What to do when ready after you lose your Illinois driver's license
If you've lost your Illinois driver's license, you can replace it by visiting a Secretary of State facility in person, by mail, or through an online request if you meet certain conditions. The fastest route is in-person at a local office, which takes about 15 minutes and costs $20 for a standard replacement. You'll need to bring proof of identity and proof of residency, and you'll have your new license the same day.
Illinois does not require you to report a lost license to police or to the Secretary of State before explore for a replacement. However, if you believe your license was stolen rather than lost, you may want to file a police report for your own records — this can help if someone uses your information fraudulently.
Key Takeaways
- You can replace a lost Illinois driver's license in person at any Secretary of State facility for $20, and you'll receive your new license the same day.
- Online replacement through the Secretary of State website is available if your license is not suspended or revoked and you have a valid email address on file.
- By mail replacement takes 7 to 10 business days and requires you to send a completed form, proof of identity, and proof of residency to the Secretary of State.
- You will need either a REAL ID-compliant license or a standard license; REAL ID costs $32 and requires additional documents like a birth certificate or passport.
In-person replacement at a Secretary of State facility
Walking into a Secretary of State office is the most direct way to replace your license. You can find the nearest office on the Secretary of State website by entering your zip code. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, and some have extended evening or Saturday hours. Bring your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), as you'll need it to verify your identity.
Bring one form of government-issued photo ID — a passport, military ID, or state ID card will work. If you don't have a second form of ID, bring two documents that prove your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The office staff will take a new photo, process your process on the spot, and hand you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to you. Your permanent license arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
Online replacement through the Secretary of State website
The Illinois Secretary of State allows online replacement if your license is not suspended, revoked, or cancelled, and if you have a valid email address on file from when you originally obtained your license. Go to the Secretary of State website, select "Replace a Lost or Stolen License," and follow the prompts. You'll need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
Online replacement costs $20 and takes 7 to 10 business days for delivery. You will not receive a temporary paper license, so if you need to drive before your new card arrives, you'll need to visit an office in person instead. Online replacement is not available if your license has any holds, suspensions, or outstanding fines against it.
By-mail replacement
You can mail in a replacement request if you prefer not to visit an office. read the process for Duplicate Driver's License or ID Card (form DL 953) from the Secretary of State website. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it along with one form of government-issued photo ID and one proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) to the address listed on the form.
Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the Secretary of State receives your packet. You will not receive a temporary license by mail, so you cannot legally drive during this period. Include a check or money order for $20 made out to the Secretary of State. Do not send cash. Keep a copy of everything you mail for your records.
Standard license versus REAL ID-compliant license
When you replace your license, you can choose between a standard Illinois driver's license or a REAL ID-compliant license. A standard license costs $20 and works for driving and most everyday purposes. A REAL ID license costs $32 and is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025.
If you choose REAL ID, you'll need to bring additional documents: an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a U.S. passport, a passport card, or a certificate of naturalization. You'll also need proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form) and two proofs of residency. REAL ID replacement must be done in person at a Secretary of State office; you cannot obtain it by mail or online.
What happens if your license was suspended or revoked
If your license is under suspension or revocation, you cannot replace it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Check your status on the Secretary of State website by entering your driver's license number and date of birth. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or unpaid child support.
To lift a suspension, you typically need to pay outstanding fines, appear in court, or resolve the underlying issue. Contact the Secretary of State's Driver Services Department or the court that issued the suspension for specific instructions. Once the suspension is cleared, you can replace your license using any of the three methods above.
Cost and timeline summary
| Method | Cost | Timeline | Temporary License |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-person at Secretary of State office | $20 standard; $32 REAL ID | Same day (plastic card in 7–10 days) | Yes, paper license valid 30 days |
| Online through Secretary of State website | $20 standard only | 7–10 business days | No |
| By mail | $20 standard only | 7–10 business days | No |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while waiting for my replacement license?
Only if you received a temporary paper license in person at a Secretary of State office. That temporary license is valid for 30 days. If you replaced your license online or by mail, you cannot legally drive until your plastic card arrives. If you need to drive when ready, visit an office in person.
What if I lost my license out of state?
You can still replace it by mail or online using the same process. If you're out of state and need to drive, you can visit any Secretary of State office in Illinois in person, or contact the office nearest to your current location to ask about options.
Do I need to notify my insurance company that I lost my license?
No. Your insurance policy is tied to your vehicle and driving record, not to your physical license card. You do not need to contact your insurer to replace a lost license. However, if your license was suspended or revoked, your insurer may already know through the state's records.
How much does a replacement license cost if I also need to renew it?
If your license is expiring soon, you can renew it at the same time you replace it. A standard renewal costs $30, and a REAL ID renewal costs $48. If you're replacing a lost license and renewing in the same transaction, you pay the renewal fee, not the replacement fee. Ask the office staff which applies to your situation.
What if I find my original license after I've already replaced it?
Destroy the old license by cutting it in half or shredding it. Do not attempt to use both licenses. If you're concerned about fraud, you can file a police report, but it's not required by Illinois law.