Chicago West Secretary of State Facility

Do people still call it the DMV? Weird.
Anyway, technicalities aside, when it comes to government offices where one has to deal with government employees… I’m sorry, but you really either need to have very low expectations or, essentially ZERO expectations of having an even remotely pleasant experience going in. Yes, expect long lines. Yes expect snail’s pace service. Yes expect snippy attitudes from the employees. Yes expect employees not to be very helpful in answering your simple questions. Yes expect inefficiency with all processes (because yes expect that Chicago is technologically behind with all these processes). Yes be prepared to pay an obscene amount of money to the City of Chicago.
So if you go in there with the above expectations (or more accurately lack thereof), when something actually does go right, you’ll be pleasantly surprised, and you might even leave with a decent experience like I did at the Secretary of State’s office!
Now, this facility is located in a crappy area. It’s in that weird Cicero/​Chicago/​West Side area. But, it’s one of the only THREE locations in a 50 mile radius that’s open on a Saturday. My first visit, I’ll admit, I was pissed off because their Saturday hours has them open from 7:30am-12pm. I got there a few minutes after 11am, and they were CLOSED!!!
So beware when you plan a trip to this location because apparently, Chicago government facilities can close whenever they dang please.
I went again this past Saturday at 10am to take care of my care title and license plate changes. Thank goodness there were separate entrances. You have one entrance that’s for titles, plates, etc. Then you have an entrance for driver’s licenses, state ID’s, etc, and the line for that entrance was wrapped around the building!
I was able to go in and out without delay. The lady I dealt with to change my title was pleasant, relatively friendly and even smiled a couple of times! The two cashiers I dealt with had sass, but I decided to react with subtle jokes, which I’m sure they weren’t amused by, but the sass disappeared.
All in all, it took about 20 – 25 minutes, mostly thanks to their archaic paper systems. But people were helpful, and I got done what needed to get done.
And now I’m $ 200 poorer. Thanks City of Chicago!
TL;DR Version: Go in with little to zero expectations of a pleasant experience and you’ll be set! My experience was decent and the people I dealt with were nice.

Your mileage will vary, first off most people don’t have high expectations anyway. Right off the bat it was evident that the experience here depends on who is assisting you at the moment. The security guard/​greeter your first contact the one that is supposed to be helpful and point you in the right direction, looks as if he just had his wisdom teeth pulled without anesthetic. He surely doesn’t wan to be there, and he doesn’t want you there either.
From that point, the next contact, helpful, pleasant and in a good mood. Got us all set up with our numbers and directed us to take a seat in the waiting room. Of course we had to pass grump and have him give us a parting glare. After this point people were in decent spirits, the first clerk seemed a bit cool at first but after some conversation she lightened up, the wait wasn’t long and things move along quickly.
The real surprise was at the second station where you do your eye test, and/​or they give you the written test. The clerk gave the guy ahead of me his test, as he was walking to a chair and she called me up, she yelled out at him to take a chair in the first row. Then she says to me, «got to keep an eye on him, he’s going to cheat.» The guy was of Middle Eastern descent, it took me a moment to absorb that she said that, I know I immediately thought, did I just here that?
The clerk taking the photos was nice enough, she took a second photo and did the same for my husband, I do wonder if they secretly choose the worse one. Obviously this location is mismanaged since there is no consistency, and some other pressing issues. The best thing is being able to get out quickly, and knowing that I’m not due back for another four years.

Where hope, happiness and manners go to die.
Now, let’s be honest– we all prepare ourselves for general unpleasantness when going to the DMV. The staff hate their lives, and tend to take their frustrations out on patrons. But, at the end of the day (and as obnoxious as it sounds), like any government-​run service my taxes pay their salary, and I expect a tiny, weeny bit of service and pleasantry. Not a party, not a ‘how nice to see you’, just simple eye contact and a professional manner with a desire to be helpful. At this hell-​hole of of DMV, you will receive neither, and less.
Now, bear in mind this has been out THIRD visit to this den of depression and bad attitude. The first time, we arrived with all necessary documents only to be told that since we didn’t bring them in their original envelopes, they were not valid. Um, alright. Second time, we waited in line outside (at –7c) for 3hrs from 7.30am to 10.30am, only to be told once we reached the counter that they weren’t doing any more license tests that day. But today, ho, today was the best. All documents in order, original envelopes and all. The surly and aggressive front desk man (who served us the first delightful time) tells us ‘I don’t need the envelopes, you never need the envelopes’. Really? Funny, because last time you practically tried to deport us without them, but anyway… So, after ensuring that we do indeed live in the US — we had to present our VISA, passport, gas bill, mortgage (which he felt the need to read through), phone bill, bank statements, pay stubs (3 times more stuff that is mentioned on the documents check list) we’re finally allowed to enter the next ring of hell– the horrifying desks of disgruntled DMV ladies. The treasure we’re directed to is very, VERY rude to my husband, then proceeds to tell me that even though my EAD is completely, utterly valid, with 11months left before I have to renew it, I can’t get a license in Illinois. Her reason? ‘It’s needs to be valid for a year, with six months to go.’ Huh? Last time I counted, 11 is 5 more than 6. I calmly and politely explained this, but to no avail. I also mentioned that NOWHERE on any piece of ‘necessary documents’ paperwork is this mentioned this. Then, she pretty much gave me the metaphorical finger, and admittedly, I lost my temper. Mother Teresa herself couldn’t have kept her cool in this situation. I guess ultimately it’s my fault, and it was silly of me to assume that these people can a) count b) be reasonable and c) behave like a professional. In case you haven’t got the gist yet, DO NOT GO HERE. Go anywhere else. ANYWHERE.

This DMV was extremely helpful. Everyone I talked through from the front desk lady, the supservisor, test lady and all the way to the people taking the photos were super sweet, understanding and helpful! These qualities can be hard to come across at most DMVs. so here is to you for getting things right! Thank you thank you!

Absolutely horrible. I ordered my license plate sticker online to avoid coming here but of course it never came. So now I’m here at the DMV and the rep was rude. I sat down and she has me waiting 10 min before I even tell her what I need (this is special services and slower than the regular line)… Horrible

They said the driving test started at 8:30am had to wait in my car until 9:00am Has friendly and helpful staff in the driver service building l

I would drive 20 miles with my car windows rolled up on a 95 degree day with a broken ac before dealing with this location again. My fist time here was exceptionally wonderful and I was in and out pretty quick. The second time I ended up here I barely got in the door and some front desk jockey named Melvin told me THE EXACT SAME paperwork I’d used previously wasn’t good enough. Ummm so it’s to your own personal discretion? The rude and condescending attitude was a perfect fit to what my opinion previously had been about Drivers License services in Illinois– miserable… dreadful.

If I could give this joke of a place zero stars I would. I would rather walk naked across Chicago in January than deal with the employees at this «facility». Although closest of any to my home, I prefer to drive to any other DMV no matter how far or how inconvenient. Whatever it is you need… drivers license, state I. D or tags, you will NEVER have the appropriate documentation. However if you take the exact same documents to another facility they will accept them and you will be treated with more dignity. Don’t say you were not warned!

Fair warning for those who have gone completely digital in receiving/​paying bills online — if you want to use a utility bill as proof of residence, you can’t just log into your account, print off your latest bill, and bring it to this, or any other, DMV location; they consider it a «copy.» You need to call the utility company and request they send you an original bill in the mail, and then bring that with you (along with the envelope). This is stated nowhere in all the materials posted on the DMV website — I learned the hard way and was sent home.
Also, I thought I was being slick by waiting ’til after the early-​morning rush died down. Apparently so did everybody else. The place was packed late-​morning on a Wednesday. Don’t know whether it’s worth trying to get there before they even open, but I guess I’ll try that next time.
UPDATE: I ended up going to the location on Elston Ave, and it was a much smoother process — fewer people, a marked improvement in customer service (people actually smiled and were pleasant), and greater efficiency. I took the written test, got my license, took care of title/​registration, and got IL plates in LESS THAN AN HOUR! Would highly recommend this location in north Chicago.

Always went there since 2008, because they are the only one open on Saturday in Chicago.
Customer services and efficiency improved a lot over the years, deserve a 4 stars.
Try to be there as early as possible because it will be difficult to found parking space after 9:30 I would said.

The people at this DMV are some of the rudest, snottiest employees I have ever encountered. I understand that no DMV is going to be a party but I would avoid this one at all costs. The only person that even remotely behaved like a human being was the cashier Keyshonna. The DMV in the Chicago Loop is a much more pleasant experience, the only drawback to the loop location is there is no parking.

I can’t believe I’m about to say this… I had the most pleasant experience renewing my license plates! And this was on a Saturday morning! The line was daunting but I was in and out within 15 minutes. Everyone there was pleasant and professional.

I mean, going to the DMV is never «enjoyable». However, this one is pretty efficient AND the employees are helpful!
I went to replace a lost drivers license. Brought 4 forms of ID for good measure, but each one had a different address. Instead of kicking me out, they let me run to my car to dig up a piece of mail. After that, I was out with 2 new ID’s in minutes.

Worst DMV experience. Ever! Ever! Ever!
Meet Rick the security guard who told me that I am not supposed to help my wife with her paperwork.
In fact, Rick threw me out of the building and when I asked to speak to his supervisor he told that he was the supervisor but if I’d not leave the building he’d get me arrested. After leaving the building and waiting outside for my wife they apparently told her that they would not process foreigners on the weekend… which was total BS. After speaking to him again and clarifying the situation he insisted again that I’d leave the building again. About ten minutes later I was called back in — this time a by a DMV employee who needed my signature. To be honest, this guy was very helpful, professional and apparently very embarrassed about the entire situation. My wife finally got her license.
I have never seen a more rude and disrespectful behavior. This is something I’d even would not expect in a third world country.
Try to avoid this place under any circumstances.

I had prepared myself for a day long wait because that’s how my previous DMV have been. This trip was surprisingly efficient. I think I was only there for an hour. The workers were professional and knew what they were taking about. I would give five stars but I just can’t give one to the DMV!

Terrible ! Poor service, I went to three times, because four employee told me different way ! Avoid this place!

Usually I hate coming to this location due to the terrible service from grouchy lookin employees. Well my friends, today I found the diamond in the rough! Chavonne & Victoria took care of my situation without hesitation. I explained that my title had been misplaced by them & returned to the finance company which I had dealt with to pay off my car. It’s been a year now since this problem first occurred & jus now they’re finally trying to get to the bottom of it. I am currently sitting in the office waiting for a solution but the fact that she was willing to help me solve this huge problem after other employees (shall remain nameless) shunned me away is the point. After this is resolved, I will never return to this location again!

In case you are looking for a tangible proof of how your tax dollars are wasted in hiring and maintaining bad federal offices, here is where you go to find out.
This facility has all of following:
Poor customer service
Rude and Ill mannered people
Inconvenience in govt office due to less than qualified staff
Treating you like you shouldn’t have come here and why are you here
Very disrespectful
And several others .
Please try to avoid this facility. I always prefer to drive 90 minutes to go to Rockford facility — they have friendly and respectful staff unlike this place.
I wish Unilocal comes up with negative rating sometime in future.

I don’t care what the website says, if you are an out-​of-​stater like me, be sure to bring FOUR forms of ID including TWO pieces of mail with your address on it AND a birth certificate AND Social Security card. Two IDs MUST have photos and signatures.
You won’t even make it past the first counter without all of these items and a blood draw.

I’m not a people person, but as someone who had to interact with the public on a daily basis, I try to not be miss pissy-​pants when going to places like this. The thing is, I have never had a bad experience here.
Everyone has always been pleasant, they are pretty on top of letting you know if your paperwork, ID, payment is valid and in my opinion, it’s slightly better organized than the hell that is the Elston location. I know, how is that possible? It just is.
I arrived around 7:20 on a Saturday morning and there were already at least 20 people in a line waiting outside with others pulling in behind me. They opened at 7:30 on the dot (and there was a man outside the entire time checking people’s info (as mentioned above) so when we did get in, people were ready to go) and I was out just before 8:00.
Clearly, the key is to go early, but I’ve raced here before trying to make it before they closed and even then, it wasn’t bad. This location is nothing like the nightmare that is Elston. Nothing like it!