ILLINOIS (WIFR) – New data from the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office shows the Skip-the-Line program reduces wait times and improves customer service at the DMV.
The Skip-the-Line program was launched in Sept. 2023, creating an appointment-only system at 44 of the busiest DMVs in Illinois. Data shows that 2.2 million people have made appointments since then.
Monthly transactions online increased by 20% for a total of 4.8 million on the Secretary of State’s website in the past year, according to the report.
The Help Line assisting with scheduling and questions took 1.1 million calls, and the average customer wait time decreased from 2 minutes and 22 seconds to 50 seconds, the data shows.
Advertisement
Text message notifications were also implemented to remind customers of their upcoming appointments and allow them to cancel, decreasing the amount of no-shows.
Seniors that may struggle with making an appointment online can now go to a “senior only” walk-in center located in Bridgeview, Calumet Township, Evanston and Westchester. The report shows that 80,000 people have used the walk-in centers so far.
The Secretary of State’s Office says they are continuing to seek out opportunities to make DMV facilities more accessible. They recently announced that the facilities will be opening half an hour earlier because of data showing customer demand is higher during the first morning hour.
For more information or to make an appointment at the DMV, visit the Secretary of State’s website.
The Illinois Secretary of State’s Office is warning residents of a “new surge” in scam texts claiming to be from the DMV and demanding money.
According to a press release from Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, residents are receiving text messages falsely claiming to either be from his office or a DMV, threatening suspension of license and vehicle registration if “fines” are not paid.
The messages often include links that can be used to steal residents’ information, and Giannoulias’ office is reminding residents to use vigilance and caution when receiving such messages.
“These text messages look legitimate and are designed to frighten people into acting quickly before they have time to think,” Giannoulias said. “Our office will never send a text message demanding payment or threatening to suspend someone’s license. If you receive a message like this, remember it’s a scam – plain and simple. Do not click the link and please report the message to scamalert@ilsos.gov.”
Advertisement
According to his office, the messages often reference fake regulations or deadlines, and cite an upcoming enforcement date to add an air of urgency to the texts.
“These schemes are designed to create panic and trick individuals into surrendering money or personal information,” the Secretary of State’s Office said.
If a motorist receives a text, they are urged:
-NEVER to click a link
-Do not reply
Advertisement
-Do not provide personal information
-Forward the message to the SOS’ scam alert email.
The only legitimate text messages the Secretary of State’s Office sends are to remind motorists of upcoming appointments at DMV facilities.
The No. 3 seed Illinois Fighting Illini (25-8) take on the No. 11 seed VCU Rams (28-7) with a Sweet 16 spot on the line on Saturday at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.
How to watch VCU Rams vs. Illinois Fighting Illini
Stats to know
Illinois has a +501 scoring differential, topping opponents by 15.2 points per game. It is putting up 85.0 points per game to rank 17th in college basketball and is allowing 69.8 per outing to rank 67th in college basketball.
Illinois knocks down 11.0 three-pointers per game (eighth-most in college basketball), 2.6 more than its opponents (8.4). It is shooting 34.9% from deep (126th in college basketball) while allowing opponents to shoot 31.3%.
VCU has a +347 scoring differential, topping opponents by 9.9 points per game. It is putting up 81.6 points per game, 55th in college basketball, and is giving up 71.7 per outing to rank 116th in college basketball.
VCU knocks down 9.4 three-pointers per game (60th in college basketball) at a 36.9% rate (31st in college basketball), compared to the 6.8 per game its opponents make, at a 32.9% rate.
This watch guide was created using technology provided by Data Skrive.
Betting/odds, ticketing and streaming links in this article are provided by partners of The Athletic. Restrictions may apply. The Athletic maintains full editorial independence. Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication.
Photo: Patrick Smith, Andy Lyons, Steph Chambers, Jamie Squire / Getty Images
