before you go.
Documents to bring to the Secretary of State
You'll need to bring one form of valid government-issued photo ID and one document proving your current address in Illinois. Your old license can count as your photo ID if it is not too damaged to read.
Acceptable proof of identity includes a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or state ID from another state. Acceptable proof of address includes a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and current address. The address document should be dated within the last 60 days.
If you don't have a document with your current address, you can bring a notarized affidavit of residency signed by someone who lives with you or a property owner. This is less common but available if you've recently moved and don't yet have bills in your name.
The replacement fee and what you'll receive
A standard Illinois driver's license replacement costs $30. If you want a Real ID-compliant license (the kind required for federal air travel and entry to federal buildings after May 7, 2025), the cost is $50. You'll pay this fee at the Secretary of State facility when you explore.
When you pay, you'll also have a new photo taken. Bring a clear head shot if you have one, but the facility will photograph you on-site. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide and should arrive within 7 to 10 business days under normal circumstances.
At the time you pay, ask for a temporary paper license. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while your permanent license is in the mail. You don't pay extra for it — it's issued on the spot.
Finding a Secretary of State facility and checking wait times
Illinois has Secretary of State Driver Services facilities in most counties. You can search for the location nearest you, see current wait times, and schedule an appointment on the Illinois Secretary of State website. Some facilities allow walk-ins, while others operate by appointment only — check before you go.
Wait times vary widely by location and time of day. Urban facilities and those near the end of the month tend to be busier. If you schedule an appointment, you'll typically be seen within 15 minutes of your appointment time. Walk-in wait times can range from 30 minutes to over an hour during peak hours.
If you live far from a facility or have mobility challenges, contact your local Secretary of State office to ask about mobile units or alternative options. Some counties have limited hours or seasonal services.
What to do if your license was stolen
Filing a police report is not required to get a replacement license, but it's a good idea if your license was stolen rather than lost. A police report creates an official record and can protect you if someone tries to use your stolen license fraudulently.
You can file a report with your local police department online, by phone, or in person, depending on your city's options. When you file, mention that your driver's license was stolen and provide the license number if you know it. Keep a copy of the report number for your records.
If you're concerned about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and monitor your credit report for suspicious activity. This is separate from replacing your license but worth doing if your wallet or purse was stolen along with your license.
Real ID versus standard license: which one to replace
When you replace your license, you can choose between a standard Illinois driver's license or a Real ID-compliant license. The main difference is that a Real ID license can be used for federal air travel and entry to federal buildings; a standard license cannot be used for these purposes after May 7, 2025.
A Real ID license costs $20 more ($50 instead of $30) and requires one additional document: proof of your Social Security number. You can provide your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a birth certificate. If you already have a Real ID license and are just replacing it, you can get another Real ID license for the same $50 fee.
If you're not sure which one you have, check your current license. Real ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner. If you don't fly or visit federal buildings, a standard license is sufficient and costs less.
Temporary paper license and driving while you wait
When you complete your replacement process at the Secretary of State facility, ask for a temporary paper license before you leave. This temporary license is printed on the spot and is valid for 30 days. It allows you to drive legally while your permanent license is in the mail.
The temporary license includes your name, address, license number, and expiration date. Keep it with you when you drive — it serves the same legal purpose as your permanent license during the 30-day window. Once your permanent license arrives, the temporary license is no longer valid.
If your permanent license arrives before the 30 days are up, you can start using it when ready. If it hasn't arrived after 10 business days, contact the Secretary of State to check the status of your replacement.
What to do if your replacement license doesn't arrive
Most replacement licenses arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If yours hasn't arrived after 10 business days, contact the Secretary of State Driver Services office where you applied. Have your process receipt or license number ready.
The office can check the status of your replacement and tell you whether it's been mailed, delayed, or lost in transit. If it was lost in the mail, they can issue a new one. If there was an error on your process, they'll let you know what needs to be corrected.
If you need to drive before your replacement arrives and your temporary license has expired, you can visit the Secretary of State facility again and request another temporary license. There is no additional fee for this.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license by mail or online?
No. Illinois requires you to appear in person at a Secretary of State Driver Services facility to replace a lost or stolen license. You must bring proof of identity and proof of your current address. Online and mail-in options are not available for replacements.
Do I need a police report to replace my stolen license?
No, a police report is not required. However, filing one creates an official record and can help protect you if someone tries to use your stolen license. You can file a report with your local police department online, by phone, or in person.
How long is a temporary paper license valid?
A temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date it's issued. It allows you to drive legally while your permanent license is in the mail. Once your permanent license arrives, the temporary license expires and should not be used.
What if I don't have proof of my current address?
If you don't have a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement, you can bring a notarized affidavit of residency signed by someone who lives with you or a property owner. The Secretary of State office can tell you where to get this notarized if you need help.
Is a Real ID license worth the extra cost?
A Real ID license costs $20 more but is required for federal air travel and entry to federal buildings after May 7, 2025. If you fly or visit federal buildings, a Real ID is necessary. If you don't, a standard license is sufficient and less expensive.