Storm Damage Forces Closure of Several Michigan Secretary of State Offices
Severe weather has led to the temporary closure of multiple Secretary of State offices in Michigan. Affected residents are being rerouted to alternative locations, and online services remain available for immediate needs.
LANSING, Mich., August 25, 2023 - In the aftermath of a severe weather event that hit Michigan yesterday, several Secretary of State offices have been forced to shut down due to damages and power outages.
The closures have affected the following branches:
- Belleville office - Residents rerouted to Ypsilanti
- Highland office - Initially rerouted to Novi but has since reopened
- Inkster office - Initially rerouted to Redford but has since reopened
- Lansing Executive Court office - Rerouted to Lansing E. Michigan Ave.
- Livonia office - Rerouted to Canton/Southfield
- Mason office - Rerouted to Jackson
- Oak Park office - Rerouted to Hazel Park/Detroit Livernois
- Pontiac office - Rerouted to Clarkston/Rochester Hills
- St. Johns office - Rerouted to Owosso
- Westland office - Initially rerouted to Taylor but has since reopened
As of now, all other Secretary of State offices are operating during their regular Friday hours, which are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. However, the situation remains fluid, and more closures could be announced.
Residents who had appointments scheduled at the affected offices will receive an email detailing the steps to reschedule their visits. The department has also provided some relief for those whose licenses and plates are set to expire on a day when the offices are closed. They will be allowed to renew these items the subsequent day without incurring any penalties.
For those requiring immediate services from the Secretary of State, the department has emphasized the availability of online services. Most licenses, IDs, tabs, and license plates can be renewed or replaced via the official website at Michigan.gov/SOS or at any Secretary of State self-service station.
Furthermore, the website allows users to print driver’s license permits and registrations for vehicles, motorcycles, snowmobiles, and boats. This feature ensures that motorists can drive legally while they await the arrival of their renewed driver’s license, plate, or tab in the mail. The platform also offers other services, including ordering duplicate registrations or titles, address changes, and organ donor registration.