What you need to do to replace a lost license in Illinois

To replace a lost Illinois driver's license, you must visit a Secretary of State facility in person with proof of identity and residency. You'll pay a $20 replacement fee, take a new photo, and receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

You cannot replace a lost license online or by mail in Illinois. The state requires you to appear in person so they can photograph you and verify your identity against their records. If you live outside Illinois, you can still use a Secretary of State facility in any county — location doesn't matter.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person with a valid ID and proof of your current address.
  • The replacement fee is $20, and you receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid while you wait for your plastic card.
  • Your new plastic license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you do not need to do anything else once you leave the facility.
  • If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police first, though this is not required to replace it.
  • Bring documents that match the name on your lost license — if you've changed your name, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Documents you need to bring

Bring one valid form of ID and one proof of your current address. The ID must show your photo and match the name on your lost license. A U.S. passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license all work. If your name has changed since your lost license was issued, bring the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement in your name. The document must show your current street address and be dated within the last 60 days. A phone bill, insurance statement, or government mail also works. If you've recently moved and don't have a document yet, bring a signed letter from your landlord or a recent lease agreement.

Do not bring originals of important documents like passports or birth certificates unless you're prepared to leave them with the Secretary of State. Bring copies instead, or ask the staff whether they need the original before you hand it over.

Where to go and how long it takes

Find your nearest Secretary of State Driver Services facility on the Illinois Secretary of State website. Type in your zip code or county name to see all locations, hours, and whether they accept walk-ins or require appointments. Most facilities are open Monday through Friday during business hours, and some offer Saturday hours. Call ahead or check online before you go — hours vary by location.

Wait times range from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the time of day and facility. Early morning or mid-week visits tend to be faster. If your local facility has long waits, you can visit any other Secretary of State location in the state — your county of residence does not matter.

The entire process at the facility takes 10 to 20 minutes once you reach the counter. You'll check in, show your documents, have your photo taken, pay the $20 fee, and receive your temporary paper license. The staff will tell you the expected arrival date for your plastic card.

What happens after you leave the facility

Your temporary paper license is valid when ready and works for driving, employment, and age verification until your plastic card arrives. Keep it with you while you drive — it is your legal proof of licensure. The temporary license is printed on standard paper and will wear out if you fold it repeatedly, so store it carefully.

Your plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The Secretary of State mails it to the address you provided at the facility. If you don't receive it after 12 business days, contact the Secretary of State Driver Services line to check the status. You do not need to do anything else — no follow-up visit, no second payment, no additional forms.

Once your plastic card arrives, you can throw away the temporary paper license. Your new license will have a new number and expiration date. If your old license was not yet expired, the expiration date on your new license will be the same as your old one would have been.

If your license was stolen

Reporting a stolen license to police is optional but can protect you if someone uses your information fraudulently. File a report with your local police department or the Illinois State Police if you believe the license could be used for identity theft. The report creates a record, though it does not prevent you from replacing the license.

You do not need a police report number to replace your license at the Secretary of State. The replacement process is the same whether your license was lost or stolen. However, if you're concerned about fraud, keep the police report number for your records and monitor your credit report for suspicious activity.

Cost and payment methods

The replacement fee is $20. The Secretary of State accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at most facilities. Some locations may accept checks, but call ahead to confirm. There are no additional fees or hidden charges — $20 is the total cost.

If you cannot afford the fee, contact your local Secretary of State facility to ask about hardship waivers. Some locations have programs for people experiencing financial hardship, though availability varies. You will need to provide documentation of your situation.

Name changes and special circumstances

If your name has changed since your lost license was issued, bring the document that proves the change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order for name change, or adoption decree all work. The Secretary of State will issue your new license under your current legal name.

If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), the replacement process is the same, but you must visit a facility that handles CDL transactions. Not all Secretary of State locations issue CDLs, so check the website to find one near you. The $20 fee applies to CDL replacements as well.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, most Secretary of State facilities can provide an interpreter or TTY device. Call ahead to request accommodations. If you need information reading or writing, staff can help you complete the forms.

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 facility so they can photograph you and verify your identity. There is no mail-in or online replacement option for a lost license.

What if I don't have a current utility bill or lease for proof of address?

You can bring other documents dated within the last 60 days, such as a bank statement, insurance statement, or government mail with your name and address. If you've just moved, a signed letter from your landlord or a recent lease works. Call your local facility if you're unsure whether your document will be accepted.

How long does the plastic license take to arrive?

Your new plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Your temporary paper license is valid during this time. If it doesn't arrive after 12 business days, contact the Secretary of State Driver Services line to check the status.

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

No. You can replace a stolen license without filing a police report. However, reporting the theft creates a record if you're concerned about identity fraud. The replacement process is the same either way.

What if my name on my ID doesn't match the name on my lost license?

Bring the document that shows your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The Secretary of State will issue your new license under your current legal name and update their records.