What you need to do to replace your Illinois driver's license
To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Illinois driver's license, you visit a Secretary of State facility in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay a fee, and have your photo taken. Illinois does not offer online or mail replacement for standard licenses. The process takes about 15 to 30 minutes at most locations, and you receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed to you.
You cannot use a damaged license as proof of identity for the replacement itself — you will need a different form of ID. If your license was stolen, you do not have to report it to police first, though you may want to for your own records. Illinois will not reissue the same number; your replacement license will have a new number.
Key Takeaways
- You must go to a Secretary of State facility in person; there is no online or mail option for license replacement in Illinois.
- Bring a current passport, birth certificate, or other government ID as proof of identity, plus a utility bill or lease as proof of your current address.
- The replacement fee is $30 for a standard license, and you pay at the facility when you explore.
- You receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, and your plastic replacement card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days in most cases.
- Your replacement license will have a new number, not the same number as your lost or damaged license.
Documents you need to bring to the Secretary of State
Bring one form of government-issued photo ID as your primary proof of identity. A valid U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or state ID from another state all work. If you do not have any of those, a certified birth certificate or naturalization papers are accepted, though the process may take longer because the Secretary of State office will need to verify them.
You also need proof of your current address in Illinois. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. If you recently moved and do not have a document in your new name yet, bring your old address proof plus a signed statement explaining the move, or bring a lease that shows your new address.
Bring your Social Security number or have it memorized. You will need it to fill out the process form at the facility. If you do not know your number, you can request a replacement without it, but the process will be slower.
Where to go and how to find your nearest Secretary of State office
Visit the Illinois Secretary of State website and use the office locator tool to find the facility closest to you. Illinois has about 130 Secretary of State facilities statewide, including offices in most county seats and major cities. Some are full-service offices that handle all license transactions; others are limited-service branches that may have shorter hours or longer wait times.
Call ahead if you want to know the current wait time. Many offices post estimated wait times on their websites or answer phones during business hours. Weekday mornings, especially Tuesday through Thursday before 11 a.m., tend to be less crowded than afternoons or Fridays. Some offices accept walk-ins only; others allow you to schedule an appointment online through the Secretary of State website.
The fee and what happens after you pay
The replacement fee for a standard Illinois driver's license is $30. You pay this fee in cash, by debit card, or by credit card at the facility. There are no additional fees for processing or mailing. If you are replacing a license that was damaged due to a manufacturing defect, ask the staff whether the fee can be waived — some offices will waive it if the damage is clearly the Secretary of State's fault, but this is not may provide.
After you pay and have your photo taken, you receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and can be used anywhere a regular license is accepted — for driving, as ID at a bar or airport, or for any other purpose. Your plastic replacement card is printed at a central facility and mailed to the address you provided on your process. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days; if you need it faster, ask the staff whether expedited mail is available in your area.
What to do if your license was stolen and you are concerned about fraud
Reporting a stolen license to police is optional but recommended if you are worried someone might use it to open accounts or commit fraud in your name. A police report gives you documentation if fraud does occur later. You can file a report online through your local police department's website, by phone, or in person at a station. You do not need a police report to replace your license at the Secretary of State.
If your license was stolen along with other documents like your Social Security card or passport, consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can place a free fraud alert by calling one bureau and asking them to notify the other two, or by visiting IdentityTheft.gov.
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot get a replacement
Before you go to the Secretary of State, check whether your license is currently suspended or revoked. You can check your driving record status on the Illinois Secretary of State website by entering your license number and date of birth. If your license is suspended or revoked, the Secretary of State will not issue a replacement until the suspension or revocation is lifted.
Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or a conviction for driving under the influence. If your license is suspended, you will need to resolve the underlying issue — pay the fine, make a payment arrangement, or complete a required program — before you can replace it. Contact the agency listed on your suspension notice for instructions on how to clear it.
Real ID compliance and whether your replacement license will be Real ID-compliant
When you replace your license, you can choose whether to get a standard license or a Real ID-compliant license. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards. You will need a Real ID to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building as of May 7, 2025. If you do not have a Real ID by then and do not have a passport, you will need another form of ID to fly.
To get a Real ID license, bring the same documents as you would for a standard replacement, plus one additional document: an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, or a passport. The fee is the same — $30. If you are not sure whether you want Real ID, ask the staff at the Secretary of State office; they can explain the difference and help you decide based on your travel plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my replacement license in the mail?
Your plastic replacement card is usually mailed within 7 to 10 business days of your visit. You receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days, so you can drive and use it as ID while you wait. If you do not receive your card within 14 days, contact the Secretary of State office where you applied.
Can I replace my license by mail or online?
No. Illinois requires you to appear in person at a Secretary of State facility to have your photo taken and sign the process. You cannot replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license by mail or through the website.
What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?
You can bring a naturalization certificate, military discharge papers, or a state ID from another state as proof of identity. If you have none of these, contact the Secretary of State office before you visit to ask what other documents they will accept. Some offices can work with you to find an alternative.
Do I need a police report to replace a stolen license?
No. The Secretary of State does not require a police report to replace a stolen license. However, filing a report is a good idea if you are concerned about fraud, because it creates a record if someone uses your license illegally.
Will my replacement license have the same number as my old one?
No. Illinois issues a new license number with every replacement. Your old number will no longer be valid once your replacement is issued.