Following complaints of long lines and delays, newly sworn-in Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is making changes at the Deerfield driver’s license facility to improve the customer experience.
Starting Tuesday, the north suburban DMV will provide express services ― such as renewing or replacing a lost driver’s license and ID card or updating an address ― next door to its existing facility.
“I’m committed to reducing the “Time Tax,” or the amount of time Illinoisians waste standing in line or filling out forms,” said Giannoulias, who took office in January. “Our Deerfield facility, which is frequented by many seniors and families has been ‘ground zero’ when it came to high volumes, long wait times and headaches. This new express facility provides faster service to those who need to take care of routine tasks.”
While Giannoulias noted that the additional space and upgraded services will help alleviate delays in Deerfield, he added that modernizing the 138 driver’s license facilities through new technology will serve as the cornerstone to improving the customer experience and avoiding wait times under his administration.
The new express service is available next to the Deerfield facility, 405 Lake Cook Road in Deerfield. It is open Tuesday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“This response by the Secretary of State to the community’s concerns so that people can take care of their driving needs promptly and efficiently is how government should operate,” said state Sen. Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield). “We truly appreciated Secretary Giannoulias’ hands-on approach. He visited the facility, talked to the constituents, listened to their concerns and then responded.”
State Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Highwood) and state Rep. Jonathan Carroll (D-Northbrook), who visited the facility with Sen. Morrison and Giannoulias last month to witness the problems firsthand, believe the new express location represents a positive first step as the Secretary of State’s modernization effort begins.
REAL ID applicants and first-time Temporary Visitor Driver’s License (TVDL) or standard driver’s license applicants who must take a written or road exam can be served at the main Deerfield location.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will require a REAL ID or valid passport for domestic air travel beginning May 7, 2025. A complete list of acceptable documents is available at realid.ilsos.gov.
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