What you need to do to replace an Illinois driver's license
To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Illinois driver's license, you must visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person with proof of identity and residency. Illinois does not issue replacements by mail or online. You will pay a fee (currently $20 for a standard replacement), receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and the new plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
The process is straightforward if you have the right documents, but missing even one piece of identification can delay you. This guide walks you through exactly what to bring, where to go, and what to expect at each step.
Key Takeaways
- You must appear in person at a Secretary of State Driver Services facility; there is no remote or mail-in replacement option for Illinois.
- Bring one government-issued photo ID (passport, military ID, or state ID) plus one document proving your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days).
- The replacement fee is $20, paid by cash, debit card, or credit card at the facility.
- You receive a temporary paper license when ready and the permanent plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license was stolen, you may report it to the Secretary of State at the same visit, which flags it in the system.
Documents you must bring to the facility
Illinois requires two categories of documents: one form of government-issued photo identification and one proof of your current address. You cannot substitute one for the other, and expired documents are not accepted for address proof.
Acceptable photo ID includes a valid U.S. passport, military ID, state ID card from another state, or a Trusted Traveler card (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST). Your old Illinois driver's license counts only if it is not expired. If you do not have any of these, you will need to obtain one before you can replace your license — the Secretary of State cannot issue a replacement without it.
Acceptable proof of address must be dated within the last 90 days and show your current street address. Utility bills (electric, gas, water), lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank or credit card statements, and insurance documents all work. A government check or tax return also counts. Post office mail forwarding notices do not. If you have recently moved and do not yet have a document in your new name at your new address, bring what you have and explain the situation at the facility — staff can sometimes work with recent movers, but call ahead to confirm.
Where to go and how to find your nearest facility
The Secretary of State operates Driver Services facilities across Illinois. You can visit any facility in the state; you do not have to go to the one in your home county. Locations and hours are listed on the Secretary of State website at cyberdriveillinois.com under "Driver Services Facilities."
Facilities in larger cities (Chicago, Springfield, Peoria) tend to have longer wait times, especially during lunch hours and late afternoon. If you have flexibility, visiting a smaller-city or suburban facility on a weekday morning usually means a shorter wait. Call the facility before you go to ask about current wait times — many now post them online or answer the phone with an estimate.
Some facilities require you to take a number when you arrive; others use a check-in kiosk. Bring your documents and be prepared to wait. The actual transaction at the counter takes 5 to 10 minutes once you are called.
The fee and payment methods
The replacement fee for a standard Illinois driver's license is $20. This is a flat rate regardless of whether your license was lost, stolen, or damaged. The fee does not change based on how much time remains on your current license.
Payment is accepted in cash, debit card, or credit card at the facility. Some facilities also accept checks, but this is not may provide — call ahead if you plan to pay by check. No facility accepts payment online or by phone in advance; you must pay when you are at the counter.
If you are replacing a license that was stolen and want to report the theft to the Secretary of State, there is no additional fee. The report is filed as part of the same transaction.
What happens after you pay: temporary and permanent licenses
After you complete the transaction, you receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for driving when ready and remains valid for 30 days. Write down the number on it — you may need it if you are pulled over before your permanent card arrives.
Your new plastic driver's license is mailed to the address you provided at the facility. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date of your visit. If you do not receive it within 14 days, contact the Secretary of State Driver Services line at 217-782-6900 to check the status.
The new license will have a new number and a new expiration date. If your old license was not expired, the new one will still expire on your original expiration date — you do not get extra time. The only exception is if your old license was damaged in a way that made it unreadable; in that case, the Secretary of State may issue a license with a new expiration date, but this is rare and not may provide.
Reporting a stolen license to the Secretary of State
If your license was stolen rather than lost or damaged, you can report the theft when you explore for the replacement. Tell the staff member at the counter that the license was stolen. They will file a report in the system, which flags the old license number as invalid. This prevents someone else from using it if they find it or if it was taken for fraudulent purposes.
Reporting the theft does not cost extra and does not change the replacement process. However, it does create a record with the Secretary of State. If you are concerned about identity theft beyond the license itself, you should also file a report with the Illinois Attorney General's office or the Federal Trade Commission, but that is a separate process from the license replacement.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
The most frequent reason people have to make a second trip is bringing an expired address document. A utility bill from 18 months ago does not work, even if you still live at that address. Bring something dated within 90 days. If you have just moved and do not have a document yet, call the facility in advance to ask what they can accept.
A second common mistake is bringing a photo ID that is expired. An expired passport or military ID is not accepted. If your only photo ID is expired, you must renew it first — the Secretary of State will not issue a license replacement without valid photo ID.
Do not assume you can use a school ID, work ID, or library card as proof of identity. These are not accepted. Stick to the list: passport, military ID, state ID from another state, Trusted Traveler card, or a valid (not expired) Illinois driver's license.
Finally, do not expect to receive your replacement license on the same day. The temporary paper license is when ready, but the plastic card comes by mail. If you need a license for a specific event or trip, plan for at least 10 business days and consider whether you can use the temporary paper license instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license if it is damaged but still readable?
Yes. Bring the damaged license along with your photo ID and address proof. The staff will assess whether it is damaged enough to warrant replacement. Even minor damage (a cracked corner, faded photo) usually qualifies. You do not need a specific reason or explanation — just bring it and let them decide.
What if I lost my license out of state and I am not in Illinois right now?
You must visit a Driver Services facility in Illinois in person. If you are out of state, you will need to travel to Illinois or wait until you return. There is no remote option. If you need to drive before you can get to Illinois, contact your current state's DMV about a temporary permit or replacement license.
Do I need an appointment, or is it first-come, first-served?
Most Illinois Driver Services facilities operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Some larger facilities now offer online appointment scheduling through the Secretary of State website. Check your local facility's page to see if appointments are available. Even with an appointment, arrive 10 to 15 minutes early.
Will my new license have the same number as my old one?
No. A replacement license receives a new number. This is true whether your license was lost, stolen, or damaged. The new number is generated when you explore, and it appears on both your temporary paper license and your permanent plastic card.
What if my address changed since my old license was issued?
Bring proof of your current address (dated within 90 days) to the facility. Your new license will show your current address. If you have not updated your address since your old license was issued, this is a good time to do it — the replacement process includes an address update at no extra cost.