Losing your driver’s license can be a frustrating experience, especially when you rely on it for daily tasks like driving to work, running errands, or picking up your kids from school. In Illinois, replacing a lost driver’s license is a straightforward process, but it’s important to act quickly to avoid any potential issues. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to replace a lost driver’s license in Illinois.
Step 1: Report your lost driver’s license
The first step in replacing a lost driver’s license is to report it to the Illinois Secretary of State’s office. You can do this online through the Secretary of State’s website or by calling their office. Reporting your lost license will help prevent identity theft and fraud, so it’s important to do this as soon as possible.
Step 2: Gather required documents
Before you can replace your lost driver’s license, you will need to gather some documents to prove your identity. The Illinois Secretary of State’s office requires the following documents to replace a lost driver’s license:
– Proof of identity, such as a birth certificate, passport, or social security card
– Proof of residency, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement
– A completed application form for a duplicate driver’s license, which can be found on the Secretary of State’s website
Step 3: Visit a Secretary of State facility
Once you have gathered all the required documents, you will need to visit a Secretary of State facility to apply for a duplicate driver’s license. You can find a list of facilities near you on the Secretary of State’s website. Be sure to bring all the necessary documents with you to avoid any delays in the process.
Step 4: Pay the replacement fee
When applying for a duplicate driver’s license, you will need to pay a replacement fee. The fee for a duplicate driver’s license in Illinois is $20. You can pay this fee in person at the Secretary of State facility with cash, check, or credit card.
Step 5: Receive your new driver’s license
After completing the above steps, you will receive your new driver’s license from the Secretary of State’s office. Your new license will have the same expiration date as your lost license, so be sure to keep track of when it expires to avoid any future issues.
In conclusion, losing your driver’s license can be a hassle, but replacing it in Illinois is a relatively simple process. By following the steps outlined above and acting quickly to report your lost license, you can quickly get back on the road and resume your daily activities. Remember to keep your new license in a safe place to avoid losing it again in the future.
