FEBRUARY 7, 2006

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land today announced that finding a branch office that offers the services, hours and convenience customers need is a snap with the newly supercharged Secretary of State Branch Office Locator.

"This online service allows you to quickly pinpoint the nearest branch with the desired hours and features," Land said. "Our philosophy is to make it easy for customers to do business with the Secretary of State. The Branch Office Locator is designed for today’s busy lifestyles."

The online service at www.Michigan.gov/sos has been retooled to provide more than just business hours and addresses. The improved site allows customers to search for the Secretary of State office nearest their home by entering their ZIP code, city or county.

Searches may also be tailored by the type of service needed. A description of services is provided to assist customers in defining their search. The locator also provides "branch office alerts" to inform customers of conditions or situations affecting branch office operations. Alerts may target one office or those located regionally or statewide.

The Branch Office Locator was highlighted at the 2006 North American International Auto Show at Cobo Hall in Detroit. Since its introduction on Jan. 13, more than 18,000 searches have been conducted using the site.

The launching of the new PLUS offices and SUPER!Centers prompted the redesign of the Branch Office Locator. Land created these revolutionary breeds of branch offices to offer customers expanded benefits such as payment by Discover credit card at the counter, extended hours on Wednesdays or Saturdays and a Self-Service Station for instant license plate tab renewals.

The branch office modernization program allowed the Department of State to better provide services compatible with population shifts and other variables by redirecting limited resources. As a result, PLUS offices and SUPER!Centers offer service levels beyond those of most standard branch offices. The Branch Office Locator ensures that customers have access to timely information about options, hours and locations for all branch offices, whether they are traditional, PLUS or SUPER!Centers.

For more information about Department of State services or the Branch Office Locator, please visit www.Michigan.gov/sos.

Related Links:

> Branch Office Locator
> SOS Online Services