Secretary of State’s Teen Summer DMV Program Ending August 24

Secretary of State’s Teen Summer DMV Program Ending August 24

Giannoulias Encourages Eligible Teens to Visit a Teen DMV Before Program Ends

Teen drivers have just four more Saturdays to take advantage of the Secretary of State’s Teen Summer DMV program, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced today.

Giannoulias announced in June that for the first time ever, his office would dedicate DMV services exclusively for teen drivers every Saturday at select facilities throughout the state. More than 50,000 Illinois teens received their first driver’s license during the months of June and July.

Now, with just a couple Saturdays left to access exclusive teen hours, Giannoulias is encouraging any eligible teens to make an appointment before they go back to school.

“We have seen this summer the success of these teen-only DMVs that provide a convenient DMV option for working parents who can’t take time off work during the week or for teens who have summer sports and activities,” Giannoulias said. “As we near the end of our program this summer, I want to make sure that our eligible teens can get their license before school starts and their schedules and their parent’s schedules get even busier.”

The Teen Summer DMV initiative, which included opening 12 additional DMVs on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ends Aug. 24.

The hours cater exclusively to helping teens get their driver’s licenses or permits quickly and conveniently. The effort is part of Giannoulias’ modernization plan to create efficiencies and reduce wait times.

During teen service hours, the office has a selfie station for newly licensed drivers and provides important information on data protection, such as making sure the driver’s license number and address are covered when posting to social media.

State law requires teen drivers and a parent or guardian to visit a DMV in person to complete testing and identity verification prior to receiving their first driver’s license. Illinois DMVs experience an influx of customers during the summer months, especially among teen drivers who make the switch from an instruction permit to a driver’s license.

Parents and teens can call (800) 252-8980 to schedule an appointment at any of the 12 DMV locations.

The designated teen service hours created an estimated 1,000 appointments per week to accommodate the nearly 9,000 current permit holders who become eligible for a license this summer.

The Teen DMVs will also free up appointments during the week for those needing in-person DMV visits.

Teen service hours are offered at the following locations: Addison; Aurora; Bethalto, Belvidere, Bridgeview, Chicago West; Des Plaines; Elgin; Joliet; Lake Zurich; Plano; St. Charles.

The DMV facilities were chosen based on data revealing the highest percentage of teen drivers and the state’s busiest facilities. In addition to the Teen Summer DMVs, 15 other DMVs operate on Saturdays, including two of the largest facilities in the state located on the North and South sides of Chicago. Teens are welcome to make appointments at those facilities on Saturdays as well.

Teen drivers interested in obtaining their first license will be scheduled for 10-minute appointments if they have already completed the required behind-the-wheel driving tests through their high school or commercial driving facility. If they need to complete a driving test at a DMV, they will be scheduled for a 30-minute appointment. Teens who need driving permits can also schedule an appointment to take a written test.

Any unfilled appointments during teen service hours will become available to the general public at 7 a.m.

During teen service hours, information will be provided geared toward new drivers, including details about the restrictions related to a graduated driver’s license (the license for those under 18 years of age), the dangers of distracted driving and how to become an organ donor.

Along with a big smile for their driver’s license photos, new drivers will need to bring the following to the DMV:

• Their logbook for their instructional permit.

• Their blue and white road test waiver form from their high school if they have one. • Their birth certificate.

• Their physical Social Security Card.

• Two proofs of address forms, such as school transcripts or their parent’s driver’s license or ID card.

While teen drivers are not required to hold a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, they are encouraged to apply for one during these designated teen hours. A list of REAL ID requirements is available at realid.ilsos.gov.

Latest Stories

Latest Podcast

Laticia Holbert of ComEd