Michigan SOS Offices To Reopen June 1 By Appointment Only

MICHIGAN — Michigan Secretary of State branch offices will reopen June 1 by appointment, the office announced Thursday. The reopening will be for essential transactions not available online.

“While the offices were closed to the public we conducted more than 3,000 emergency appointments for essential workers and planned and implemented protocols so that we could reopen in a way that ensures the safety of employees and all Michiganders,” said Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. “Customers can be confident they’ll be able to conduct their business with us safely and efficiently.”

Beginning the week of June 1, all 131 branch offices in Michigan will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday for appointment only services for transactions including driver license and state ID transactions, title transfers, operator testing and seasonal commercial vehicle renewals.

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Branch staff will follow strict health and safety protocols, including wearing masks, standing six feet apart, using desk shields, and continuously disinfecting shared or common surfaces, the office said. Branch doors will be locked, and each branch will have a greeter to let customers with appointments in at scheduled appointment times. A copy of the department’s reopening preparedness plan can be found here.

Anyone scheduling an appointment or receiving an appointment reminder will also be instructed on how to safely attend their appointment by wearing a mask, social distancing and following other guidelines.

In addition to preparing to reopen branches, the Michigan Department of State began sending updated renewal forms this week, color coded based on the type of transaction needed and with streamlined information to explain how best to conduct the transaction. Renewal forms, which will be mailed in redesigned envelopes measuring 9.5 inches by 6 inches, come in six colors:

• Red: Vehicle registration
• Blue: Driver’s license
• Green: State identification card
• Teal: Watercraft
• Gray: Snowmobile
• Purple: Special plate

Instructions are provided at the bottom of each form to direct customers on options for renewing their credential, providing information on whether they can complete their transaction online, at a self-service station or by mail, or if they will need to schedule an appointment at a branch office.