Illinois driver facilities closed to fight virus’ spread

Secretary of State facilities to remain shut through March 31 as renewal deadlines are extended 30 days.

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Secretary of State offices, including Driver Services centers, are closed through March 31.

Neil Steinberg/Sun-Times

COVID-19 has now affected Illinois’ version of the DMV. Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White said Monday that all of his offices, including Driver Services centers, are closed through March 31.

White said expiration dates for drivers’ licenses, vehicle registrations and other matters are extended 30 days by emergency order. “This important action will help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus,” White said.

A worker said staffers were told they will be paid during the closure and that any vacation time they had booked through March 31 will be returned to them.

White called on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to push back the Oct. 1 implementation of the federal REAL ID in the meantime.

He also said Illinoisans can transact much business with his office on its website, cyberdriveillinois.com. The office will continue to monitor the situation and could change the reopening date, White said.

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