Need extra time to renew that driver’s license? Now you have it

Expiration dates for driver’s licenses and ID cards are now extended to March 31, Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced on Friday.

This will be the final extension, White said in a news release. The new extension does not apply to does not apply to commercial driver’s licenses and CDL learner’s permits, the release said.

“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,” White said in the release.

The previous expiration date was Jan. 1. In addition, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security extended the federal REAL ID deadline to May 3, 2023, the release also said.

“Public Act 102-678 authorizes the Secretary of State’s office to extend driver’s license and ID card expiration dates to March 31, 2022,” the release said.

White’s office has addressed the “heavy customer demand” at driver service facilities during the pandemic in various ways. The release said these include:

• Requiring appointments at some facilities for behind-the-wheel road tests, REAL IDs, standard driver’s licenses and ID cards. For participating facilities and to schedule an appoints, visit ilsos.gov.

• Expanding remote renewal for driver’s license and ID card holders, which may eliminate the need for approximately 1 million people to visit a driver’s service facility.

• Urging people who are eligible to use online services at ilsos.gov for purchasing license plate stickers, obtaining a duplicate driver’s license or ID card and renewing driver’s licenses and ID cards (including REAL IDs).