Deadline Extended For Expired Licenses To Avoid Long, Hot Lines

ILLINOIS — Drivers who experienced the sinking feeling of seeing a looming expiration date on their license have just been granted an extension through Secretary of State Jesse White's office, officials announced Monday.

The extension moves the deadline for renewing driver's licenses and ID cards to Jan. 1, 2022, giving residents an extra five months to make their way to the DMV. Licenses that expire between July and December of this year are also included in the extended deadline.

Before Gov. J. B. Pritzker signed Senate Bill 2232 into law, legalizing such extensions, the previous deadline was Aug. 1. White's office said it was concerned customers would be stuck waiting in long lines outside in the July and August heat.

"Extending expiration dates until January 1, 2022, means people with an expired driver's license or ID card do not need to rush into a Driver Services facility immediately," White said in a statement. "During hot weather, I would suggest residents consider delaying visits to Driver Services facilities. But if you must visit a facility, please come prepared to wait outside due to continued social distancing efforts, which limits the number of people inside a facility at one time."

The extension does not apply to expired commercial driver's licenses or CDL learner's permits.

White's office restated the importance of its online identification renewal process, which is available for some residents, and said people should take advantage of mailed options for renewing license plate stickers as well.

Drivers can check whether they are eligible for online renewal on the SOS office's website.

Those looking to renew or get a new identification are encouraged to take note of the extended federal REAL ID deadline, which will be required in all federal buildings beginning May 2, 2023.