The pandemic changed the way the Secretary of State operates, 
and it looks like some of those changes are here to stay. The SOS office now offers several services online or by mail, and transactions that require in-person visits to the Petoskey branch are now available by appointment only. Appointments can be made up to 6 months in advance, but are also available on a next-day basis. At the Petoskey branch, with a little luck, it is even possible to get an appointment on the same day!
During the peak of the pandemic, many of us experienced weeks or months long waits just to get an appointment. Luckily, the SOS has increased appointment slots by 25% since March and has plans to add even more availability before the end of the fiscal year. Most of these extra appointments are available on a Next-Day basis, which offers similar flexibility to the old take-a-number system, but with more predictability and less waiting around. To schedule a next-day appointment, simply log on to the Secretary of State website (https://www.michigan.gov/SOS) at 8:00 AM or 12:00 PM – when these next day time slots become available to book online. Please note that these appointments fill up quickly, and in order to book one on the SOS website you will need a valid email address or mobile phone number. For those with internet limitations, appointments can be scheduled by calling 888-SOS-MICH (888-767-6424.)
While the appointment making process may seem like a hassle, no one can deny that the alternative take-a-number-and-wait system was far from perfect. No more unpredictable, extensive wait times or rushing to the office to beat the crowd – Now you can schedule your appointment up to 6 months in advance and be in and out of the office in under 20 minutes. The new system also seems to provide much needed stress relief for SOS employees, who no longer have to face overcrowded waiting rooms full of frustrated clients. That’s a win-win!
In 2019, 30% of Secretary of State transactions were done online. This year, that number is up to 60%. You can now use the Secretary of State’s website to renew your driver’s license or state ID (if a new photo is not needed,) obtain your driving record, add a motorcycle endorsement to your driver’s license, or register as an organ donor. However, you will need to make an in-person appointment to replace or make changes to your driver’s license or ID, transfer or correct your vehicle title, or complete any licensing tests. A full list of SOS transactions and how to complete them can be found here:
Michigan Secretary of State Website
The changes at the Secretary of State will require patience from us all, but we at Harbor Brenn hope that they are driving processes in the right direction. If you have any further questions about how the new system might affect your insurance, our staff is here to help.
