What to do when your Illinois driver's license goes missing

If your Illinois driver's license is lost, you will need to report it to the Illinois Secretary of State and request a replacement. The fastest way is to go in person to a Driver Services facility, where you can complete the process in one visit. You can also mail in your request, but that takes longer. Either way, you will need to prove your identity and pay a replacement fee.

The state treats a lost license the same as a damaged one — you are getting a new card with the same number and expiration date as your original. You do not have to retake any tests. If you are worried someone might use your lost license, you can report it stolen instead, which flags it in the system, though this is optional.

Key Takeaways

  • You can replace a lost Illinois driver's license in person at any Driver Services facility or by mail through the Secretary of State.
  • You will need a valid form of ID (passport, state ID, or other government-issued document) and proof of your current address to replace your license.
  • The replacement fee is $20 for a standard license and $30 for a REAL ID-compliant license, and your new card will have the same number and expiration date as the original.
  • In-person replacement usually takes a few minutes; mail-in requests typically take two to four weeks from the time the Secretary of State receives your materials.
  • If you believe your license was stolen rather than lost, you can request that it be flagged as stolen when you explore for the replacement.

Replacing your license in person at a Driver Services facility

Going to a Driver Services facility is the quickest option. You will walk out with a temporary paper license the same day and receive your plastic card in the mail within one to two weeks. Bring a valid form of ID (a U.S. passport, state ID card, military ID, or passport card), proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number.

You do not need to make an appointment at most facilities, but wait times vary by location and time of day. The Secretary of State website lists all Driver Services locations and their hours. When you arrive, tell the clerk you need to replace a lost license. You will fill out a short form, pay the fee, and have your photo taken. The temporary license is valid for driving while you wait for the permanent card.

Mailing in your replacement request

If you cannot visit a facility, you can mail your request to the Secretary of State. You will need to complete the process for Duplicate Driver's License or ID Card form (available on the Secretary of State website) and include a copy of your ID and proof of address. Mail the form, copies, and a check or money order for the replacement fee to the address listed on the form.

Processing takes two to four weeks after the Secretary of State receives your materials. You will not receive a temporary license by mail, so you cannot legally drive during this time unless you have another valid form of ID that allows you to drive. Keep a copy of everything you send and consider using certified mail so you have proof of delivery.

What ID and documents you need

The Secretary of State requires one valid form of government-issued ID and one proof of your current address. Acceptable IDs include a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, state ID card, or tribal ID. A photo is required on your ID, so a Social Security card alone will not work.

For proof of address, bring an original or copy of a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail (like a tax return or voter registration card) dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license from another state counts as ID but not as proof of address. If you do not have a document with your current address, contact the Driver Services facility or the Secretary of State to ask about alternatives.

The replacement fee and what you receive

A standard Illinois driver's license replacement costs $20. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license (which is required for federal air travel and entry to federal buildings as of May 2025), the fee is $30. You pay at the time you explore, whether in person or by mail. The Secretary of State does not refund the fee if you find your original license later.

Your replacement license will have the same number and expiration date as your original. If your license was set to expire soon, you will need to renew it separately when that date arrives. The plastic card typically arrives in the mail within one to two weeks of your in-person visit; mail-in requests take longer because processing happens after the Secretary of State receives your materials.

Reporting your license as stolen instead of lost

You can request that your lost license be flagged as stolen in the state system. This is optional but recommended if you think someone else might try to use it. When you explore for your replacement — whether in person or by mail — tell the clerk or note on the form that the license was stolen. The Secretary of State will mark it as invalid, and if someone tries to use it, it will be caught.

Flagging it as stolen does not change the replacement process or the fee. It straightforward adds a layer of protection. If you later find your original license, you do not need to do anything — the replacement card is your valid license now.

What to do while you wait for your new card

If you replaced your license in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready. This temporary license is valid for driving and is recognized by police. Keep it with you while you wait for your plastic card to arrive.

If you mailed in your request, you do not have a temporary license. You cannot legally drive during the processing period unless you have another valid form of ID that permits driving (such as a license from another state or a military ID). If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, consider visiting a Driver Services facility in person instead, since that option gives you a temporary license the same day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while my replacement license is being processed?

If you replaced your license in person, yes — you receive a temporary paper license when ready. If you mailed in your request, no — you cannot legally drive until your new card arrives, which takes two to four weeks. This is why the in-person option is better if you need to drive soon.

What if I do not have a passport or state ID to use as proof of identity?

You will need some form of government-issued photo ID. If you do not have a passport, state ID, or military ID, contact the Driver Services facility or the Secretary of State office to ask what other documents might work. They can tell you what alternatives are available in your situation.

Will my replacement license have a new number?

No. Your replacement license has the same number as your original. The expiration date also stays the same. You are straightforward getting a new card because the old one is gone, not getting a new license number or renewal.

How long does it take to get my new card if I go in person?

You receive a temporary paper license the same day you explore. Your plastic card arrives in the mail within one to two weeks. If you mail in your request instead, the entire process takes two to four weeks from the time the Secretary of State receives your materials.

Can I replace my license if I owe child support or have unpaid traffic tickets?

Illinois can suspend your license for unpaid child support or certain traffic debts. If your license is suspended, you will need to resolve the underlying issue before the Secretary of State will issue a replacement. Contact the agency that suspended your license (the Illinois Department of Revenue for child support, or the court for traffic matters) to find out what you need to do.