Need to renew your driver’s license or get a REAL ID in IL? You now have an extension

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced Friday that the expiration dates for driver’s licenses and ID cards have been extended an additional three months from Jan. 1, 2022, to March 31, 2022.

This extension does not apply to commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) and CDL learner’s permits. White noted this will be the final extension.

“During the pandemic, my office has continued to serve the public, including face-to-face transactions, in a safe and responsible manner,” said White. “This extension is necessary as my office continues to address the heavy customer volume caused by the COVID-19 pandemic through expanded online services and the introduction of appointments at select Driver Services facilities.”

Other measures have been taken to handle the demand for services during the pandemic, White said:

• Behind-the-wheel road tests, REAL IDs, standard driver’s licenses and ID cards are handled only by appointment. Customers may visit ilsos.gov for a list of participating facilities, as well as to schedule an appointment. New appointment slots will be available each day at ilsos.gov.
• Remote renewal for driver’s license and ID card holders has been expanded. Since fall, the office has been mailing letters to eligible customers with expired driver’s licenses and ID cards requiring them to renew online, by phone or by mail. The Secretary of State’s office estimates that this will eliminate the need for approximately 1 million people to visit a facility.

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

This story was originally published December 17, 2021 at 10:51 AM.