ILLINOIS — Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is implementing a Skip-the-Line program across Illinois.

“You no longer have to block off the whole day to visit a DMV. Now, we are here when you want us,” Giannoulias said.

Appointments will be required to get driver’s licenses, IDs, and driving tests at 44 of the busiest DMVs statewide – including all of the Chicago facilities, except for one Loop location at Randolph and Lasalle.

“To those drivers that have a good driving record, you don’t have to go back to the DMV for 12 years. You can get it in the mail. You get it online. You never have to step foot in a DMV facility,” Giannoulias said.

Giannoulias first discussed the idea for such a program two years ago when he was a candidate for the Secretary of State position. In his announcement at the time, he described an online booking system available at all driver’s license facilities in Illinois which would allow users to make an appointment and avoid walk-in lines. He added walk-in customers would still be welcome.

Giannoulias says it’s the first step in fulfilling his campaign promises to modernize the office. As a result, DMV hours are changing from Tuesday through Saturday to Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Only 16 facilities will be open on Saturdays and the office encourages locals to use services online. 

Giannoulias wants to see the online scheduling statewide and increase the number of services offered online and over the phone.

The Secretary of State announced the details of the Sept. 1 program launch Thursday morning.