What you need to do to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Illinois driver's license

To replace your Illinois driver's license, you must visit a Secretary of State facility in person with proof of identity and residency. The process takes about 15 minutes, and you'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your plastic card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. The replacement fee is $20 for a standard license.

You cannot replace your license by mail or online, even if your old one was damaged rather than lost or stolen. The Secretary of State requires a new photo and your physical presence to verify your identity. If you live far from an office, you can check the Secretary of State website to find the location nearest you and see current wait times before you go.

Key Takeaways

  • You must go to a Secretary of State facility in person with a valid ID and proof you live in Illinois.
  • Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, because the Secretary of State will verify it during replacement.
  • You will pay $20 and receive a temporary paper license when ready; your plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your license was stolen, you do not need a police report to replace it, but you may want one for your own records.
  • If your address has changed since your last license, bring proof of your current address or you will have to update it during the replacement visit.

Documents to bring to the Secretary of State

Bring one form of valid government-issued photo ID. A U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or state ID all work. If you don't have any of these, you can bring a combination of documents — the Secretary of State website lists what pairs are acceptable, such as a birth certificate plus a utility bill.

You must also bring proof that you live in Illinois. A recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address works. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days. If you've moved recently and your ID doesn't match your current address, bring both your old address proof and new address proof.

Bring your Social Security number written down or a document that shows it, such as a Social Security card or tax return. The Secretary of State will verify it during the replacement process. If you cannot locate your Social Security number, you can still replace your license, but the process takes longer because the Secretary of State will have to request verification from the Social Security Administration.

What happens if your license was stolen

You do not need a police report to replace a stolen license at the Secretary of State. straightforward tell the staff member that your license was stolen, and they will process the replacement the same way they would for a lost or damaged license. The $20 fee applies either way.

However, filing a police report is a good idea for your own protection. If someone uses your stolen license to commit fraud or get pulled over, having a report on file creates a record that you reported it missing. You can file a report with your local police department online or in person, depending on what your department offers. Keep a copy of the report number for your records.

Where to find a Secretary of State facility and what to expect

Illinois has Secretary of State driver services facilities in most counties. You can search for the one nearest you on the Secretary of State website by entering your city or ZIP code. The website also shows current wait times at each location, updated throughout the day. Some facilities are busier than others, and wait times can range from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the time of day and day of the week.

Weekday mornings, especially Tuesday through Thursday, tend to be less crowded than afternoons or Saturdays. If you can visit on a weekday morning, you're more likely to be seen quickly. Some facilities offer online appointment scheduling, which reserves your spot and reduces wait time. Check your local facility's page to see if appointments are available.

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and tell staff that you're replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license. You'll be given a number and asked to wait. When called, you'll go to a window where staff will verify your documents, take a new photo, and process your replacement. Bring all your documents in one place so you don't have to search for them at the window.

Your temporary license and when your new card arrives

Before you leave the Secretary of State facility, you'll receive a temporary paper license. This temporary license is valid for driving when ready and works the same way your plastic license does — police will accept it as proof of a valid license. Keep it with you while you drive, because you must show it if stopped.

Your new plastic license will be mailed to the address you provided at the facility. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you applied. If you need your license faster, you cannot pay for expedited mail through the Secretary of State. However, if your temporary license is lost or damaged while you're waiting, you can return to the facility and request a replacement temporary license for another $20.

If your plastic license doesn't arrive within 10 business days, contact the Secretary of State by phone or through their website to report it. They can check the status of your card and reissue it if it was lost in the mail.

If your address changed since your last license

If you've moved to a new address in Illinois since your last license was issued, bring proof of your new address to the Secretary of State. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and current address.

The staff member will update your address during the replacement process at no extra cost. Your new license will be mailed to your new address. If you forget to bring address proof and your ID doesn't match your current address, you can still get your replacement, but you'll need to return to update your address later. It's easier to do it all at once during your replacement visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a police report to replace a stolen license?

No, the Secretary of State does not require a police report. You can replace a stolen license with just your ID and residency proof. However, filing a report with your local police department is recommended so you have documentation if someone misuses your stolen license.

Can I replace my license if it's damaged but still readable?

Yes. Bring your damaged license along with your ID and residency proof. The Secretary of State will accept it as part of your replacement process. You'll still pay the $20 fee and receive a new card by mail.

What if I don't have a Social Security number?

You can still replace your license, but the process takes longer. Tell the staff member you don't have a Social Security number, and they will submit a request to the Social Security Administration to verify your identity. This can add several days to the process, but your temporary license is still valid for driving when ready.

Can I replace my license by mail if I'm out of state?

No. Illinois requires you to appear in person at a Secretary of State facility. If you're temporarily out of state, you can wait until you return to Illinois to replace it. Your temporary paper license is valid for driving in all 50 states while you wait for your plastic card.

What if my temporary license is lost or damaged before my new card arrives?

Return to any Secretary of State facility and request a replacement temporary license. You'll pay another $20 fee. Bring your ID and residency proof again. This is faster than waiting for your original replacement card to arrive.