Illinois secretary of state office near me

"This is the first time I tried Elston Ave location because it's the only option for us during the pandemic. I thought it was going to be difficult to get things done here because it's in the city and it's one of the few open in IL. Turned out the best experience I've had with DMV office. The employees are very friendly and helpful, they guide you to the line and check your documents while you wait so you wouldn't waste your time when you get to the office. Once you are in everything goes fast, it's very organized. Unlike the Des Plaines location. I think I will start coming here even if Des Plaines reopens."

Drivers were allowed to postpone renewing their licenses during the pandemic, but that ends Thursday. The deadline applies to licenses, ID cards and permits, but not commercial driver's licenses.

Wendell Powers' driver's license expired in June of 2020, but the Hyde Park retiree was in no hurry to renew since the Secretary of State offered several extensions during the pandemic.

"I kept putting it off, putting it off because there were extensions," he said.

But, now is the time to worry about it. As of Dec. 1, there are no more extensions for an expired driver's license.

"A ticket for driving on an expired license is up to $500," Secretary of State spokesperson Beth Kaufman said.

It's a ticket Flex Bonbata could have gotten had he not been reminded about the deadline.

"I didn't know until my dad told me," Bonbata said. "But I'm a kid, I don't listen to my parents and then I got pulled over and they said you better go get your license 'cause you could get in trouble for this."

With the looming deadline this week, there has been an uptick of people at driver's license facilities downtown and in the suburbs.

Extensions were necessary during the height of COVID because of closed facilities and social distancing. While the pandemic produced long lines, it also resulted in some permanent changes, including renewing licenses online.

"We've had more than a million people renew from the comfort of their own home," Kaufman said.

But there are eligibility requirements to renew virtually. Mainly, a driver needs a clear driving record. Another way to avoid long lines is making an appointment, which is not available downtown, but it is encouraged at many other facilities.

The next deadline the Secretary of State's office is bracing for is May 3. That is the day Americans will need a Real ID to fly. Getting one online is not an option, so Illinoisans must get one at a drivers' services facility.

-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.

"After careful consideration and out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to close all Driver Services facilities beginning Jan. 3, 2022, through Jan. 17, 2022, due to the spike in COVID-19 cases," said White. "The health and safety of employees and the public remains paramount, and face-to-face transactions potentially increase the further spread of the virus. Our goal is to safely reopen all offices and Driver Services facilities on January 18 for face-to-face transactions."

The Drivers and Vehicles Services hotline phone number will remain open at 800-252-8980. Customers with issues involving administrative hearings may email [email protected] or call 312-793-3722 or 217-782-7065.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — All Illinois Secretary of State departments will not conduct in-person transactions including driver services from Jan. 3 through Jan. 17, the agency said Wednesday, citing an increase in COVID-19 cases statewide.

Secretary of State Jesse White is encouraging the public to visit ilsos.gov for online services including renewing a license plate sticker, renewing a driver’s license or ID card and filing business services documents such as incorporations and annual reports.

“After careful consideration and out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to close all Driver Services facilities beginning Jan. 3, 2022, through Jan. 17, 2022, due to the spike in COVID-19 cases,” said White. “The health and safety of employees and the public remains paramount, and face-to-face transactions potentially increase the further spread of the virus. Our goal is to safely reopen all offices and Driver Services facilities on January 18 for face-to-face transactions.”

All departments and driver services facilities will reopen on Tuesday, Jan. 18, White said.

White has extended all driver’s license and ID card expiration dates to March 31, 2022. The extension does not apply to commercial driver’s licenses.

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