Jesse White announces office to suspend mailing vehicle registration renewal reminder notices

STATEWIDE – Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced today that his office will suspend mailing out vehicle registration renewal reminder notices to the public due to the lack of a state budget.

White noted that by suspending this service, which will save approximately $450,000 per month, his office will be able to prolong the ability to mail vehicle registration renewal stickers, titles and license plates to vehicle owners for a few months longer before the postage account is depleted.

“The lack of a Fiscal Year 2016 budget is adversely impacting the Secretary of State’s office, and threatens to jeopardize the services we provide to the public,” White said.

“Without a state budget in place, we are doing what we can to manage so that we may serve the people of Illinois for as long as possible. As a result, difficult decisions like suspending renewal reminder notice mailings are decisions we are being forced to make.”

White also noted if the office’s postage account runs out before January, he will be unable to mail the annual license to auto dealers, which they need to operate in Illinois legally, as well as critical incorporation paperwork needed for businesses in Illinois.

Last week, White issued a letter to the governor and legislative leaders outlining concerns on how the budget stalemate is negatively impacting his office. Some of the concerns included critical computer maintenance and data security issues as well as Driver and Vehicle Services facility operations. White is determined to prioritize difficult cuts to ensure his office can provide core services to the public for as long as possible.

White encouraged vehicle owners to be mindful of their vehicle registration status to ensure they renew in a timely manner and avoid driving on expired vehicle stickers.

He also emphasized that more vehicle owners will be forced to visit facilities to renew their vehicle registration stickers because without a reminder notice they will not have a pin number needed to renew online.

However, people who have signed up to receive electronic reminder notices will continue to receive them by email.

To sign up for this service, please visit www.cyberdriveillinois.com.

“I urge the governor and the legislature to come together and solve this budget crisis so that my office, and all of state government, can continue providing services to the people of Illinois without interruption,” White said.