Giannoulias Permanently Expands Services For Veterans, Active-Duty Military At Senior-Only DMVs
New Initiative Honors Military Service With Greater Access to DMV Services
SPRINGFIELD – In a move to make government services more accessible for those who have served our country, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias today announced a permanent expansion of services at the state’s four Senior-Only DMV locations, which will now serve veterans and active-duty military personnel on a walk-in basis.
The initiative, which comes in recognition of National Veterans and Military Families Month, provides Illinois veterans and active-duty service members with additional options to obtain driver’s licenses, REAL IDs, vehicle registrations and other essential DMV services without an appointment.
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“Our veterans and military service members have dedicated themselves to protecting our country. Making it easier for them to access essential government services is a small but meaningful way we can serve them in return,” Giannoulias said. “We’re expanding convenience while recognizing the service and sacrifice of Illinois’ military community through action – not just words. Honoring their sacrifice means more than recognizing their service on holidays. It means finding meaningful ways to make their lives easier, support their families and ensure the government they served is working for them every day.”
The expansion builds on the Giannoulias administration’s efforts to modernize DMV services, reduce wait times and make government services more accessible. It was made possible by the Road Safety & Fairness Act, which took effect July 1. By eliminating mandatory driving tests for drivers ages 79 to 86, the reform reduced the demand for driving tests at senior-focused facilities, creating an opportunity to serve more Illinoisans while preserving convenient access for seniors.
Four DMV Locations Now Servicing Veterans and Military Personnel:
Beginning today, veterans and active-duty military personnel may visit any of the following Senior-Only DMV locations Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.:
- Evanston Senior Center – 300 Dodge Ave., Evanston
- Bridgeview Senior Center – 7900 S. Oketo Ave., Bridgeview
- Westchester Senior Center – 10300 W. Roosevelt Road, Westchester
- Calumet Park Senior Center – 12633 S. Ashland Ave., Calumet Park
No appointment is necessary. Veterans and active-duty military personnel must present documentation verifying their military status upon arrival.
Acceptable Documentation for Veterans: Includes an Illinois driver’s license or state ID with a Veteran designation, DD214, Veteran Health Identification Card, Department of Defense ID Card, Veteran ID Card, VA Veterans Choice Card, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Card, Veterans Universal Access Identification Card or DD Form
Acceptable Documentation for Active-Duty Military Personnel: Includes a Common Access Card (CAC), DD Form 1173-1, military pay stub, record brief, reserve activation orders, enlistment contract or official statement of service.
The Senior-Only DMVs provide walk-in driver and vehicle services, including driver’s license applications and renewals, REAL ID applications, title and registration services, driving tests, disability parking placards and license plate sticker renewals.
Veteran Organizations Applaud Expanded DMV Access:
“The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is pleased to partner with Secretary Giannoulias and the Illinois Secretary of State’s office to make it easier for Veterans and their families to access the services and benefits they have earned through their military service. In partnership with the Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Chicago, we are expanding access and removing barriers to help ensure Illinois’ Veterans and military families can get the support they deserve.” — U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
“At Illinois Joining Forces, we see how removing practical barriers can make a meaningful difference for veterans and service members. Offering DMV services without an appointment is a welcome step toward making everyday services easier to access. Thank you to Secretary Giannoulias and his team for supporting Illinois’ military and veteran community.” — Megan Everett, Executive Director of Illinois Joining Forces
“Chicago is home to a proud and diverse veteran community whose service and contributions continue to strengthen our city every day. As a veteran and community advocate, I recognize that honoring military service requires meaningful action that removes barriers and makes essential resources more accessible. I appreciate Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias and his office for recognizing these needs and expanding services for our veterans and active-duty military personnel. This is the kind of thoughtful, veteran-centered approach we hope to see across all levels of government.” — Karen Hernandez, Executive Director of Chicago Veterans
“Supporting our military-affiliated community means realizing the needs of those who serve. This DMV initiative from the Illinois Secretary of State reflects a shared commitment to ensuring service members and veterans can access services with greater flexibility and fewer obstacles.” — Terrell Odom, Director of the Office for Military-Affiliated Communities at The University of Chicago
"Recognizing our Veterans is important, but taking action to make their lives easier is what really matters. I commend Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias for expanding access to essential services for Veterans and active-duty military personnel. Eliminating the need for appointments at these locations is a practical step toward removing unnecessary barriers. These are the types of improvements that demonstrate our commitment to serving those who have served our country." — Frank Gutierrez, President of the Veterans Chamber of Commerce
Additional Benefits for Illinois Veterans and Military Families:
The Secretary of State’s office offers a variety of programs and benefits for veterans, active-duty service members and their families:
- Veteran Designation: Veterans can add a “VETERAN” designation to an Illinois driver’s license or ID card with proper documentation.
- Free Duplicate License or ID: Active-duty military members and eligible spouses and children can obtain duplicate driver’s licenses, instruction permits or IDs at no charge.
- Military License Plates: Illinois offers 46 specialized plates honoring the service and achievements of veterans, active-duty personnel and military families.
- Disabled Veteran Plates: Veterans with a service-connected disability of 50% or greater may qualify to receive one set of military plates without a registration fee.
- Free Military Plate Switch: Veterans can switch to a military license plate free of charge. Vanity and personalized plates are subject to additional fees.
- Registration Renewal Fee Waiver: Eligible active-duty service members and reservists returning from combat missions may qualify for a waiver of their standard registration fee.
- Illinois Veterans’ History Project: The Secretary of State’s office preserves and shares the names and stories of Illinois veterans, with more than 6,700 records, including 675 oral histories, to ensure their service and sacrifice are remembered for generations to come.
For more information about services for veterans and military families, visit www.ilsos.gov.
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