Is there a one-year grace period for renewing my license?

Traffic Laws Forum
1

Hey everyone, I moved from Texas to Illinois over 90 days ago and haven’t been able to renew my driver’s license yet because of a back injury from an auto accident. I heard Illinois has a 90-day rule for new residents to switch their license, but do they allow a one-year grace period in situations like this? Also, they’re saying my original 1947 birth certificate isn’t valid unless it’s certified, which seems pretty unfair. Anyone else dealt with this?

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Sounds frustrating, sorry to hear that! From what I know, Illinois doesn’t officially offer a one-year grace period. But if you have medical documentation showing why you couldn’t get it done on time, the DMV might be understanding. Have you tried taking that up with them?

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@Bao
Thanks! I haven’t yet, but that’s a good idea. I do have records from my doctor. Do you know if they’d waive any penalties if I show those?

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Dane said:
@Bao
Thanks! I haven’t yet, but that’s a good idea. I do have records from my doctor. Do you know if they’d waive any penalties if I show those?

They might! It’s worth asking a supervisor when you go in. Bring everything you have just in case. Good luck!

5

Wait, they rejected your birth certificate? That’s wild. If it’s readable and the stamp is visible, what’s their problem?

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Zorion said:
Wait, they rejected your birth certificate? That’s wild. If it’s readable and the stamp is visible, what’s their problem?

Exactly! One DMV clerk had no issue with it, but the one I got said it wasn’t good enough. Now they’re saying I need a certified copy for $29.

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@Dane
Ugh, classic DMV inconsistency. Have you tried asking to speak with a supervisor? Sometimes they’ll just overrule stuff like this.

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@Dane
What’s a certified copy anyway? Like, isn’t your original legit enough?

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Hollis said:
@Dane
What’s a certified copy anyway? Like, isn’t your original legit enough?

Yeah, the original should be fine, but a certified copy is one officially issued by the vital records office. It’s basically just bureaucracy making money off us.

10

If you can’t renew your Texas license because you’re in Illinois now, does that mean you can’t drive at all right now?

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Holland said:
If you can’t renew your Texas license because you’re in Illinois now, does that mean you can’t drive at all right now?

Pretty much. I haven’t driven since I moved because of my injury, so that helps. But yeah, technically, I shouldn’t be driving without an Illinois license now.

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Holland said:
If you can’t renew your Texas license because you’re in Illinois now, does that mean you can’t drive at all right now?

That’s rough. You might want to get this sorted soon. Even if you’re not driving now, you don’t want to risk any legal issues later.

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Honestly, the $29 for a certified birth certificate sounds like a scam. Can’t believe they’d charge that when you have the original.

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Jason said:
Honestly, the $29 for a certified birth certificate sounds like a scam. Can’t believe they’d charge that when you have the original.

Right? It feels like extortion. I’ve had this birth certificate my whole life, and now suddenly it’s not good enough?

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@Dane
Totally. You could try explaining all this to the DMV supervisor. Maybe they’ll make an exception.