How to Replace a Lost Illinois Driver’s License

If your driver’s license is lost or stolen, you can get a replacement from Illinois’ Secretary of State in person or online, and you’ll have to pay a $5 fee.
Written by Jason Tushinski
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Replacing a lost or stolen
driver’s license
in Illinois is a relatively easy process—you’ll have to apply for one through the Illinois Secretary of State Driver’s License Facility, either in person or online, and pay a $5 replacement fee. If you’re an Illinois resident and you lose your license while out of state, you can request a temporary permit so long as you’ll be back in Illinois within 90 days.
Losing your driver’s license is a big deal—after all, it is illegal to drive in the U.S. without a valid driver’s license. If you’re caught, you can face tickets, fines, demerit points, and a hike in your
Illinois insurance
premium.
But if you’re an Illinois resident, there is no need to worry—we've put together everything you need to know about replacing your driver’s license in the Land of Lincoln.
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How to replace a lost driver’s license in Illinois

If you lose your wallet in Illinois, replacing your driver’s license is a straightforward process. If your wallet is stolen, contact the police and get a police report to note your stolen driver’s license. 
When replacing your license, you’ll need to present
appropriate documents
that prove your name, date of birth, Illinois residency, Social Security number, and that you are a U.S. citizen.
You can purchase a replacement driver’s license online through the
Illinois Secretary of State website
so long as:
  • Your driver’s license is valid
  • You do not owe any reinstatement fees
  • Your credit card is valid and your information matches the information on your current driver’s license
Your duplicate license will be mailed to you within 15 business days. If it is returned to the Office of Secretary of State, you will have to pick it up in personal at your
local Secretary of State facility
.
Contact the police if your driver’s license was stolen and have a report filed.

Replacing a lost Illinois license in person

In some circumstances, you’ll be required to replace a lost or stolen driver’s license in person at an Illinois Secretary of State office. You’ll be required to complete this process in person if you meet any of the following conditions:
  • You need a duplicate
    learner’s permit
    or commercial learner’s permit
  • Your driver’s license expires within 30 days
  • You previously changed your address online or through the mail
  • You have obtained three replacement licenses within the past 12 months
  • You need your license to be mailed to a temporary address—the U.S. Postal Service will only forward a replacement to your permanent address
  • Your driver’s license was issued before August 1, 2016

What if you lose your Illinois license out of state?

If you are out of state and you need to replace your lost Illinois driver’s license, you have some options. You can call the Special License and Re-Examination Unit at 217-782-6901 to order a replacement.
If you are returning to Illinois within 90 days, you can request a temporary license be mailed to your out-of-state address. If you’ll be out of Illinois for more than 90 days, the Secretary of State will mail you all the necessary forms so you can apply for a duplicate license.
You can also email the Secretary of State’s office to request a duplicate by including the following:
  • Your name
  • Illinois driver’s license number
  • Date of birth
  • Out of state address
  • Date of return to Illinois

How to save money on car insurance in Illinois

No need to break a sweat about getting your lost or stolen Illinois driver’s license replaced. While you’re at it, make sure you have a robust
car insurance
policy by using
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