What to do if your Illinois driver license is lost
If your Illinois driver license is lost, you will need to request a replacement through the Illinois Secretary of State's office. You cannot straightforward report it missing and wait — you must actively order a new one. The state charges a fee for replacement, and the new license will have a different number than your original.
You have two main routes: explore in person at a Driver Services facility, or explore by mail using the state's replacement form. In-person applications are processed faster, usually the same day or within a few days. Mail applications take longer — typically two to three weeks — because the Secretary of State's office must receive your form, verify your information, and print and mail the new license to you.
Your lost license cannot be used for identification or driving once you report it missing. If you find it later, you can still use it, but you should notify the Secretary of State that it has been recovered so they do not issue a replacement.
Key Takeaways
- You must request a replacement license in person or by mail; the state will not automatically issue one when you report a license lost.
- In-person replacement at a Driver Services facility is faster and usually takes one day, while mail replacement takes two to three weeks.
- The replacement fee is $20 for a standard license and $30 for a Real ID-compliant license, and your new license will have a different number.
- You will need to bring or mail proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to complete the replacement.
- If you find your lost license after requesting a replacement, you should notify the Secretary of State to stop the replacement process.
explore in person at a Driver Services facility
The fastest way to replace a lost Illinois driver license is to visit a Driver Services facility in person. The Secretary of State operates facilities across the state, and you can find the one nearest you on the Illinois Secretary of State website. Bring your documents with you, complete the process on site, pay the fee, and you will usually receive your new license the same day or within a few business days.
You will need to bring a government-issued photo ID (such as a passport or military ID), proof of your current Illinois address, and your Social Security number or ITIN. If you do not have a photo ID, you can bring two documents from the state's approved list, such as a birth certificate and a utility bill. The staff at the facility will verify your information and take a new photo for your license.
Wait times at Driver Services facilities vary by location and time of day. Busier facilities may have longer lines, especially during lunch hours and late afternoon. Visiting early in the morning or on a weekday morning typically means shorter waits.
explore by mail for a replacement license
If you cannot visit a Driver Services facility, you can request a replacement by mail using the Secretary of State's form. read or request the process for Duplicate Driver's License or Permit (Form DL 953) from the Illinois Secretary of State website. Complete the form, gather your supporting documents, and mail the entire package to the address listed on the form.
Include a copy of your proof of identity and proof of residency with your mailed process. A utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement works for residency. Do not mail your original documents — send copies only. Include a check or money order for the replacement fee payable to the Secretary of State. The office will not process applications that arrive without payment.
Processing time for mail applications is typically two to three weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives your package. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide on the form. If you do not receive it within four weeks, contact the Secretary of State's office to confirm they received your process.
Replacement fees and license validity
The cost to replace a lost Illinois driver license is $20 for a standard license and $30 for a Real ID-compliant license. Real ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner and are required for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. If your original license was Real ID-compliant, you can choose to replace it with either a standard or Real ID license — the choice is yours.
Your replacement license will be valid for the same expiration date as your original license would have been. If your original license was set to expire in 2027, your replacement will also expire in 2027. You do not get a new expiration date just because you are replacing a lost license.
What to do if your license is stolen instead of lost
If your driver license was stolen rather than lost, the steps to replace it are the same — you still request a replacement through the Secretary of State. However, you may also want to report the theft to local police, especially if you are concerned about identity theft. A police report can be useful if someone tries to use your license number fraudulently.
You do not need a police report to get a replacement license, but having one on file can help if you later discover fraudulent activity linked to your license number. If you are worried about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting any one of them.
Using your old license while waiting for the replacement
Once you report your license lost or stolen, you should not use it for driving or identification. If a police officer stops you and you cannot produce a valid license, you can face a ticket for driving without a license, even though you have a valid license on file with the state.
If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you have a few options. You can request a Temporary Driving Permit at a Driver Services facility, which is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive while your replacement is being processed. The permit costs $5. Alternatively, if you are explore by mail, you can visit a facility in person to request the temporary permit while your mail process is in progress.
Checking the status of your replacement license
If you applied by mail, you can contact the Illinois Secretary of State's office to check whether your process has been received and processed. Have your name, date of birth, and the date you mailed your process ready when you call. The office can tell you whether your package arrived and when your new license is expected to be mailed.
If you applied in person, your license should have been issued the same day or within a few business days. If you were told it would take longer due to a background check or other issue, you can call the facility where you applied to ask for an update.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive before my replacement license arrives?
No, you should not drive using your lost or stolen license. If you need to drive while waiting for your replacement, you can request a Temporary Driving Permit at a Driver Services facility for $5. The permit is valid for 30 days.
What if I find my lost license after I request a replacement?
You can still use your original license if you find it. Contact the Illinois Secretary of State to let them know your license has been recovered, and ask them to cancel the replacement order if it has not yet been issued. If the replacement has already been mailed, you can choose to keep it or destroy it.
Do I need a police report to replace a stolen license?
No, a police report is not required to get a replacement license from the Secretary of State. However, filing a report with local police can be helpful if you are concerned about identity theft or if someone uses your license number fraudulently.
How long does a replacement license take if I explore in person?
In-person replacement usually takes one day, though some facilities may take a few business days if they need to conduct a background check. You can ask the staff at the facility for an estimate when you explore.
What if my address has changed since my original license was issued?
You must provide your current address on the replacement process. Your new license will show your current address, not the address on your lost license. Bring proof of your current address, such as a utility bill or lease.