On January 29th, Pilsen Neighbors Community Council will be hosting the 6th Driver's License Reinstatement Expo. It will be held on Malcolm X College, from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm

The DLRE (Driver’s License Reinstatement Expo) was created to assist members of the public learn why their individual driving privileges are suspended or revoked. Most participants will be counseled by experienced attorneys regarding what they need to clear their driving records to get a valid Illinois driver’s license. The Expo is also an official court date per Order of the Chief Judge of Cook County. A select number of participants will be identified to appear in court with an appointed lawyer, if they qualify, to have their matters heard before a judge, in order to seek a possible resolution to their matters. Each participant will be notified if they will be counseled or motioned into court.

Talisha Morey, one of the participants from this year’s expo, said the DLRE changed her life: “I have 6 children and had not been able to drive for over 10 years because my license was suspended. I heard about the DLRE and did not believe it was real. I signed up and today I can say that I finally have my driver’s license back.”

Registration deadline is Friday, January 14th. If you would like to participate, click here, there are few spots left!

The Shared Cost Sidewalk Program is an extremely popular voluntary program in which property owners share the cost of sidewalk repair with the City. Thousands of Chicagoans have been a part of this popular program, taking advantage of the low cost, exceptional value, and ease of participation.

The Shared Cost Sidewalk Program cost per square foot charged to property owners is well below what a private contractor would charge. Senior citizens and persons with disabilities may qualify for a further discounted rate.

Applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. The number of participants is based on availability of funds. The program typically reaches capacity quickly, so you are encouraged to apply early. Please note that if you applied for the program in previous years, you must apply again in 2022 if you wish to be considered for the 2022 program.

Applications will only be accepted through the City’s 311 system by calling the 16th Ward Service Office, through the City’s service request website https://311.chicago.gov, or through the free CHI311 mobile apps on iOS Apple and Android on Monday, January 10, 2022.

The property owner’s contact information and the property address are required at the time of request.

Click on the links below for more information on the program.
• Program overview
• Frequently asked questions

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced that expiration dates for driver’s licenses and ID cards have been extended an additional three months – from Jan. 1, 2022, to March 31, 2022. This extension does not apply to commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) and CDL learner’s permits. White noted this will be the final extension.

“During the pandemic, my office has continued to serve the public, including face-to-face transactions, in a safe and responsible manner,” said White. “This extension is necessary as my office continues to address the heavy customer volume caused by the COVID-19 pandemic through expanded online services and the introduction of appointments at select Driver Services facilities.”

Public Act 102-678 authorizes the Secretary of State’s office to extend driver’s license and ID card expiration dates to March 31, 2022.

Throughout the pandemic, White’s office has launched a diversified effort to address the heavy customer demand at facilities caused by the ongoing pandemic by requiring appointments at select facilities and expanding online services. These efforts include:

• Requiring appointments at select Driver Services facilities for behind-the-wheel road tests, REAL IDs, standard driver’s licenses and ID cards. Customers may visit ilsos.gov for a list of participating facilities, as well as to schedule an appointment. New appointment slots will be available each day at ilsos.gov.

• Expanding remote renewal for driver’s license and ID card holders. Since fall, the office has been mailing letters to eligible customers with expired driver’s licenses and ID cards requiring them to renew online, by phone or by mail. The office estimates that this will eliminate the need for approximately 1 million people to visit a facility.

• Urging the public to consider using online services at ilsos.gov instead of visiting a facility for transactions such as purchasing license plate stickers, obtaining a duplicate driver’s license or ID card, and renewing driver’s licenses and ID cards, including REAL IDs, for those who are eligible.

As a reminder, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has extended the federal REAL ID deadline to May 3, 2023.