Due to the recent surge of new COVID-19 cases in Illinois, Secretary of State Jesse White announced that all department offices will remain closed through Monday, Jan. 24.
The exception is Illinois Drivers Services facilities, which along with other secretary of state facilities, were closed by the secretary of state’s office on Jan. 3. Nearly all of those one-stop shops for Illinois drivers up and down the state won’t reopen until Tuesday, Jan. 25, as they operate on a Tuesday through Saturday schedule. That includes facilities across the Illinois Quad Cities.
Drivers services offices originally were scheduled to reopen Tuesday, Jan. 18. But Mr. White announced the latest delay in a news release. “The health and safety of employees and the public remains my top priority, and face-to-face transactions potentially increase the further spread of the virus,” he said. “We are pleased to see what appears to be the beginning of a downswing in COVID-19 cases and, if this trend continues, we will reopen Jan. 24 for face-to-face transactions.”
Mr. White also encouraged the public to visit ilsos.gov for online services. Online transactions will remain open for all departments to conduct office services, including, but not limited to the following:
- 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 remains open at (800) 252-8980. Customers with issues involving administrative hearings may email [email protected] or call (312) 793-3722 or (217) 782-7065.
Mr. White also has extended all driver’s license and ID card expiration dates to March 31, 2022. Expiration dates for commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) and commercial learner’s permits (CLPs) have been extended to Jan. 31, 2022, for CDLs and CLPs with expiration dates between Nov. 1, 2021, and Jan. 31, 2022.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security also has extended the federal REAL ID deadline to May 3, 2023. For more information, visit ilsos.gov.