West Central Reporter

Illinois Driver Services facilities reopened throughout the state this week but are operating in a limited capacity.

Secretary of State Jessie White says that the reopening of the facilities will included extended hours and measures to ensure the public remains healthy and safe, WLDS reports. During the first two months of reopening, vehicle and license or state ID transactions will be the only services offered. 

White's office said Illinois has more than 700,000 expired drivers licenses and ID cards. In addition, more than 1.9 million vehicle registrations have expired in Illinois. 

While thousands of licenses and ID cards have expired, White told WLDS that due to the pandemic, expiration dates are extended 90 days after Gov. J.B. Pritzker's emergency declaration ends. 

All staff and customers of the facilities will have to wear face masks as a safety precaution. Plexiglass dividers will also be used as a safety measure to separate employees from customers at work stations and social distancing will be enforced with 6-foot markers. Driver Services facilities will also be operating with a limited capacity. 

The facilities will be issuing driving tests and face masks will be required to be worn by both the employee and customer, WLDS reported. Employees will also be required to wear face shields during the tests and use seat coverings that will be disposed of after. 

When possible, Illinoisans should use online driver services offered through the Secretary of State's website, White told the news agency. 

Jacksonville, Beardstown and Pittsfield Driver Services facilities are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and 7:30 a.m. to noon on Saturdays, WLDA reports. 

White told WLDS Driver Services facilities have been closed since March 17 for in-person service, but has provided over 1.3 million transactions online during that time.