Senate Passes License Expiration Extension

Liz Gullett

Jun 11, 2021

In response to the backlog at Secretary of State branch offices, the Senate passed an extension to expiration dates of driver’s licenses and state identification cards. Branch offices have been overwhelmed and residents have been having difficulty scheduling appointments due to the ongoing impacts of the pandemic. These bills would retroactively extend expiration dates until September 30, 2021. Additionally, late fees would be waived until branch offices return to no longer requiring appointments. Republican members have been increasingly at-odds with Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson over her policy to no longer allow walk-ins at the branches and instead require appointments. The bill package has been referred to the House Oversight Committee.

Earlier in the week Secretary Benson announced three changes to help address the need for Secretary of State services by residents:

- Reducing transaction times to increase appointments by 25% between now and the end of the fiscal year.
- Residents will be able to book appointments in person with greeters at the door of many of the busiest offices this month.
- Residents needing disability placards will be served as soon as possible after arrival, with no appointment necessary.

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