Dreaded Trip To Secretary of State Is-Almost- A Thing of The Past

Maybe you've already realized this, and maybe I did, too, but the latest news from the Michigan Secretary of State's office just brought it home even more so, that the dreaded trip to the Secretary of State's office is almost a thing of the past. Now if we could only do the same with a dentist's visit.

Monday came a release that the Secretary of State's office is adding even more online and self-service options to menu, after a major computer upgrade happens in mid-March. You almost feel like you're jinxing the SOS, but, saying this, the Secretary of State will shut down it's online appointments and self-service kiosks on March 11th and then, fingers crossed, will bring them back online at March 16th.

After that, the new online services at Michigan.gov/SOS will include:

• Renew or replace an enhanced driver’s license or state ID if no new photo required
• View the status of the requested driver’s license or state ID
• Request and obtain a driving record
• Add a motorcycle endorsement to an eligible driver’s license
• Access streamlined business services

New self-service station transactions will include:

• Renew a standard or enhanced driver’s license or state ID if no new photo required
• Request a replacement and print out a temporary license or ID
• Add a motorcycle endorsement to an eligible driver’s license
• Sign up on the state’s organ donor registry

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“Customers will now be able to renew or replace their driver’s licenses and IDs at any of our more than 130 new self-service stations across the state, and renew or replace their enhanced licenses and IDs online,” said Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. “We have continuously expanded and improved customer options and service, even during the pandemic, and this upgrade will truly make our operations better than ever.” - Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, in a release.

If you own a watercraft, like a boat, March is usually the month for time for renewing in the three year cycle. A lot of that can be done from home, but again, keep in mind the mid March upgrade shutdown this year.