Secretary of state's office opens larger ‘flagship' DMV in the Loop
'Our new Flagship Center showcases the efficiencies generated by all our modernization initiatives working in unison,' Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said in a statement. 'It offers a wide array of services from several of our departments, all at one convenient location in Chicago's Loop.'
The new 24,000-square-foot facility at 125 W. Monroe St. is nearly five times the size of downtown's former office at the corner of Randolph and LaSalle streets, which closed on Friday 'and often experienced long lines and wait times because of its small size,' Giannoulias' office said.
Employees working at the new facility will be able to provide driver's license and vehicle registration services from a single counter, Giannoulias' office said. There will also be an on-site fast-lane kiosk, allowing customers to quickly renew licenses, state IDs including Real IDs, and purchase vehicle stickers, and a section of the facility will serve other non-motorist-related functions, such as incorporating businesses, the office said.
The facility will be staffed by more than 60 workers. Giannoulias said he also plans to hold regular 'office hours' at the new facility to give customers and residents the opportunity to talk with him and offer feedback on their experience with the facility, according to the office.
The services offered at the facility include informal hearings for drivers whose privileges have been suspended or revoked for a single DUI citation, which doesn't involve a death, and other moving violations. Customers can also visit the facility to obtain certified copies of business records, file articles of incorporation and file reinstatements to return their business to good standing.
There are also walk-in services for customers needing to obtain certificates of authority for foreign-use documents. And people seeking jobs at the driver and vehicle service facilities can submit job applications at this location.
The facility will offer a hybrid system of both walk-in and appointment services from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and residents can schedule an appointment by visiting www.ilsos.gov or calling 800-252-9080.
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