Illinois Driver’s License Extended: What You Need to Know
In a recent announcement by the Illinois Secretary of State, it was revealed that driver’s licenses expiring between March 2020 and February 2021 have been extended for an additional year. This decision comes as a relief to many Illinois residents who have been struggling to renew their licenses due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The extension applies to all driver’s licenses, ID cards, vehicle registration stickers, and other documents issued by the Illinois Secretary of State that expired between March 1, 2020, and February 28, 2021. This means that anyone with an expired driver’s license within this timeframe will now have until the same date in 2022 to renew their license without facing any penalties or late fees.
Secretary of State Jesse White explained that the extension was necessary to help alleviate the backlog of appointments at driver services facilities caused by the pandemic. “We understand that many Illinois residents have been unable to renew their driver’s licenses due to the closure of our facilities or other restrictions related to COVID-19,” White said in a statement. “By extending the expiration dates for these documents, we hope to provide some relief to those who have been affected by this challenging situation.”
The extension also applies to commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) and commercial learner’s permits (CLPs) that expired between March and February 2021. However, it does not apply to any driver’s licenses or ID cards that were expired before March 2020 or will expire after February 2021.
To take advantage of the extension, Illinois residents do not need to take any action. The Secretary of State’s office will automatically update the expiration dates for all eligible driver’s licenses in their system. This means that drivers do not need to visit a driver services facility or request an extension in order to benefit from the extra year.
While the extension provides some relief for those with expired driver’s licenses, it is important to note that the state’s roadways are still being patrolled by law enforcement officers. Drivers with expired licenses should carry a copy of the Secretary of State’s announcement or any other documentation that proves their license has been extended in case they are pulled over.
In addition to extending the expiration dates for driver’s licenses, the Illinois Secretary of State has also implemented other measures to help residents during the pandemic. This includes expanding online services for license plate sticker renewals, vehicle registration renewals, and other transactions that can be completed remotely.
For those who prefer to renew their driver’s license in person, appointments at driver services facilities can be made online through the Secretary of State’s website. However, due to the backlog of appointments, it is recommended that individuals schedule their appointment well in advance to ensure they can secure a slot at their preferred location.
Overall, the extension of driver’s licenses in Illinois is a welcome development for residents who have been struggling to renew their licenses during the pandemic. By providing an additional year to renew expired licenses without facing penalties, the Secretary of State’s office is helping to alleviate some of the stress and uncertainty brought on by COVID-19.
As the situation continues to evolve, it is important for Illinois residents to stay updated on any changes or developments related to driver’s license renewals. By staying informed and following the guidelines set forth by the Secretary of State, drivers can ensure they remain in compliance with the law while navigating these challenging times.
