Losing your driver’s license can become a major inconvenience and it possesses a huge potential security risk. In the case where you have lost your driver’s license, you may want to get a replacement immediately. You should not delay the process of getting a duplicate since driving around without a valid license can lead to a traffic ticket. Also, not being able to provide proof of identity with a driver’s license can prove to be a hassle.
If your driving license is lost or you are under suspicion that someone else has stolen it, it is important for you to file a missing report with the police and as well request a replacement. There are instances where you may be granted a new driver’s license number by the Illinois SOS. The main reason why you should file a missing report is so you can prevent another person from fraudulently using your driving License.
When you report the matter to the right authorities you will be able to create a paper trail that will help you trace the license in case anyone is using it fraudulently. This can happen when someone claims to be you while driving or in an identity theft situation. If you’re wondering what you can do after losing your license let us help you answer that question through this article.
The First Thing to do after Realizing That You Have Lost Your Driver’s License
If you cannot find your license before making any major moves you need to ascertain that the license is either lost or has been stolen. The first thing that you should do after realizing that you have lost or misplaced your license is to try and replace your steps. Think about where you last saw your driving license. If necessary write down a recollection of the places that you have been to before you realized that your driving license went missing. Write down your list in sequential order.
You should as well consider how your driving license went missing. Did your pockets have a hole where the license could have fallen from? Also, figure out if you were at a place where they asked to check your license but they forgot to give the license back to you. Figuring out how you lost your license will help you to quickly narrow down the places where you need to check as you try to recover the license.
In the case where you were outdoors when the license got lost, you can look for it on the ground and scan the area around you. If you were in an establishment such as a bank or a restaurant you can ask an employee of the establishment if anyone has turned in the driver’s license.
When you are sure that your license is lost then you can get started with the replacement process. You can file a request for your driver’s license or in person.
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Requesting the Replacement of a Driver’s License Online
Below are the steps that you need to take when you are requesting a driver’s license replacement online.
Report the License Is Lost
In some states, you will be required to file a police report if your driver’s license is lost or has been stolen. However, regardless of whether it is a requirement, it is a good idea for you to alert the police that your driver’s license is missing. This way it will be easily traceable if the person who has stolen it is using it fraudulently.
Check the DMV Website Instructions for Your State
Every state has its own set of instructions concerning the replacement of a driver’s license. Before you start with the procedure of replacing your license you should first check your state’s DMV website so you can determine the appropriate steps that you need to take. Most states will require you to complete your application online. However, it is important for you to ensure that it is the same for your state.
Learn More: Can Your License be Suspended For Texting and Driving?
Finish Filling in the Replacement Request Form
If the state you are in requires you to complete your license replacement application online then you will find the application on your state’s DMV website. You will have to enter information that matches the information in your records on file on the state’s DMV.
Submit the Paperwork and Pay the Associated Fee
You will have to pay a fee for your license replacement application. The fee will vary depending on your location. The fee will vary and it ranges from $15 – $30 depending on the state that you reside in. The fee will only cover a replacement card. When you will need to renew your driver’s license you will still have to pay the renewal fee.
After you have submitted your information to the DMV you’ll be presented with a confirmation page. It would be wise to print a copy for your own records. At this time it is possible for you to print a temporary license. You can use the temporary license to continue to drive as you wait for your official replacement license to be sent to you via mail.
Wait for Your License to Arrive
After you have submitted your application, paid the fee, and submitted the necessary form you can only wait for your license to be mailed to you. You may have to wait for two to four weeks for the license to get to you via mail.
Requesting the Replacement of Your Driver’s License In-Person
After you have reported your license missing with the police you will then have to request an appointment at the DMV. You can either call or go online to book an appointment. It is important for you to book an appointment as soon as possible as the time slot does not fill up quickly. If you just walk in without making an appointment there is a high chance that you may not get to renew your license. This is because walk-ins are operated on a first-come-first-served basis.
After that, you need to complete the application form and provide all of the relevant identification requested. Below are some of the documents that you may be required to provide while applying for a replacement driver’s license;
- Your full names.
- Driver’s license number.
- Birth Certificate
- Social security number.
- Type or class of your driver’s license.
- Fee required for the duplicate license.
- Address and zip code.
After you are through filling in the form and have all of your necessary documents you should drop it off at the DMV and also pay the fee when it is time for your appointment. You will find an employee of the DMV that will receive your paperwork and work on verifying the information or identification that you have given.
If you show a valid police report in Illinois you do not have to pay a fee for a duplicate license. However, you will still have to pay for the duplicate license cost.
We can help you speed up the application process for a duplicate driver’s license, book an appointment at the DMV, offer you advice, and help you fill in your application correctly while making sure that all your documents are in order. If you need help replacing your lost or stolen license a traffic attorney from Chicago traffic lawyers can help.
