Update From Rep. Amy Grant

I am very dismayed to learn that long lines have indeed grown even longer at remaining area Secretary of State facilities following the recent closure of the Wheaton Express Office.

Several constituents have reported on the ever-worsening wait times. One reported having to spend two and a half hours at the Naperville facility on a weekday for her teenager to complete a ten-minute driving exam for their first driver’s license. This caused the teenager to miss several morning classes at school. While long wait times on weekends are not uncommon, a multi-hour wait time on a weekday is not only out of the ordinary, but unacceptable given the needs our communities.

My staff visited the Naperville facility and spoke directly with Secretary of State staff and learned that everyday long lines of residents are forming before the facility even opens. Waiting hours for simply mandatory services should be the exception, not the rule.

The need for another facility in the area is obvious, especially with the implementation of REAL ID adding even more demand for services. Administrators with the Secretary of State’s Office initially assured me they were committed to finding a new site nearby. However, I was recently informed they have been unable to find another suitable location in Wheaton and went so far as to suggest that the public should be asked to find a new space.

It is unacceptable that a government agency of this size provides such poor service to taxpayers.

I encourage anyone who has questions or concerns to call Secretary of State Jesse White and voice your opinion on the matter. The Secretary of State toll free hotline number is (800) 252-8980.

In the meantime, if you are having trouble accessing services at the Secretary of State facilities located at 837 S. Westmore St. in Lombard or 931 W. 75th St. in Naperville, visit www.ilsos.gov/facilityfinder/facility to find other options that may have shorter wait times.

Some services may be completed online at www.cyberdriveillinois.com/services/motorist.html, although an additional fee may be required.

Sincerely,

Amy Grant