Illinois Introduces DMV Kiosks in Grocery Stores

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has launched a 'Fast-Lane' pilot program that installs DMV kiosks in 15 grocery stores across the state, primarily in the Chicago area, to facilitate convenient renewal of driver's licenses and vehicle registrations. Located in Mariano's, Jewel-Osco, Kroger, and Meijer stores, these kiosks aim to reduce wait times and provide an alternative for those without internet access, with transactions averaging about two minutes. Vehicle registration stickers are printed immediately, while temporary documents are issued for driver's licenses and state IDs until the new cards are mailed within 15 business days. The kiosks charge $4.95 per transaction plus applicable credit card fees, and the program is cost-effective compared to traditional DMV and currency exchange services. Part of Giannoulias' effort to modernize DMV services, the initiative includes appointment systems and mobile DMV services and does not require state funding. The program may expand to offer additional services and languages if successful.