AUGUST 25, 2009

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land reminds customers that all branch offices and the Office of the Great Seal will close in observance of Labor Day. The closures include a mandatory state employee furlough day.

All Secretary of State offices will close:

Friday, Sept. 4
Saturday, Sept. 5
Monday, Sept. 7

Land also reminds customers that offices will stay open until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 8 in order to reduce the inconvenience to customers caused by the furlough day.

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. To expedite their visit, customers are encouraged to renew in advance as the branches will be busier before and after the scheduled closing.

Motorists renewing license plates can "skip the trip" to the branch office and do business 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.

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 Wednesday 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. SUPER!Centers also provide Saturday hours from 9 a.m. to noon.

For more information visit the department Web site at www.Michigan.gov/sos.