Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White commended the U. S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), for extending the Federal REAL ID deadline to May 3, 2023. DHS cited that it extended the deadline due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The virus is having an impact on both the general public and Driver’s License and ID card-issuing agencies Nationwide.
White, with other State and business leaders from around the Country, had called on DHS to extend the REAL ID deadline.
“I applaud the decision by DHS to extend the REAL ID deadline…19 months past the old deadline of October 1, 2021,” said White. “This is the proper and necessary action in response to the pandemic.”
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 until 2023.
As a reminder, White has expanded online services. He encourages the public to visit his Illinois Secretary of State’s 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.
In addition, White has extended all Driver’s License and ID card expiration dates until Sunday, August 1, 2021. This extension does not apply to Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL) and CDL Learner’s permits.