Macon Reporter

State Sen. Doris Turner (D-Springfield) is reminding her 48th District constituents that the deadline for ID renewal has been extended by a full three months to March 31.

“With the predicted surge in COVID-19 cases around the state, it’s important to take as many steps to slow the spread of the disease as much as we can,” Turner said in a news release. “Many services have been made available online, so I encourage you to take full advantage of the new extension and the secretary of state’s website.”

While the new expiration does not extend to commercial driver’s licenses, the extension comes as secretary of state offices across the state continue to work overtime on getting caught up following all the COVID-19-related closures that have hampered daily operations.

To cut down on long lines and wait times, individuals also have the option of visiting the secretary of state’s online services website at ilsos.gov. to  conduct such transactions as renewing a vehicle registration; applying for a vehicle title and registration; obtaining a duplicate driver’s license or ID card and renewing a standard driver’s license with the Safe Driver Renewal program.

Turner is also reminding residents the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has extended the federal REAL ID deadline, allowing individuals to use current state driver’s licenses or ID cards at airports, military bases and secure federal facilities, to May 3, 2023.

Secretary of state Jesse White also recently announced the expiration dates for Illinois driver’s licenses and ID cards have likewise been extended an additional three months.

"During the pandemic, my office has continued to serve the public, including face-to-face transactions, in a safe and responsible manner," White said in a statement. "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."