OCT.  31, 2011

Before heading south for winter, licenses, plates should be checked

Secretary of State Ruth Johnson today reminded residents heading south for the winter to renew their driver's licenses and plates before leaving Michigan.

"Enjoy your time traveling in warmer climates without having to worry about your license or plate expiring," Johnson said. "I encourage snowbirds to check their license and plate expiration dates now to avoid late fees or tickets down the road."

People can renew plates for individually owned or leased cars, pickup trucks, vans and motorcycles up to six months before they expire. They can renew early online at www.ExpressSOS.com or at a Secretary of State office even if they have not received their renewal information in the mail. License plate tabs will arrive by mail within seven business days. Company-owned passenger plates cannot be renewed early.

Driver's licenses and ID cards can be renewed up to a year in advance.

For more information about branch office locations, hours and services, visit www.Michigan.gov/sos and sign up for official Secretary of State Twitter feeds at www.twitter.com/Michsos and Facebook updates at 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 Gisgie Dávila Gendreau at 517-373-2520.