What you need to do to get a replacement Illinois driver's license

To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Illinois driver's license, you must visit a Secretary of State facility in person with proof of identity and residency. Illinois does not issue replacements by mail or online. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The fee is $20 for a standard replacement.

The process is straightforward if you have the right documents. You cannot use your missing or damaged license as proof of identity, so you need an alternative form of ID. A passport, military ID, or state ID card all work. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address.

Key Takeaways

  • You must go to a Secretary of State facility in person with a valid ID and proof of your current address.
  • The replacement fee is $20, and you get a temporary paper license when ready while your plastic card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
  • Illinois Secretary of State facilities are located in most counties; you can find the nearest one on the Secretary of State website.
  • If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police first, though it is not required to get a replacement.

Documents you must bring to the Secretary of State

Bring one form of valid photo ID and one proof of residency. Your missing or damaged license cannot count as either one. Common photo IDs accepted include a U.S. passport, military ID, state ID card, or passport card. If you do not have any of these, a certified birth certificate plus a Social Security card can work together as proof of identity.

For residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and current address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. If you recently moved and do not have a document in your new name yet, bring an older document at your old address plus a signed lease or utility bill showing your new address.

Where to go and what to expect

Find your nearest Secretary of State Driver Services facility on the Illinois Secretary of State website. Most counties have at least one location. Some facilities accept walk-ins; others require you to book an appointment online or by phone. Check your local facility's hours before you go, as they vary by location and some close for lunch.

Bring your documents, the $20 fee in cash or card, and allow 15 to 30 minutes for the visit. The staff will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue a temporary paper license you can use when ready. Your permanent plastic card will arrive at the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you need the card faster, some facilities offer expedited service for an additional fee, though this is not available at all locations.

If your license was stolen

Reporting a stolen license to local police is optional but recommended. A police report creates a record in case someone tries to use your license fraudulently. You do not need the report to get a replacement, but having one on file protects you if the stolen license is used for identity theft later.

When you report the theft, give the police your license number if you remember it, or describe the license and when you last had it. Keep a copy of the report for your records. You can still proceed with your replacement when ready; you do not have to wait for the police report to be filed.

What to do if your license is damaged but not lost

If your license is still in your possession but damaged—cracked, faded, or unreadable—you can bring it to the Secretary of State along with your other documents. The staff will accept it as part of your replacement request. You still need a second form of ID and proof of residency, just as you would for a lost license.

Damaged licenses are common after years of use or accidental water damage. The replacement process is identical to a lost license, and the fee remains $20. Bring the damaged card with you so the staff can see the condition and process the replacement without delay.

What happens to your old license information

When you report your license lost or stolen, the Secretary of State marks it as invalid in their system. This prevents anyone who finds it from using it as valid ID. If you later find your old license, you do not need to do anything—it remains invalid and cannot be reactivated.

Your new license will have a new number. This new number is what you use for all future identification and driving purposes. Update your insurance company, employer, and any other organizations that have your license number on file so their records match your new card when it arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement Illinois license if I do not have a passport or state ID?

Yes. Bring a certified birth certificate and Social Security card together as proof of identity, plus a document showing your current address. The Secretary of State accepts this combination even if you do not have a photo ID from another state or the federal government.

What if I moved recently and my proof of residency is at my old address?

Bring both your old document and a new one showing your current address. A signed lease, utility bill, or mortgage statement at your new address works. If you do not have a document in your new name yet, bring the old one plus the lease or bill to show you live there now.

How long does the plastic card take to arrive?

Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. Some Secretary of State facilities offer expedited service for an extra fee, which can reduce this to 3 to 5 business days, but this option is not available at all locations. Check with your local facility about expedited options when you visit.

Do I need a police report to get a replacement if my license was stolen?

No. A police report is optional. You can get a replacement when ready with just your ID and proof of residency. Filing a report is recommended for your protection in case the stolen license is used fraudulently, but it is not required by the Secretary of State.

Can I replace my license by mail or online?

No. Illinois requires you to visit a Secretary of State facility in person. You cannot mail in a request or complete the process online. However, you can book an appointment online at many locations to reduce wait time.