FEB. 21, 2012

Full-service office available during Novi show

NOVI, Mich. -- Outdoor enthusiasts now have an opportunity to get ready for summer travel at the full-service Secretary of State Mobile Office, available during the Outdoorama show in Novi, Secretary of State Ruth Johnson announced today.

"This is a perfect opportunity to get your Recreation Passport or renew your watercraft," Johnson said of the show, held at the Suburban Collection Showplace. "Here you can do it all. Renew your license plate tabs and get duplicate titles and registration. Learn about our new expanded online services at ExpressSOS.com. You'll be ready for a summer filled with outdoor activities."

Watercraft registration renewal notices are mailed out in March.

"We welcome the Michigan Secretary of State's Mobile Branch Office to the 39th Annual Outdoorama," said show spokesman Adam Starr. "This state department has more contact with Michigan citizens than any other department and can interact with thousands of sportsmen and women who rate Outdoorama as Michigan's most-popular outdoors show."

The Recreation Passport allows Michigan residents the option of paying an additional $10 per car or truck, or $5 per motorcycle when renewing a vehicle registration or registering a new vehicle. The letter "P" is printed on the vehicle tab of people who have bought the Recreation Passport. The passport allows entry into all state parks, natural areas and boat launches for no additional cost and is valid until the tab expires. As of December 2011, approximately 22 percent of Michigan vehicles had Recreation Passports.

Outdoorama showcases the latest in hunting, fishing, boating, canoeing, hiking and other outdoor activities. The Mobile Office will be open during the show's public days, which run

Feb. 23 through Feb. 26 at 46100 Grand River Drive in Novi. Show hours are as follows:

• Thursday, Feb. 23
  2-9:30 p.m.
• Friday, Feb. 24
  2-9:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 25
  10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Sunday, Feb. 26
  10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information about office locations and additional services, visit www.Michigan.gov/SOS. Sign up for the official Secretary of State Twitter feed 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.