DMV ATMs arrive in Illinois

(The Center Square) – Customers have already seen automated kiosks at some fast-food restaurants. Soon, they'll see new DMV ATMs at grocery stores throughout the state of Illinois.

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said his goal is to eliminate the "time tax" of people having to wait in line at a DMV facility. He showed off the new DMV ATM at a Mariano's grocery store in Chicago Thursday.

"Today we're very excited to announce our Fast Lane kiosks or ATM DMVs which allow Illinoians for the first time ever to skip a trip to the DMV by offering vehicle registration, driver's license renewals, state ID renewals at grocery stores across the state of Illinois," Giannoulias said.

The pilot program will have 15 kiosks located in select grocery stores in Chicago, the suburbs and downstate.

Giannoulias said the ATMs won't cost taxpayer funds.

"The vendor charges $4.95 per transaction and a credit card transaction fee if applicable," he said.

After continued evaluation, the program could expand to 100 locations across the state. While it won't cost any more state taxpayer funds, Giannoulias said it could provide taxpayer savings.

"The answer is yes, I view this as creating efficiencies, helping reduce foot traffic at our facilities and just helping the process, smoother, by offering more options," he said.

Drivers can print vehicle registration stickers immediately on site, as well as temporary documents when renewing a drivers' license or state ID card. REAL IDs must still be in-person at a state facility.

Locations for the pilot program include several Mariano's in Chicago, Oak Park and Park Ridge, Jewel-Osco locations in Chicago, Des Plaines, Lombard, Stickney, Oak Lawn, and Park Ridge, Meijer locations in Flossmoor and Springfield, Kroger in East Peoria and Ruler Foods in Fairview Heights.