MAY 11, 2009

Feature is part of Secretary Land's customer-service expansion

Customers served by the Hudsonville Secretary of State office now have the added convenience of a self-service option readily available for easy license plate tab renewals, Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land announced today.

"Self-Service Stations are as easy as ?scan, pay and go,'" Land said. "They're what customers expect in the 21st century. With just a swipe of a major credit card, you'll have your license plate tabs and be out the door."

The ATM-style Self-Service Stations allow people to renew their license plate tabs with a major credit or branded debit card without needing service at the counter. They also give office staff more time to devote to customers with more complicated transactions.

The addition of the Self-Service Station is part of the next wave of customer conveniences recently announced by Land. The Hudsonville office at 5211 Cherry Ave., Suite 140, is one of eight traditional offices across the state that is receiving Self-Service Stations. Also as part of her customer service expansion, the Secretary of State office in Holland became the Ottawa County PLUS Office in March, meaning customers have access to expanded Wednesday hours, a Self-Service Station and the ability to pay with a MasterCard or Discover card at the counter.

Additionally, commercial driver license testing kiosks are being installed in 40 more offices and customers now can buy their driving record at every Secretary of State office, which is a benefit to many job-seekers.

Land's efforts to revolutionize the branch office system began in April 2004. They have resulted in the development of 38 PLUS offices and six SUPER!Centers. Customer satisfaction has consistently been high thanks to the modern, convenient services these offices provide.

Land reminds residents who have Internet access to check out the department's online services and Branch Office Locator at www.Michigan.gov/sos before visiting any office. For example, license tabs and watercraft registrations can be renewed online. Browsing the site helps customers know what documents they'll need to bring when they go to an office.