Currently, medical cannabis has two types of renewals:
- An extension renewal, which is a yearly incremental renewal for patients that did not purchase a three-year card at the onset of registering and wish to continue with the Medical Cannabis Patient Program. No Physician Written Certification is required for this type of extension.
- A full Recertification renewal, a renewal for for patients that have had their cards for three years or whose card has expired. Full recertification renewal will require patients to go see their certifying health care professional for a new updated physician certification as well as additional documents. Be sure to read all renewal letters in their entirety.
IDPH will mail a courtesy letter about your extension renewal (one-year incremental renewal) approximately 45 days prior to expiration date on the medical cannabis registry card. IDPH will mail a courtesy letter about your full recertification renewals (three-year cards) five months prior to the expiration date on the medical cannabis registry card, along with a Physician Written Certification.
Can I extend or re-certify my registry identification card on-line?
Yes. Once you receive the letter from IDPH indicating you are able to extend or recertify your registry card, you MUST complete the renewal on-line ONLY at https://medicalcannabispatients.illinois.gov. Do not mail any renewal documentation to IDPH.
If you currently have or had a 6-month Terminal Illness Registry Card, DO NOT start a Terminal Illness application. You must call 855-636-3688 and ask to speak to a Terminal Illness Specialist or email dph.terminalill@illinois.gov for instructions.
What is the fee for extending my medical cannabis registry card?
Your Medical Cannabis Registry Identification Card Application is valid for up to three years. You may choose to extend your registry card by selecting a one-year card:
| Extension Fee | Reduced Extension Fee * |
|---|---|
| $100 - One-Year Registry Card | $50 - One-Year Registry Card |
*The reduced fee is for qualifying patients enrolled in the Federal Social Security Disability Income (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability programs, or Veterans.
| Renewal Fees Are Not Refundable | Reduced Fee Applications (Submit DD214 or SSI Letter) |
|---|---|
| $100 - One-Year Registry Card | $50 - One-Year Registry Card |
| $200 - Two-Year Registry Card | $100 - Two-Year Registry Card |
| $250 - Three-Year Registry Card | $125 - Three-Year Registry Card |
*The reduced fee is for qualifying patients enrolled in the Federal Social Security Disability Income (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability programs, or Veterans.
If you paid a reduced application fee previously, you do NOT need to send a copy of your SSI/SSDI letter or DD214 with your extension form.
If you paid the full application fee during your initial application, but qualify for a reduced fee now, you must attach a copy of your DD214 or “Benefit Verification” letter from the Social Security Administration.
After each three-year cycle, you will be required to submit a new application along with a physician certification, a new photo and other documentation to extend your registry identification card.
Do I need to see my doctor or get my fingerprints taken?
Your Medical Cannabis Registry Identification Card Application is valid for up to three years. If you currently have a registry identification card, which is valid for 12 months, you will not need to get your fingerprints taken or have your physician complete a physician certification,
At the end of each three-year period, you will be required to renew your registry identification card and submit new documentation, including, but not limited to a physician certification, photo, etc. “Note: The Medical Cannabis Program no longer requires a fingerprint background check.”
What happens if my registry identification card expires before I am able to submit my extension online?
You will need to complete a new application to participate in the program, including obtaining a physician certification. If your card expires, you will not have the benefit of the immunities provided by the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act under Section 25 to registered qualifying patients and designated caregivers.
Will my designated caregiver have to get an extension or recertify as well?
Yes. If you have a designated caregiver, you must extend or recertify his/her registry card at the same time.
Can I change my designated caregiver?
Yes, you may change your designated caregiver. If you are adding a new caregiver, you must submit a new caregiver application including a photo and supporting documents. Your new caregiver will not be effective until a complete application has been received and approved. We recommend you discuss this with the person who is your current caregiver before submitting a new caregiver application.
My registry identification card does not expire until next year. Can I get an extension form now?
IDPH will mail a courtesy extension or recertification renewal letter to the registered qualifying patient approximately 45 days (for extensions) and five months (for full recertification) before the expiration date listed on the medical cannabis registry identification card. Please wait for this letter before attempting to extend/renew your card. Be vigilant of the expiration date on the medical cannabis registry card, as patients/caregivers are responsible of keeping track of the expiration date. Please contact the Medical Cannabis program with questions.