UPDATE: Starting this Saturday, driver services offices in Southland, including Melrose Park, Chicago Heights, and Bridgeview, will extend their hours to accommodate walk-in customers through September 6. This urgent move, announced by Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, aims to reduce overwhelming wait times and streamline access to essential services.

The newly extended hours will allow residents to apply for or renew driver’s licenses, state ID cards, and Real IDs, as well as renew vehicle registrations, apply for disability placards, and transition from temporary visitor licenses to standard driver’s licenses. This significant change comes in response to a surge in demand, especially as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has mandated that travelers present Real IDs for air travel.

Giannoulias emphasized the necessity of these extended hours, stating, “To see these lines right outside our door here, it is probably the most frustrating thing I’ve ever seen in public life, because it does not have to be this way.” He urged Illinoisans to only visit for Real IDs if absolutely necessary, as the influx of customers has complicated access to other services.

The Southland offices participating in this initiative include:
7358 W. 87th St., Bridgeview
570 West 209th St., Chicago Heights
5301 West Lexington St., Chicago

In addition to these locations, appointment-only services will continue at:
9901 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Drive, Chicago
14434 South Pulaski Ave., Midlothian

This urgent update comes at a critical time as the deadline for obtaining Real IDs draws near. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of these new hours to avoid long waits and ensure they have the necessary identification for upcoming travel requirements.

Stay tuned for further updates as this situation develops. This is a crucial time for many Illinois residents, and the Secretary of State’s office is committed to making access to driver services easier and more efficient.