Illinois Secretary of State Flagship Center — Local services in Chicago

Avoid this DMV if you care about your time and have self respect.

Why does this location have so many positive reviews? The only kind person at this location was the guy opening the door to let in people.

I wanted to renew my license online since I just did it 4 years prior with a new picture, but when attempted to renew online I was met with a message saying that I needed to complete a vision exam.

I attempted to make an appointment online, but you can only make it for same day AND you need to get online at 6AM on the dot, when the online scheduling opens up. If you're one minute passed, there's nothing available and the website also doesn't allow you to make an appointment for the future.

So I called the location closest to me (which was this location) and I was told this location still took walk-ins and I needed to show up at 7:30 AM when they open since I wasn't able to make an online appointment nor renew my license online. I was NOT getting a real ID since I have a passport, I didn't see the point.

After my overnight shift ended at 7am I promptly arrived at this location approx 7:15 AM and there was already a long line out the door, outside

I wait in line and it's steadily moving at first, while the guy at the door allows people inside when the line moves.

After waiting approx 20 minutes outside I finally am allowed in the inside line.

The inside of the DMV was so long and some people were getting helped and left that arrived after I did, which another customer mentioned to me while chatting in line.

There were 3 different lines, one hole punched my license the second one took my picture and the 3rd line was for my eye exam and waiting for the clerk to update my license address.

Each line took so long and it was so crowded people were staring at each other and there was zero room to even move your body in each line, people were in each other's personal space.

4 years ago I went to the 160 N. LaSalle Street location that ended up closing down and then this location opened up.

At 160 N. LaSalle Street, after my picture was taken, they allowed me to see it and even asked me if I was OK with it or they would retake it.

Today, I asked the clerk if I could see my picture since I am stuck with it for 4 years and I am paying the $30 for it. The clerk flat-out said no and wouldn't explain as to why not. I wasn't causing a scene, raising my voice or being disrespectful in any way towards the clerk. I just wanted to understand why I couldn't see my picture immediately after she took it, at the very least. She told me I would see it AFTER I waited in the next line after her, and AFTER I paid the $30. It didn't make sense because again.. 160 N. LaSalle Street DMV allowed me to immediately see my picture before i paid them, 4 years prior.

The clerk called her extremely sassy supervisor over to speak to me and the supervisor reiterated the same verbiage but also mentioned that if they allowed me to see my picture then they have to allow others.

Yes, you should also allow others to at the very least–see their picture after waiting HOURS in line to have it taken. Again, OTHER LOCATIONS ALLOW YOU TO DO THIS!

I should have been able to be able to see my pic before giving them my money. This ain't my first time getting a license but damn they are rude and sassy at this location. 3 different lines is ridiculous just to renew a driver's license. I won't be coming back here. What a waste of my...

A Masterclass in Civic Service: The Chicago Secretary of State Flagship Redefines the Standard In a world where bureaucratic processes are often met with groans and dread, the Chicago Secretary of State Flagship office stands as a beacon of efficiency, a testament to what is possible when public service is treated with the respect it deserves. This is not your typical DMV experience; it's an all-inspiring journey that turns the mundane task of a license renewal into a surprisingly pleasant and seamless affair. Stepping into this modern facility, the first thing you notice is the sense of purpose and organization. The days of endless, winding queues are replaced by a streamlined system that feels more like a well-oiled machine than a government agency. From the moment you're greeted at the door to the final click of the camera for your new photo, every step is designed with the customer in mind. The staff, knowledgeable and friendly, are a breath of fresh air, guiding you through the process with a level of professionalism that is both rare and appreciated. The facility itself is a masterpiece of design. The spacious, well-lit interior replaces the cramped, stuffy quarters of the past. The strategic use of technology, from self-service kiosks to an intuitive document verification process, demonstrates a commitment to innovation and customer convenience. This is a place that values your time and proves it through its actions. But the true genius of the Chicago Flagship is its ability to handle a high volume of traffic without sacrificing quality. The hybrid system of walk-in services and appointments caters to all needs, ensuring that no one is left out in the cold—literally. The swiftness with which patrons are processed, even during peak hours, is nothing short of miraculous. It is a powerful reminder that with proper planning and a focus on operational excellence, even the most challenging civic tasks can be executed with grace. The Chicago Secretary of State Flagship is more than just a place to get your license; it’s a blueprint for a better future of government service. It is a bold statement that bureaucracy does not have to be a "black hole," but rather, a force for good that operates with compassion and efficiency. For anyone who has ever faced the frustration of a typical DMV, this facility is a source of hope, a truly all-inspiring experience that deserves every bit...

Pros - front desk very friendly, patient and helped us to gather all documents needed for a drivers license. photo guy - friendly, patient, and had a good smile on face. Station #14- yound lady who helped me with processing my request had a great smile on face. She had to manually type in everything into computer, and it took a moment to process. She explained everything to me, where I needed to sign, and how long it would take for me to get my ID in the mail.

Overall process took 39 minutes, very efficient.

Cons - no help for disabled persons. I was not the only disabled person at the DMV. I needed a place to organize my information after showing the workers my stuff. The female rent-a-cop (short hair, with arm tattoos, reminds me of lead singer from rock band Roxette, was so rude. Not only was there no place for me to sit down, but when she told me to sit on the radiator she let me sit for 2 minutes before screaming at me telling me to leave. I mentioned I needed a table or a chair to sit down since I was disabled she shooed me out of the building. translator services not available- i felt bad for the immigrant couple who had a hard time speaking English in station #12. The woman kept arguing with the customer. Keep in mind, had there been a translator the process for them would have been much faster but it wasn't. If you are latinonot only are signs in Spanish but translation is automatically available. But that is not the case for this other couple.

Not a nice way to treat disabled persons. This location is not ADA compliant. There should be accomodations for persons with disabilities instead of being shouted down by rent-a- cop...