What you need to do to replace a lost Illinois driver's license
To replace a lost Illinois driver's license, you must visit a Secretary of State facility in person with proof of identity and residency, pay the replacement fee, and have a new photo taken. Illinois does not allow online or mail-in replacements for lost licenses. You can search for the nearest facility and check wait times on the Secretary of State website before you go.
The process takes about 15 to 30 minutes at the facility itself, but your new license will not be issued the same day. Instead, Illinois mails your replacement license to the address on file, which typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before then, you can request a temporary paper license at the facility.
Key Takeaways
- You must appear in person at a Secretary of State facility with a valid ID and proof of your current address to replace a lost license.
- The replacement fee is $30 for a standard license, and you will need to pay by cash, debit card, or credit card at the facility.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; ask for a temporary paper license if you need to drive when ready.
- Bring documents that match your name exactly as it appears on your current license, because name mismatches will delay your replacement.
Documents you must bring to the Secretary of State
Bring one form of valid photo ID and one proof of current Illinois residency. Your photo ID can be a passport, military ID, state ID card, or an out-of-state driver's license. The ID must not be expired, though an expired Illinois driver's license does not count as your proof of identity for this transaction.
For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill in your name with your current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you have recently moved and do not have a utility bill yet, a lease signed within the last 60 days works. A bank statement or credit card statement also works if it shows your name and current address.
Do not bring a photocopy. The Secretary of State will examine the original documents. If your name on your ID does not match the name on your residency proof exactly, bring a third document that explains the difference—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing a legal name change.
Where to go and what to expect at the facility
Find your nearest Secretary of State Driver Services facility on the official website at cyberdriveillinois.com. You can filter by county or city and see the address, hours, and current wait time for each location. Some facilities are busier than others; smaller towns often have shorter waits than Chicago-area offices.
Arrive during posted business hours. Most facilities are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have reduced Saturday hours. You do not need an appointment. When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. Bring all your documents to the window.
The staff member will verify your identity and residency, take a new photo, and process your replacement request. You will pay the $30 fee at this time. The entire transaction usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the facility is. Before you leave, ask for a temporary paper license if you need to drive before your replacement arrives.
The temporary paper license and when to use it
A temporary paper license is a printed document that proves you have a valid Illinois license while your replacement is in the mail. It is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. You can use it to drive, but you must carry it with you at all times—it is not a substitute for your physical license.
Ask for the temporary license at the window before you leave the facility. The staff will print it on the spot at no extra charge. Write down the expiration date and keep the paper in a safe place. If your replacement license arrives before the temporary expires, the temporary is no longer valid.
If you lose the temporary license before your replacement arrives, you will need to return to the Secretary of State facility to request another one. There is no fee for a replacement temporary license, but you will need to bring your original ID and proof of residency again.
Tracking your replacement license and what to do if it does not arrive
Illinois does not send a tracking number or notification when your license ships. Your replacement should arrive within 7 to 10 business days of your visit to the facility. If you do not receive it within 14 days, contact the Secretary of State Driver Services customer service line at 217-782-6900 or visit a facility in person to report it.
When you call, have your driver's license number ready if you know it. The staff can confirm that your replacement was mailed and provide you with a tracking update. If the license was lost in the mail, they can issue a second replacement at no additional cost.
If your replacement arrives damaged or with errors on it, return to any Secretary of State facility with the damaged license and your ID. Staff will issue a corrected replacement at no charge.
Common mistakes that delay your replacement
The most common reason replacements are delayed is bringing documents with a name that does not match your current license exactly. If your license says "Robert" but your utility bill says "Bob," or if your last name differs because of a recent marriage, the staff will ask for a legal document proving the name change. Bring that document with you to avoid a second trip.
Another frequent mistake is bringing a photocopy instead of an original document. The Secretary of State will not accept copies of your ID or proof of residency. Bring originals only.
Some people bring a residency document that is too old. If your utility bill or lease is dated more than 60 days before your visit, it will not be accepted. Check the date before you go to the facility.
Fees and payment methods
The replacement fee for a standard Illinois driver's license is $30. This is a one-time fee for your replacement; there are no additional charges for the temporary paper license or for mailing.
The Secretary of State accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at all Driver Services facilities. Some facilities may also accept checks, but cash and cards are always accepted. You must pay at the window when you submit your replacement request.
If you are replacing a license that was stolen and you have a police report, you do not receive a fee waiver. The $30 fee applies whether your license was lost or stolen.
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 Driver Services facility. You cannot mail in a replacement request or use an online form. You must bring original documents and have a new photo taken at the facility.
What if I do not have a proof of residency document dated within 60 days?
If you have recently moved, a lease or rental agreement signed within the last 60 days works as proof of residency. If you cannot provide any document dated within 60 days, contact the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 to ask what alternative documents they will accept in your situation.
Do I need to report my license as lost to the police?
No police report is required to replace a lost license in Illinois. You can replace it with just your ID and proof of residency. However, if you believe your license was stolen and used fraudulently, you may want to file a police report for your own records.
How long is a replacement license valid?
Your replacement license is valid for the same duration as your original license. 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 when you replace a lost license.
What if my name has changed since I got my current license?
Bring your current license, your ID, proof of residency, and a legal document showing your name change—such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The staff will process your replacement with your new name. Your new license will reflect the updated name.