Getting a duplicate license in Illinois
A duplicate driver's license is an exact copy of your current license — same number, same expiration date, same restrictions. You order it through the Illinois Secretary of State, and it arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. The fee is $5, and you do not need to take any tests or visit a facility in person.
You can request a duplicate online, by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State facility. The online method is fastest and requires only your driver's license number, date of birth, and a credit or debit card. If you lost your license and do not remember your number, you can still order by mail or visit an office.
A duplicate is different from a replacement. A replacement gives you a new license number and is what you need if your license was damaged, stolen, or if you want to change your name or address. A duplicate keeps everything the same — use it when you straightforward need a second copy of your current valid license.
Key Takeaways
- A duplicate license costs $5 and arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days with the same number and expiration date as your current license.
- You can order online at cyberdriveillinois.com, by mail with a form and check, or in person at any Secretary of State facility.
- Online ordering requires your driver's license number, date of birth, and a payment card — no documents to mail or office visit needed.
- If you lost your license and do not know your number, mail your request with a copy of your ID to the Secretary of State address.
Ordering a duplicate license online
The fastest way to get a duplicate is through the Secretary of State's website at cyberdriveillinois.com. Go to the Driver Services section and select "Order a Duplicate License." You will need your current Illinois driver's license number, your date of birth, and a valid credit or debit card.
Enter your information, review the details to make sure they match your license, and pay the $5 fee. You will receive a confirmation number by email. The license will be mailed to the address on file with your current license — if you have moved, update your address first through the same website or at an office.
Online orders are processed when ready, and your duplicate should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it after two weeks, contact the Secretary of State's Driver Services line at 217-782-6900 with your confirmation number.
Ordering by mail or in person
If you prefer not to order online, you can mail your request to the Secretary of State. read form DL 953 (process for Duplicate Driver's License) from cyberdriveillinois.com or request it by phone. Fill it out completely, sign it, and include a check or money order for $5 payable to "Secretary of State."
Mail the form and payment to: Secretary of State, Driver Services Department, 501 South Second Street, Springfield, Illinois 62756. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks by mail, plus delivery time. Include a copy of your ID if you do not have your license number available.
You can also walk into any Secretary of State facility and request a duplicate in person. Bring your current license or a state ID, fill out the form on site, and pay $5. You will receive your duplicate by mail at the address on file, usually within 7 to 10 business days. No appointment is needed, but wait times vary by location.
What to do if you lost your license number
If you lost your license and do not remember your number, you can still order a duplicate by mail or in person. When you mail your request, include a copy of another form of ID — a passport, state ID card, or birth certificate — so the Secretary of State can look up your license number in their system.
In person, bring the same ID to a Secretary of State office. Staff will search for your license using your name and date of birth, confirm the details with you, and process the duplicate request on the spot. This is often faster than waiting for a mailed response.
If you cannot find any ID, call Driver Services at 217-782-6900. They can verify your identity over the phone and help you locate your license number, then guide you through the next steps.
Duplicate vs. replacement: which one you need
Order a duplicate if your current license is valid and you straightforward want a second copy. Your license number stays the same, the expiration date does not change, and you pay $5. Use this when you lost your license but want the same one back, or when you want a backup copy.
Order a replacement if your license was damaged, stolen, or if you need to change your name, address, or other information. A replacement gives you a new license number and costs more. You may need to visit an office and provide documents like a birth certificate or proof of address.
If you are unsure which one you need, call 217-782-6900 and describe your situation. Driver Services staff can tell you which form to use and what documents to bring.
Delivery address and address changes
Your duplicate license will be mailed to the address currently on file with the Secretary of State. If you have moved since your license was issued, update your address before ordering a duplicate — otherwise it will go to your old address.
Update your address online at cyberdriveillinois.com under Driver Services, by mail using form DL 953, or in person at a Secretary of State facility. Address changes are free and take effect when ready. Once your address is updated, order your duplicate and it will arrive at your new location.
If you order a duplicate and then move before it arrives, you can request a remail to your new address. Contact Driver Services at 217-782-6900 with your confirmation number and new address.
Cost and payment methods
A duplicate license costs $5. Online orders accept credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover). Mail-in requests require a check or money order made out to "Secretary of State." In-person orders at a Secretary of State facility accept cash, check, debit card, or credit card — payment methods vary slightly by location, so call ahead if you want to confirm.
The $5 fee is non-refundable once your order is processed. If you order online and your duplicate does not arrive after two weeks, contact Driver Services before requesting a second duplicate — they may be able to remail the first one at no charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a duplicate license in Illinois?
Online and in-person orders arrive within 7 to 10 business days by mail. Mail-in requests take 2 to 3 weeks for processing, plus delivery time. If you do not receive your duplicate after two weeks, contact Driver Services at 217-782-6900 with your confirmation number.
Can I use a duplicate license if my original is lost?
Yes. A duplicate has the same number and is just as valid as your original. You can use it for identification, driving, and any other purpose your original license served. It is a full replacement until your original turns up.
What if I need my duplicate faster than 7 to 10 days?
Illinois does not offer expedited duplicate licenses. Standard mail delivery is the only option. If you need to drive before your duplicate arrives, you can request a temporary driving permit at a Secretary of State facility, though availability varies by location.
Can I order a duplicate if my license is suspended or revoked?
No. You cannot order a duplicate of a suspended or revoked license. Contact Driver Services at 217-782-6900 to learn about your suspension or revocation and what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges.
Do I need to renew my license if I order a duplicate?
No. A duplicate keeps your current expiration date. You only renew when your license actually expires. If your license is expiring soon, you may want to renew instead of ordering a duplicate — contact Driver Services to compare your options.