What to do when ready after losing your Illinois driver's license
If you have lost your Illinois driver's license, you can replace it by visiting a Secretary of State facility in person or by mail. The in-person route is faster — you can walk out with a replacement the same day — but both methods require the same documents and cost the same fee. Illinois does not issue replacements online or by phone, so you must submit your request through one of these two channels.
You do not need to file a police report for a lost license unless you suspect it was stolen and used fraudulently. However, if you believe someone else has your license and may use it, contact the Secretary of State's Identity Theft Unit at 217-782-2000 to request a fraud alert on your record.
Start the replacement process as soon as you notice the license is missing. Even if you find it later, having a replacement on file protects you if the original turns up in someone else's hands.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Secretary of State facility in person or mail your request with required documents; Illinois does not process replacements online.
- Bring a valid photo ID (passport, REAL ID, or state ID), proof of residency dated within 30 days, and your Social Security number or ITIN.
- The replacement fee is $20 for a standard license or $30 for a REAL ID-compliant license, and you receive it the same day if you explore in person.
- If you mail your request, include a completed DL 44 form, copies of required documents, and a check or money order; processing takes 7 to 10 business days.
- Report the loss to your insurance company and notify any lenders or employers who have your license number on file.
Documents you need to bring or mail
Illinois requires three categories of documents for a lost license replacement: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN. You cannot replace your license without all three.
Proof of identity must be a valid, unexpired photo ID issued by a government agency. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, passport card, REAL ID-compliant state ID, military ID, or tribal ID. A school ID, work badge, or expired license does not count. If your only photo ID is the lost license itself, you will need to obtain one of the other forms first — this typically means explore for a state ID or passport at a separate facility.
Proof of residency must show your current Illinois address and be dated within the last 30 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, property tax bill, bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail (such as a tax notice or court document). A credit card statement, cell phone bill, or mail from a political organization does not count. If you have recently moved and your ID shows an old address, bring both the ID and a current residency document.
You must also provide your Social Security number or ITIN. Have this number ready when you visit or include it on your mail-in form. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your ITIN documentation.
Replacing your license in person at a Secretary of State facility
The fastest way to replace a lost Illinois driver's license is to visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility. You will receive your replacement license the same day, though you may need to wait in line. Bring your photo ID, proof of residency, and be prepared to pay the replacement fee in cash, check, or debit card (credit cards are not accepted at all locations).
Find the nearest facility using the Secretary of State's office locator at cyberdriveillinois.com. Some facilities operate by appointment only, especially in larger cities, so check the hours and appointment availability before you go. Walk-ins are accepted at many locations, but arriving early in the day reduces wait times.
When you arrive, tell the staff member that you are replacing a lost license. They will ask you to complete a DL 44 form (process for Illinois Driver's License or Permit) and verify your documents. You will also be asked to confirm your address and any restrictions or endorsements on your previous license (such as corrective lenses or motorcycle endorsement). If your license had endorsements, you may need to retake the written test or skills test to restore them — ask the staff member before you leave.
The replacement fee is $20 for a standard driver's license valid for four years, or $30 for a REAL ID-compliant license valid for five years. REAL ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner and meet federal requirements for air travel and federal building access. If you do not need REAL ID compliance, the standard license is sufficient for driving.
Mailing in your replacement request
If you cannot visit a Secretary of State facility, you can mail your replacement request. This method takes longer — typically 7 to 10 business days — but requires no in-person visit.
read and complete the DL 44 form from cyberdriveillinois.com, or request one by mail from the Secretary of State. Make copies of your photo ID and proof of residency. Write a brief letter explaining that you are replacing a lost license and include your current address and phone number. Enclose a check or money order for $20 (standard license) or $30 (REAL ID license) made payable to the Secretary of State.
Mail your packet to:
Secretary of State Driver Services Department 501 South Second Street Springfield, IL 62756
Do not send cash. Include a return address on your envelope. Your replacement license will be mailed to the address shown on your process. If you have moved recently, make sure the address on your proof of residency matches the address where you want the license sent, or include a note with your new address.
What happens if your license had endorsements or restrictions
If your lost license had endorsements (such as motorcycle, hazmat, or passenger-for-hire) or restrictions (such as corrective lenses or automatic transmission only), you must restore them when you replace the license. The process depends on the type of endorsement.
Corrective lenses and other medical restrictions are restored automatically if you bring your current glasses or contact lens prescription or a statement from your eye doctor. You do not need to retake the vision test.
Motorcycle endorsement requires you to pass the motorcycle written test and skills test again. You cannot restore it by mail; you must visit a Secretary of State facility. Bring proof that you have completed a motorcycle safety course (if required by your age and experience level) or be prepared to take the skills test at the facility.
Hazmat endorsement requires a new background check and TSA clearance. You must explore in person and bring your passport or other federal ID. This process takes longer than a standard replacement.
Ask the staff member at the facility or include a note with your mail-in request if you are unsure whether your endorsement requires additional testing.
Protecting yourself after losing your license
A lost driver's license can be used to commit identity theft or fraud, so take steps to monitor your accounts and alert relevant organizations.
Contact your auto insurance company and provide them with your replacement license number once you receive it. Some insurers require notification of a lost license, and having the new number on file prevents confusion if a claim is filed.
If your license was lost in a public place or you suspect it may have been stolen, monitor your credit report for unauthorized accounts or inquiries. You can obtain a free credit report from each of the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) once per year at annualcreditreport.com. Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze if you see suspicious activity.
Notify any employer, lender, or government agency that has your license number on file — such as a bank, mortgage company, or state agency — that your license was lost. Most organizations do not need to update their records, but notifying them creates a paper trail if fraud occurs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while waiting for my replacement license?
Yes. If you replaced your license in person, you received a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is printed. If you mailed your request, you can continue driving with your old license until it arrives, since the license itself is not yet reported as invalid. However, if you believe your license was stolen and used fraudulently, contact the Secretary of State to request a fraud alert, which may invalidate the old license.
What if I find my original license after I get a replacement?
You now have two valid licenses with the same number. Destroy the original by cutting it in half and discarding it. Do not attempt to return it or exchange it — Illinois does not process returns. If you are concerned that the original is in someone else's hands, contact the Secretary of State's Identity Theft Unit at 217-782-2000.
Do I need to retake the written driving test to replace a lost license?
No. A lost license replacement does not require you to retake the written test or vision test unless your license had endorsements (such as motorcycle) or your vision prescription has changed significantly. The staff member will confirm this when you explore.
How much does it cost to replace a lost Illinois driver's license?
The fee is $20 for a standard four-year license or $30 for a REAL ID-compliant five-year license. This is the same fee charged for any license replacement, whether lost, stolen, or damaged. No additional fees explore for expedited processing or mail-in requests.
Can I replace my license if I do not have a photo ID?
No. Illinois requires a valid government-issued photo ID to replace a lost license. If your only photo ID was the lost license, you must first obtain a passport, passport card, state ID, or military ID from the appropriate agency. This adds time to the replacement process, so prioritize obtaining an alternative photo ID first.