CHICAGO (CBS) — Illinois opened the first-of-its-kind “DMV+” facility in the western suburb of Melrose Park on Thursday, with the goal of reducing wait times and offering customers more services.
In addition to the standard driver and vehicle services typically available at DMVs, the renovated facility will offer business services previously only available in downtown Chicago or Springfield.
The new design also allows motorists to receive driver and vehicle services at a DMV “one-stop shop” customer service counter, reducing time spent in lines and making room for additional service stations and appointments.
“We’ve all heard the horror stories of customers who have wasted their time at the DMV thinking they were in the line they belonged in, only to find that the service they wanted wasn’t available at that counter,” said Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias.
Drivers can enjoy the following services at a single service station:
- Renewal of a driving license or identity card.
- Apply for a REAL ID.
- Register or extend vehicle registration/obtain vehicle stickers.
- Convert a temporary visitor’s license (TVDL) to a standard driver’s license.
- Order a new license plate.
- Register to vote.
- Join the Illinois Organ and Tissue Donor Registry.
The Melrose Park facility is the fifth in Illinois to receive such a one-stop-shop DMV upgrade.
In addition to the driver and vehicle services available at the Melrose Park facility, services offered at the new DMV+ location include:
Business services: In-person express services; obtaining certified copies of business documents; filing documents, including articles of incorporation and amendments for corporations and various types of LLCs; filing reinstatements to get their business back in good standing; and filing trademarks with ILSOS. These services currently require clients to visit the Business Services office in Chicago or Springfield or conduct their transaction by mail, which delays processing time.
Indexing services: Walk-in service for clients seeking to obtain apostilles and certificates of authority for documents used abroad. Due to the sensitive nature of the documents being certified, clients must provide original physical copies and services are not offered digitally. Clients must currently visit the Index Department in Chicago or Springfield or mail their documents to the office. The DMV+ offers on-site processing and certification.
Personnel services: A pre-employment test is required for most entry-level employees and all DMV employees. Currently, prospective employees must travel to Chicago or Springfield for an in-person test. The office will also offer a hub of publicly accessible computers for those with limited access or who need assistance submitting applications.
