Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services facilities reopen statewide today

Illinois driver's license facilities reopened throughout the state Tuesday, more than a month after shutting down in response to a surge of coronavirus cases.

Throughout the pandemic, Secretary of State Jesse White's office has granted license renewal extensions and encouraged drivers to renew online in an attempt to keep crowds from rushing to facilities.

Expiration dates for driver's licenses and ID cards have been extended to June 1.

"There's no reason for people to come out right now," said Dave Druker, a spokesman for White.

More than 40,000 drivers have used an online renewal program, according to White's office.

Qualifying drivers will receive a letter with a unique PIN about 90 days before the license expiration date. The PIN is required to renew online at cyberdriveillinois.com. Drivers also can renew a license plate sticker online.

Eligibility requirements for renewing online are listed on the secretary of state's website.

People still have to visit a DMV in-person to renew their license if it's been suspended, if the license has been expired for more than a year or if they have to pass a written or road test.

Employees and patrons are required to wear masks at driver's license facilities. Plexiglass dividers have been installed at work stations, and tape marks the floor to remind people to stay 6 feet apart.

White's office cautions that drivers should be prepared to wait outside because social distancing limits the number of people allowed in a facility.

"Secretary White made the decision that the licenses are good until June 1, because he did not want people waiting outside in the cold weather," Druker said.

The COVID-19-related closures took effect Nov. 17, but commercial driver's license facilities stayed open to accommodate truck drivers.