Section 946.290  Extension or Renewal of Registry Identification Cards

a)         Medical cannabis registry identification cards may be valid for up to three years.

b)         Extension.  If the qualifying patient or designated caregiver who applied for and received a registry identification card approved for less than three years seeks to extend the registry identification card, the patient or caregiver shall complete online an extension form no more than 45 days prior to the expiration date of the card.  For the purpose of extending the registry identification card, it is not necessary to provide proof of Illinois residency or obtain a written certification. A fee is required in accordance with Section 946.210.  The qualifying patient or designated caregiver may seek extension of the registry identification card for a period of one year or two years by paying the fee required by Section 946.210.

c)         Renewal.  At the end of every three-year period, no less than 45 days prior to the expiration of a registry identification card, the qualifying patient and designated caregiver, if one is indicated, may apply for a new registry identification card as follows:

1)         Renew the registration identification card online or submit by completing the renewal application for the qualifying patient and designated caregiver, if one is indicated.  The application includes:

A)        One clear photocopy of a U.S. or State government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, as proof of identity;

B)        Proof of Illinois residency by meeting the requirements specified in Section 946.200(c).  If the address on the Illinois driver's license matches the patient's and caregiver's address, no additional documentation is needed for proof of residency;

C)        A signed and dated written certifying health care professional's certification meeting the requirements of this Part and dated not more than six months prior to the application renewal date.  A qualifying patient who is a veteran or spouse of a veteran and receiving medical care for a qualifying medical condition at a VA hospital shall submit his or her official VA medical record, as required by Section 946.240, instead of a written certification;

D)        At the end of every three-year period, a renewal application may be submitted for a one-, two-, or three-year period from the expiration date of the registry identification card;

E)        If the registered qualifying patient does not have a caregiver, but would like to designate one, a caregiver application may be submitted at this time in accordance with the requirements of Section 946.200.  The registered qualifying patient may designate up to three caregivers;

2)         Designate the medical cannabis dispensing organization where the qualifying patient will receive their medical cannabis;

3)         Pay the required application fee (see Section 946.210);

4)         The renewal application may be for a period of one, two, or three years.  Those patients with the designation of a lifelong debilitating medical condition on the health care professional certification will be renewed for three years, with the submission of a $50 fee and proof of Illinois residency (see Section 946.200(c)).

(Source:  Amended at 45 Ill. Reg. 6205, effective April 27, 2021)