The Michigan State Department will launch new online and self-service options in March, including driver’s license and ID renewal and replacement services.
The state is combining tens of millions of driver and vehicle records into a customer service recording system, moving from a decades-old legacy system that needed improvement. In February 2019, the state modernized its vehicle registration system and began upgrades shortly thereafter.
After upgrades are complete, customers can renew or replace driver’s licenses and IDs at 135 self-service stations or online.
“We have continuously expanded and improved options and customer service, even during the pandemic, and this upgrade will truly make our operations better than ever,” said Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.
New online services on the Secretary of State’s website will include options to renew a standard or enhanced driver’s license or state ID if no new photo is required, view the status of a requested driver’s license or ID, request and get a driving record, add a motorcycle endorsement to a driver’s license and streamlined access to business services, Benson’s office said.
New self-service transactions will include options to renew a standard or enhanced driver’s license or state ID if no new photo is required, request a replacement, and print a license or ID temporary, add a motorcycle endorsement to an eligible driver’s license and sign for the state organ donor registry.
The agency plans to open more self-service stations in branches and other locations, including some Meijer and Kroger grocery stores. These stations offer service in English, Spanish, Arabic and Vietnamese. Self-service kiosks accept credit cards and some accept cash.
Several other customer service improvements are also underway, according to Benson’s office.
The agency will launch an electronic lien and title program, making this information available online to lien holders instead of a paper title certificate if their financial institution is participating in the process.
In addition, the state is streamlining its gradual licensing process to reduce customer visits to branches. Students will not need to return to branches for their Level 2 or Level 3 licenses and Operator’s license after obtaining a Paper Photo License Card for Level 1, rather than a paper license.
The Secretary of State’s office in Dearborn at 5094 Schaefer Road will be closed from February 22-26 to allow move into an adjacent suite. The new office will open on March 1.
Four Upper Peninsula offices located in the Central Standard time zone will be changing their hours from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. CST to match the hours of operation of other agency offices in Eastern Standard Time.
More information about the changes can be found on his website.
