CHICAGO – State Senator Bill Cunningham is alerting his constituents about big changes to how Illinois issues driver’s licenses. Starting September 1, anyone looking to renew their license, or get one for the first time, will have to make an appointment before visiting a Secretary of State office.

The new appointment-only program, called “Skip-the-Line,” is being introduced by Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias to end the dreaded ritual of waiting in line for hours to renew a driver’s license.

“This new approach should drastically improve the experience of getting a driver’s license in Illinois,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “However, it will take some getting used to for both motorists and the Secretary of State’s office, so it’s important that Illinois residents familiarize themselves with the appointment-only process to make the transition as smooth as possible.”

The easiest way to book an appointment is to visit the Secretary of State’s website at www.ilsos.gov. Visitors can easily search for appointments by facility, date and time. Those who do not have access to a computer or are uncomfortable using one can call (844) 817-4649 to schedule an appointment with an operator.

Motorists seeking some other vehicle-related service, such as title and registration or renewing license plate stickers, are not required to make an appointment and can walk in to any Secretary of State facility. Many of those services can be accessed online as well.

In conjunction with the “Skip-the-Line” program, the Secretary of State’s office is changing operating hours at many of its facilities. Starting Sept. 1, the facilities closest to the 18th Senate District will operate as follows:

• Chicago South: 9901 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
• Midlothian: 14434 S. Pulaski Rd., Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
• Bridgeview: 7358 W. 87th St., Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. No Saturday hours.
• Orland Township: 14807 S. Ravinia Ave., Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. No Saturday hours.

“Our goal is to eliminate the Time Tax that has plagued Illinoisans for years, forcing them to stand in long lines wasting time – just to conduct basic services,” Giannoulias said. “Extending hours and requiring appointments is the most efficient way to get the services you need quickly and without the headache of unpredictable wait times.”

For more information about the “Skip-the-Line” program, visit the Secretary of State’s website.