JANUARY 10, 2006

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land reminds residents that all branch offices and the Office of the Great Seal will be closed in observance of state holidays during January and February. The offices will be closed for:

• Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 16;
• Presidents Day on Monday, Feb. 20.

The Department of State mails notices to motorists 45 days before their driver’s license or license plate expire to give them ample time to renew. Licenses and plates that expire on a day when state offices are closed, such as a holiday or weekend, can be renewed the following day without penalty.

Motorists renewing license plates can "skip the trip" to the branch office by renewing by mail, or if eligible, by Internet or touch-tone telephone. Easy to follow instructions can be found with the renewal notice. License plate tabs will arrive by mail within seven business days.

Branch offices are open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Smaller branch offices may close for the lunch hour. On Wednesdays most offices are open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. with those in city centers open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PLUS offices and SUPER!Centers are open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, with SUPER!Centers also providing Saturday hours from 9 a.m. to noon.

For more information visit the Department of State Web site at www.Michigan.gov/sos.