State Representatives Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City) is working with the Illinois Secretary of State to inform Illinoisans about the extension by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on the federal REAL ID deadline to May 3, 2023. The DHS acknowledged that it extended the deadline due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the impact the virus is having on the general public as well as the issuing agencies around the country for driver’s license and ID cards.
“These extensions are the right thing to do for people who cannot be blamed for the Covid-19 restrictions and orders imposed by the federal government and the governor,” said Rep. Blaine Wilhour.
With the extended federal deadline of REAL ID, current Illinois driver’s licenses or ID cards will continue to be accepted at airports and secure federal facilities, nineteen months beyond the original deadline of October 1, 2021.
Also, the Secretary of State has extended all driver’s license and ID card expiration dates until Aug 1, 2021. This extension does not apply to commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) and CDL learner’s permits.
As a reminder, the Secretary of State has expanded on-line services on the website at www.cyberdriveillinois.com instead of visiting a Driver Services facility. Many transactions can now be conducted online, including renewing standard driver’s licenses and ID cards for those who are eligible.