Get a replacement license from the Illinois Secretary of State

If you've lost your Illinois driver's license, you can replace it through the Illinois Secretary of State's office. You don't need to retake the written or road test — you're straightforward getting a duplicate of your current license with a new card number. The process takes about two weeks by mail, or you can walk into a Driver Services facility and get a replacement the same day.

You have two paths: order by mail for $20, or visit a facility in person for $30. Both require proof of identity and proof of residency. The in-person option is faster if you need to drive before the mail arrives.

Key Takeaways

  • You can replace a lost Illinois license by mail for $20 or in person at a Driver Services facility for $30.
  • In-person replacement takes one day; mail replacement takes about two weeks.
  • You must bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID) and proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days).
  • If your license was stolen, you can report it to the Secretary of State at the same time you order the replacement.
  • Your new license will have a different card number but the same expiration date as your original license.

What documents you need to bring or send

The Secretary of State requires two types of documents: one for identity and one for residency. For identity, bring your passport, certified birth certificate, Social Security card, or state ID card. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days. Your name must match on both documents, or you'll need to bring additional paperwork showing a legal name change.

If you're explore by mail, make copies of both documents and send them with your process form (DL 44). Do not send originals — the Secretary of State will not return them. If you're explore in person, bring the originals; the staff will copy them for you.

explore by mail

read or request form DL 44 from the Secretary of State website or call 217-782-6900. Fill out the form completely, including your driver's license number if you remember it. Attach copies of your identity and residency documents, a check or money order for $20 made payable to the Secretary of State, and a recent photo (passport-style, 2x2 inches). Mail everything to the address listed on the form.

Processing takes about two weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives your envelope. You can track your process status online using your driver's license number. If you need your license sooner, stop by a Driver Services facility instead.

explore in person at a Driver Services facility

Find your nearest facility on the Secretary of State website — there are locations in most counties. Bring your original identity and residency documents, a recent photo (2x2 inches), and $30 in cash or card. You do not need an appointment, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Weekday mornings are usually shorter than afternoons or weekends.

The staff will take your photo at the facility if you don't have one, though there is an additional $5 fee. Your new license will be printed on the spot, and you can drive with it when ready. The card is valid as soon as you leave the building.

If your license was stolen

Report the theft to the Secretary of State when you order your replacement. On form DL 44, check the box marked "Stolen" or tell the staff member at the facility. The Secretary of State will flag your old license number so it cannot be used fraudulently. You do not need to file a police report first, though you can if you want a record of the theft.

If you're concerned about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by calling one of them — they will notify the others. This is free and lasts 90 days, and it makes it harder for someone to open accounts in your name.

What happens to your old license number

Your replacement license will have a new card number, but your driver's license number (the one printed on the front) stays the same. This number is tied to your driving record, so keeping it the same means your record of violations, points, and insurance history follows you to the new card. You don't have to update your insurance company about the card number change, but it's a good idea to call them and let them know you've replaced your license.

If your old license was suspended or revoked, that status carries over to your replacement license. A replacement card does not clear a suspension — you'll need to contact the Secretary of State's Suspension and Revocation Unit to find out what steps are required to restore your driving privileges.

Replacing your license if you've moved out of state

If you've moved to another state and no longer live in Illinois, you cannot replace your Illinois license through the Secretary of State. You'll need to get a license from your new state instead. However, if you still live in Illinois and your address on your license is outdated, you can update it at the same time you order your replacement — just write your new address on form DL 44 or tell the staff member at the facility.

If you moved out of state but still have business in Illinois and need to keep your Illinois license, you can update your address to an Illinois address (a friend's or family member's) and have your replacement mailed there. The Secretary of State does not verify that you actually live at the address you provide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if it's damaged but not lost?

Yes. Bring your damaged license and proof of residency to a Driver Services facility, or mail the damaged card with form DL 44 and proof of residency. The fee is the same: $20 by mail or $30 in person. The Secretary of State will issue a new card with the same license number.

What if I don't have a recent photo?

Driver Services facilities can take your photo for an additional $5 fee. If you're explore by mail, you can either include a recent photo or note on your process that you want the facility photo taken — you'll be charged the extra fee when your replacement arrives and you pick it up in person.

How long is my replacement license valid?

Your new license will have the same expiration date as your original license. If your original license was set to expire in six months, your replacement expires in six months. You don't get extra time just because you had to replace it.

Can I replace my license online?

No. Illinois does not offer online replacement for lost or stolen licenses. You must explore by mail or in person at a Driver Services facility.

What if I lost my license while traveling outside Illinois?

You can still replace it by mail from anywhere. read form DL 44, gather copies of your identity and residency documents, and mail everything to the Secretary of State. Processing takes about two weeks. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can request a temporary driving permit in person at any Driver Services facility in Illinois.