COVID forces closure of Illinois drivers license facilities. Here’s what it means to you

Due to an increase in COVID-19 cases statewide, Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced Wednesday that all driver services facilities will close from January 3 through 17.

“The health and safety of employees and the public remains paramount, and face-to-face transactions potentially increase the further spread of the virus,” White said in a statement.

“Our goal is to safely reopen all offices and driver services facilities on January 18 for face-to-face transactions.”

In the meantime, White encouraged the public to visit ilsos.gov for online services. Online transactions will remain open for all departments to conduct office services including:

• Renewing a license plate sticker.
• Renewing a driver’s license or ID card for those who qualify (individuals may call 217-785-1424 to confirm their eligibility or to obtain their PIN).
• Obtaining a duplicate driver’s license or ID card.
• Obtaining a driver record abstract.
• Filing business services documents, such as incorporations and annual reports.

In addition, the Drivers and Vehicles Services hotline phone number will remain open at 800-252-8980.

Customers with issues involving administrative hearings may email adminhearings@ilsos.gov or call 312-793-3722 or 217-782-7065.

All driver’s license and ID card expiration dates have been extended to March 31, 2022. This extension does not apply to commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) and CDL learner’s permits.

In addition, the state expanded remote renewal for driver’s license and ID card holders. It sent letters to eligible customers with expired driver’s licenses and ID cards requiring them to renew online, by phone or by mail.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has extended the federal REAL ID deadline to May 3, 2023.

For more information, visit ilsos.gov.

This story was originally published December 29, 2021 at 1:36 PM.