What you need to do to get a replacement Illinois driver's license

To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Illinois driver's license, you must visit a Secretary of State facility in person with proof of identity and residency. Illinois does not issue replacements by mail or online. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

The process takes about 15 to 30 minutes at the facility. You do not need to retake the written or driving test unless your license has been suspended or revoked. If your license was stolen, you should report it to local police first — you will need the police report number when you explore.

Key Takeaways

  • You must go to a Secretary of State facility in person; there is no online or mail option for replacements in Illinois.
  • Bring one form of government-issued photo ID (passport, military ID, or REAL ID) plus one proof of Illinois residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 30 days).
  • The replacement fee is $16 for a standard license; you pay at the facility and leave with a temporary paper license the same day.
  • Your new plastic license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; the temporary paper license is valid for driving until it arrives.
  • If your license was stolen, file a police report first and bring the report number to the Secretary of State.

Documents and ID you must bring

You need two types of documents: one form of government-issued photo ID and one proof that you live in Illinois. For photo ID, bring your passport, military ID, REAL ID, or state ID card. A Social Security card, birth certificate, or school ID does not count as photo ID for this purpose.

For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 30 days that shows your name and current Illinois address. Utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, and insurance documents all work. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. If you have just moved and your documents show an old address, bring a lease or utility bill in your new name.

If you do not have a photo ID yet, you can bring a combination of documents: your Social Security card, birth certificate, and two pieces of mail showing your name and address. The Secretary of State website lists all acceptable documents, but the fastest approach is to call your local facility ahead of time and describe what you have.

Where to go and how to find your nearest facility

Illinois has Secretary of State driver services facilities in most counties. The main office is in Springfield, but you can visit any facility statewide — you do not have to go to the one in your home county. Facilities in larger cities like Chicago, Peoria, and Rockford typically have shorter wait times, especially if you go early in the morning or mid-week.

Find your nearest facility and current hours on the Secretary of State website at cyberdriveillinois.com. You can search by city or county. Many facilities now use an online appointment system; booking a time slot reduces your wait to 15 minutes or less. Walk-ins are accepted but may wait 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the time of day.

Some facilities close for lunch or have limited hours on certain days, so check before you go. If you live far from any facility, you can visit during a traveling Secretary of State event — these pop up in smaller towns several times a year and are listed on the website.

The cost and what happens on the day you explore

The replacement fee is $16 for a standard five-year license. You pay in cash or card at the facility. If you need a REAL ID-compliant license instead of a standard license, the fee is $32. REAL ID is required for federal air travel and entry to federal buildings starting in 2025, but it is not required for driving.

When you arrive, you will fill out a short form (DL 44) with your name, address, and the reason for replacement. The staff will take a new photo and verify your documents. You will sign the temporary paper license, which is valid for driving when ready. Keep this paper license with you until your plastic card arrives.

Your new plastic license is mailed to the address you provide at the facility. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need it faster, some facilities offer expedited mail for an extra fee, but this is not always available. Once your plastic card arrives, the temporary paper license is no longer valid.

If your license was stolen

If your license was stolen rather than lost or damaged, file a police report with your local police department before you go to the Secretary of State. You do not need to wait for the report to be processed — you can go to the police station, file the report, and get a report number the same day. Bring this report number to the Secretary of State facility.

Reporting a stolen license protects you if someone tries to use it for fraud. The police report also flags your license in the system so the Secretary of State knows not to issue a duplicate to anyone else. If you cannot get to a police station before your appointment, you can file a report online through your police department's website, though some departments require an in-person report for lost or stolen ID.

What to do if your license is suspended or revoked

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot get a straightforward replacement. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the Secretary of State. Common reasons include unpaid traffic tickets, failure to pay child support, or a DUI conviction.

Contact the Secretary of State's Driver Services department to find out why your license is suspended and what you need to do to lift it. This might mean paying fines, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a mandatory suspension period. Once the suspension is lifted, you can then explore for a replacement license. The replacement process itself is the same — you go to a facility with your documents and pay the $16 fee.

Temporary paper license and what it covers

The temporary paper license you receive at the facility is a valid form of ID for driving in Illinois and neighboring states. You can use it to drive, renew your vehicle registration, and prove your identity. Police will accept it as your license during traffic stops. Keep it in your wallet or vehicle at all times until your plastic card arrives.

The temporary license is valid for 30 days or until your plastic card arrives, whichever comes first. If your plastic card does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the Secretary of State to check the status. In rare cases, cards are lost in the mail and need to be reissued. If this happens, you can request a replacement at no extra cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license online or by mail?

No. Illinois requires you to visit a Secretary of State facility in person. You cannot replace a license online, by mail, or through any other method. You must bring original documents and have a new photo taken.

What if I do not have a proof of residency document?

You can bring two pieces of mail from government agencies, utility companies, or financial institutions showing your name and address. If you have just moved, a lease agreement or utility bill in your new name works. Call your local facility to ask about other options if you are unsure.

How long does the plastic license take to arrive?

Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. Some facilities offer expedited mail for an extra fee, but availability varies. Your temporary paper license is valid for driving until the plastic card arrives.

Do I need to take a new photo or test?

You will have a new photo taken at the facility, but you do not need to retake the written or driving test for a replacement. If your license is suspended or revoked, you must resolve that first before you can get a replacement.

What if my license was damaged but still readable?

You can still replace it. Bring the damaged license along with your other documents. The staff will take it and issue you a replacement. You do not need a police report for a damaged license — only for stolen licenses.