CHICAGO –– Secretary of State Jesse White today unveiled a new online service that allows Illinois motorists who qualify for the Safe Driver program to renew their licenses via the Internet, making it easier for them to take care of their driving needs from home.
"Making government accessible online is one way of providing better customer service," said White. "If consumers can go online to purchase clothes, buy groceries or buy stocks, why shouldn't they expect the same service from government?"
Last June, White brought online service to the office for the first time. Illinois motorists were given the opportunity to renew their vehicle license plates via the Internet. To date, more than 150,000 motorists have renewed their license plates online using a credit card. Motorists can also use the Web site's secure form to update addresses with the Secretary of State's office, required within 10 days of a move.
By visiting www.cyberdriveillinois.com, Safe Drivers can now renew their driver's licenses by using a personal check or a valid Visa, MasterCard, Discover or Diner's Club credit card.
To be eligible for participation in the Safe Driver program, Illinois motorists must be between the ages of 22 and 74 with no driving tickets or violations on their records for four consecutive years. Motorists with drunk driving arrests are not eligible. Also excluded are school bus drivers, truck drivers and others who hold commercial driver's licenses. Drivers who are eligible for this status receive a notification in the mail.
Roughly 25 percent of Illinois drivers are eligible for the program, more than half a million in 1999. The Internet gives Safe Drivers a third renewal option outside of visiting a facility, including mail-in replies and the touch-tone phone system.
In addition, this is one of the first e-services in the state, including the Department of Revenue's tax filings, to allow citizens to utilize personal checking accounts for payment.
To utilize the newest online renewal, Safe Drivers must type in the Renewal Authorization Code listed on the Safe Drivers notification letter. During the process, customers can also choose to be mailed a motor voter registration application or to join the organ donation registry.
Overview of Safe Driver Renewal online transaction - PDF
