Driver services facilities to stay closed until January

Driver services facilities in Illinois will remain closed until the week of Jan. 4, according to a Friday news release issued by Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White. Sites closed statewide Nov. 17 because of a rise in COVID-19 cases.

However, the Princeton office is among a handful in the state remaining open to selectively serve new drivers and CDL applicants.

“As the health and safety of employees and the public are paramount, we decided to extend the closure of Driver Services facilities until Jan 4, 2021, due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic,” White said in a news release. “Unfortunately, face-to-face transactions potentially increase the further spread of the virus, and protecting the health and safety of our residents is my top priority.”

White said expirations for driver’s licenses and ID cards have been extended until June 1.

Services expanded online

Online services have been expanded during the office closures. Services at cyberdriveillinois.com include:

• Renewing a license plate sticker.

• Renewing a valid driver’s license for qualifying drivers.

• Renewing a valid ID card for people ages 22 to 64 years (seniors 65 and older have free, non-expiring IDs).

• Obtaining a driver record abstract.

• Filing business services documents, such as incorporations and annual reports.

Customers with issues involving administrative hearings can contact adminhearings@ilsos.gov.

In an effort to reduce future facility visits, White expanded online renewals for driver’s licenses and ID cards. Not everyone qualifies, particularly those who are required to pass a written or road test. For qualifying drivers, if the driver’s license or ID card expired between Feb. 1, 2020, and Jan. 31, 2021, then the individual will receive a letter this month with a unique PIN needed to renew online.

If the driver’s license or ID card expires after Feb. 1, 2021, the individual will receive the PIN letter about 90 days before the expiration date.

For more information on determining whether an individual qualifies for online renewal, visit www.cyberdriveillinois.com and click on "Read more on how to renew your driver's license or ID card online" near the top of the main page.

Select sites open for new drivers, CDL applicants

White announced 17 facilities will be open for new drivers only. Locations include facilities in Bradley, Charleston, Chicago North, Chicago South, Danville/Tilton, DeKalb, Marion, Mascoutah, Moline/Silvis, Olney, Peoria, Princeton, Quincy, Rantoul, Rockford, Salem and Springfield.

Select facilities also will be open for CDL applicants to take written and road exams. The 18 CDL facilities are in Bradley, Charleston, Danville/Tilton, DeKalb, Elk Grove Village, Marion, Mascoutah, Moline/Silvis, Olney, Peoria, Princeton, Quincy, Rantoul, Rockford, Salem, South Holland, Springfield and West Chicago.

“Commercial truck drivers provide essential services by ensuring goods can be transported safely and efficiently throughout the state and country during this pandemic,” White said.

CDL driving tests are by appointment only by calling 217-785-3013.