Illinois Replacement ID Costs

A replacement Illinois ID card costs $20 if you are replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged card. If your ID expired and you need a new one, the cost is the same. The fee covers the card itself and the processing.

You pay this fee when you visit a Secretary of State facility in person. The state does not mail cards to you — you must pick up your replacement ID at the office where you applied, usually within one to two weeks after your visit.

If you need your ID faster, Illinois offers a rush service for an additional fee. A rush replacement typically arrives within three to five business days and costs $35 total instead of $20. Some Secretary of State locations process rush orders on-site; others mail them.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard replacement ID in Illinois costs $20 and takes one to two weeks to process.
  • Rush service costs $35 and is available at most Secretary of State locations for faster turnaround.
  • You must explore in person at a Secretary of State facility and pick up your card there unless you choose rush mail delivery.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of identity to your appointment.
  • Payment is accepted in cash, debit card, or credit card at most locations, though some accept checks.

What Documents You Need to Bring

Before you go to the Secretary of State office, gather your Social Security number and two forms of identification. One must be a government-issued photo ID — a passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license all work. The second can be a non-photo document like a birth certificate, Social Security card, or utility bill.

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. If you do not have a recent document in your name, a letter from your landlord or a government agency stating your address is acceptable.

If you are replacing a lost or stolen card, bring a police report if you filed one. This is not required, but it speeds up the process and protects you against fraud if someone uses your old ID number.

Where to explore in Person

Illinois has Secretary of State facilities in most counties. You can find the office nearest you on the Secretary of State website by entering your zip code. Each location has different hours — some are open evenings or Saturdays, while others operate only weekday mornings.

Walk-ins are accepted at most locations, but wait times vary. During lunch hours and late afternoons, lines are often shorter. If you want to avoid waiting, many Secretary of State offices now offer online appointment scheduling through their website. Booking ahead guarantees you a time slot and usually cuts your visit to 15 to 30 minutes.

Some Secretary of State locations are in courthouses or government buildings that require you to pass through security screening. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early if this applies to your location.

Payment Methods and Receipt

The Secretary of State accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at all locations. Some offices also take checks, but call ahead to confirm. You will receive a receipt at the time of payment showing your transaction number and expected pickup date.

Keep this receipt. You will need it to pick up your card. If you lose the receipt, you can still retrieve your card by providing your name and date of birth, but having the receipt makes the process faster.

If you paid for rush service, your receipt will show the expedited processing date. Standard service typically means your card is ready within 10 business days; rush service within three to five business days.

Picking Up Your Replacement Card

You must return to the same Secretary of State office where you applied to pick up your card. Bring your receipt or be ready to provide your name and date of birth. The office will verify your identity and hand you your new card on the spot.

If you chose rush mail delivery, the card will be mailed to the address you provided. Delivery typically takes three to five business days after processing is complete. Track your mail or contact the Secretary of State office if your card does not arrive within the expected timeframe.

Do not assume your card is ready without checking. Some offices call or send email notifications when your card is ready for pickup, but not all do. If you are unsure, call the office where you applied and ask for your status using your transaction number.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common error is bringing incomplete documents. Double-check that your proof of residency is dated within the last 60 days and that your name appears on it. If your address on file with the Secretary of State does not match your current address, bring a document showing the change — a lease, utility bill, or address change letter from a bank.

Another mistake is forgetting to bring your Social Security number. Write it down before you leave home so you do not have to rely on memory. You will need it to fill out the process form.

Do not wait until the last minute if you need your ID for travel or a job. Standard processing takes up to two weeks, and rush service still takes several days. If you are leaving the state soon, explore as soon as possible or ask about expedited in-person pickup options at your local office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement ID if my name has changed?

Yes. Bring a document showing your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The $20 replacement fee covers the new card with your updated name. The process is the same as any other replacement.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can still get an Illinois ID. Bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, or contact the Secretary of State office in advance to ask what alternative documents they accept. Some offices have different procedures for applicants without a Social Security number.

Do I have to pay the $20 fee if my card was damaged by the Secretary of State's error?

No. If the office made a mistake on your card or it was damaged during processing, they will issue a replacement at no charge. Bring your damaged card and your receipt to the office, and explain the issue. They will verify the error and reissue your card for free.

Can someone else pick up my replacement ID for me?

No. You must pick up your card in person. The Secretary of State requires photo identification at pickup to prevent fraud. If you cannot pick up your card yourself, ask about rush mail delivery so it comes to your home instead.

What happens if I lose my replacement ID before I pick it up?

Contact the Secretary of State office where you applied when ready. They can cancel the card and issue a new one. You will likely pay another $20 fee for the second replacement, though some offices may waive it if the loss was their error. Act quickly — once a card is issued, it is valid even if you have not picked it up yet.