Deadline To Renew Expired Illinois Driver's Licenses, ID Arrives

ILLINOIS – Illinoisans may notice longer lines at Secretary of State offices on Thursday as, after a pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the deadline to renew expired driver’s licenses and state ID cards has arrived.

Secretary of State Jesse White allowed for the delay in renewals during the pandemic, which caused staffing levels at the Secretary of State offices to be limited or in some cases, for some offices to close. But with cases diminishing, White announced earlier this year that residents had until Dec. 1 to renew their expired licenses.

To address the high customer volume caused by the pandemic, White’s office also expanded online renewals for expired driver’s licenses and ID cards and the agencies continue to mail letters to eligible customers.

The letter provides driver’s license and ID card holders with a unique PIN to renew online instead of visiting a facility. Customers may call (217)785-1424 to confirm their eligibility for online renewal or to obtain their PIN. They may also visit the Secretary of State's website to look up their eligibility status.

White, meanwhile, continues to encourage people to conduct other business online at the agency's website. In addition to driver’s license and ID card renewals for those who qualify, online services include obtaining a duplicate driver’s license or ID card, ordering a driver's record, and purchasing license plate stickers.

Customers visiting a Driver Services facility to renew their driver’s license or ID card have the option to make an appointment at one of the 30 appointment facilities, or they can visit a walk-in facility.

To determine what facilities require an appointment or to make an appointment, customers should visit ilsos.gov. Individuals without internet access may call (844) 817-4649 to schedule an appointment. Only larger facilities require appointments. Many small, rural facilities do not use the appointment system because they do not experience the heavy customer volume that large facilities encounter. These facilities remain accessible to walk-in customers. Some facilities in the Chicago area also continue to serve walk-ins.

Residents also are reminded that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the deadline to obtain a Real ID card has been extended until May 3, 2023.