DECEMBER 19, 2005

Expanded Wednesday hours and an automated system to speed up license plate tab renewals are among the customer conveniences available at the Tuscola County PLUS Office, which opened its doors today, Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land announced.

The office at 150 Millwood, Caro, is one of 22 PLUS offices being created by Land to deliver enhanced services.

"The Tuscola County PLUS Office is designed with our customers in mind," Land said. "Its expanded hours and convenient options make it easier to do business with us. Tuscola County residents deserve modern, efficient service. We’re pleased to deliver."

Benefits of the new PLUS office include:

• Expanded Wednesday hours from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• An optional Self-Service Station that lets customers renew vehicle tabs without waiting for service at the counter. The station is available 24/7.
• The ability to pay with a Discover credit card at the counter.
• The option for customers to buy copies of their own driving records on-site.
• Instant title service.
• Staying open through the lunch hour.

In addition to PLUS offices, Land is launching five Secretary of State SUPER!Centers. SUPER!Centers offer many of the same features as PLUS offices as well as Saturday hours and certain specialty services. SUPER!Centers are already operating in Detroit, Flint, Grand Rapids and Macomb County’s Clinton Township.

The enhanced offices are part of Land’s initiative to modernize branch office operations.

The Tuscola County PLUS Office is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday. It was created with resources from the former Caro and Vassar offices.

Land reminds residents that they can "skip the trip" to a branch office by renewing vehicle and watercraft registrations online. Browsing the Department of State Web site also helps customers determine fees and requirements before they visit a branch office. The site is www.Michigan.gov/sos.