CHERRY VALLEY – State Senator Dave Syverson (R-Cherry Valley) says the Secretary of State’s new Skip the Line program, set to launch Sept. 1, has several changes that could be confusing for motorists.
“The Secretary of State has said they introduced this new program in an attempt to minimize wait times for Illinoisans and streamline the process for accessing essential Driver Services,” said Syverson. “I am not convinced that this approach will offer all residents an improved experience.”
According to the Secretary of State’s Web site, appointments will be required at some, but not all, Illinois Secretary of State locations for motorists seeking Driver Services like REAL ID, driver’s license and ID card renewals and services, and in-car driving tests.
As of today, the area facilities that will require appointments to be made for service are Rockford – East State, DeKalb, Belvidere, Woodstock, and Elgin. Facilities that DO NOT need appointments are Rockford – Auburn Street, and Rockford – Baxter Road.
The total list of facilities requiring appointments can be found at Appointment-Only Facilities (ilsos.gov). To schedule those appointments, go online at www.ilsos.gov or call 844-817-4649. Appointments can only be made two weeks in advance.
All Secretary of State facilities will continue to offer in-person services, with no appointments required, for people seeking Vehicle-Related Services like vehicle titles and registrations or renewing license plate stickers.
All Illinois Secretary of State locations will also adopt new operating hours, effective Sept. 1. They will be open Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. A limited number of Secretary of State locations will also have service hours on Saturdays, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
“My sense is that these changes could become a source of even more frustration and a backlog for those seeking Driver Services,” Syverson said. “Government is supposed to be a service industry. By limiting hours at most Secretary of State facilities to weekdays, it will become a hardship for those who work, and now need to take time off to conduct their Driver Services business.”
Syverson said his office is available to help residents with appointment scheduling, or with any questions about the new Skip the Line program. Residents are encouraged to contact his office at 815-987-7555.