Changes are coming to most Department of Motor Vehicles facilities in Illinois.
Starting Sept. 1, customers need to make an appointment for driver’s licenses, REAL IDs, and other services at 44 locations, including the Galesburg location at 1066 E. Losey St. Those seeking vehicle-related services, such as title and registration or renewing their license plate sticker, do not need to make an appointment and can just walk in.
The Skip-the-Line program is part of Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias’ efforts to modernize the DMV. “Customers will save time by skipping the line,” said Giannoulias. “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.”
Upon arrival, customers will check in with DMV staff and “Skip the Line,” eliminating lines and unpredictable wait times. Illinoisans may visit ilsos.gov or call (844) 817-4649 to schedule an appointment.
That’s not all. DMVs statewide will extend hours of operation, with 16 facilities open six days a week – Monday through Saturday. All DMVs will change their days and hours of operation from Tues-Sat to Mon-Fri, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. 16 DMVs throughout the state will be open on Saturday, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Customers in Galesburg in need of DMV services on a Saturday will be forced to travel to the Moline/Silvis or Peoria locations.
“Extending hours at all DMVs and requiring appointments at our 44 highest-volume facilities is the most efficient way to get the services you need quickly and without the headache of unpredictable wait times,” said Giannoulias.
