Driver’s license facility on campus Monday

By DEREK WALKER

For at least one day a month, standing in long lines at the DMV is history.

The offices of the Secretary of State Jesse White are providing driver, vehicle and additional services on campus from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. today in the Holmes Student Center’s lower level. It is the first of seven scheduled dates throughout the year.

Driver Services representatives can renew, replace and correct driver’s licenses and state ID cards. Those interested may also purchase vehicle registration renewal stickers for license plates and parking placards for persons with disabilities. Organ donation, title and voter registration services are also available.

“Sec. White is very excited about this program,” said Henry Haupt, White’s deputy press secretary. “It is his vision to bring the office’s services to the campus of NIU to make the transactions more convenient.”

This is the fourth year the office’s mobile unit is stationed at the HSC. Six other state schools are also participating, including the University of Illinois, Illinois State University, the University of Illinois-Chicago, Eastern Illinois University, Western Illinois University and Southern Illinois University-Carbondale.

Karen Barker, Downstate District Field Liaison of the Driver Services, said the program has drawn a great amount of interest over the years. She added that not having to leave campus to participate was the primary selling point for most students.

“The customers that have used the service are very pleased with the convenience,” Barker said.

Not leaving campus is a benefit for many students who have busy schedules. One customer that appreciates the convenience is senior marketing major Eric Castellucci. He said that with a full course load and job, he doesn’t have time to spare to go to the DMV.

“It’s a nice service because I don’t have to leave campus to renew my license,” Castellucci said. “I’m busy [and] I work a lot in the Student Center, so it’s more convenient for me there.”