AUGUST 23, 2011

Secretary of State Ruth Johnson reminds customers that all branch offices and the Office of the Great Seal will close on Monday, Sept. 5 in observance of Labor Day. Secretary of State SUPER!Centers normally offer Saturday hours but will be closed on Saturday, Sept. 3.

The Department of State mails notices to motorists 45 days before their driver's license or license plates 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 and do business by mail, or if eligible, by Internet at www.Michigan.gov/sos. Easy to follow instructions can be found with the renewal notice. License plate tabs will arrive by mail within seven business days.

License plate tabs can also be renewed at Self-Service Stations, many of which are available 24/7. Visit the Branch Office Locator at www.Michigan.gov/sos to find a Self-Service Station near you.

With the exception of holidays, 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 Wednesdays. SUPER!Centers also provide Saturday hours from 9 a.m. to noon.

For more information about branch office locations and services, visit the Secretary of State website (www.Michigan.gov/sos) and sign up for official Secretary of State Twitter feeds (www.twitter.com/Michsos) and Facebook updates (www.facebook.com/Michigansos).

Customers also may call the Department of State Information Center to speak to a customer-service representative at (888) SOS-MICH (767-6424).

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For media questions, please call Tracy Ward at (517) 373-2520.