Went to renew my ID on Nov 2021 and was very happy from the service here. a year before I went for a REAL ID. Came 20 minutes before opening and finished almost two hours after. The place is on the south east side of the building on the lower floor (where the food court is). Note that there is no reception for TMobile there. Expecting mothers, people with disabilities, senior citizens and soldiers on uniforms can proceed to the front of the line. They rarely clean the eye exam machine (some do clean, some give you a napkin to put on your forehead 🤷🏻‍♂️). Bring a wipe if you care and can. Timeline and details: I got there around 7:40 and had 65 people before me (+10 priority people). The place open at 8:00, and I got through registration and taking a picture at around 8:50. There were roughly 14 employees (2 registration, 2 taking pictures, 8 counters, 2 cashiers) who did rotation from time to time to help where it was needed. At 9:00 more employees arrived and the process got going faster. At 9:30 I finished the process at the counter and cashier.

Went with a friend who needed to get her ID renewed. Past visits have normally taken the better part of a morning or afternoon. We were done in just about an hour.

The only Secretary of State office in Chicago that does not require appointment for ID and Driver’s License stuff. Staff are polite and the process is efficient (as possible). Got my state ID and took written test here. Written test is computer-based with multiple languages to choose at the beginning of the test so feel free to use your native language if you are not confident enough to answer the test in English. The questions are really simple as long as you do have gone through the traffic rules, though. By the way I would recommend using cash for any payment in this office due to a transaction fee for cards.

Fast service and kind employees. I was at this location at 7:50 am, there were 20-25 people in front of me, they let people in at 8 AM. Quick service and organized. I was out by 9:01 AM. Also, the DMV is exact opposite to Thompson center and Cadillac theatre.

I arrived here at 3:40 PM on a Thursday in September 2022 to get a new IL Real ID, and there was absolutely no wait. I had my temporary ID and was out the door 15 minutes after arriving. The employees were friendly and efficient and even caught an error in some paperwork that saved me some hassle. Shockingly good experience. Note: Make sure you bring physical copies of all the documents and forms of ID you need for whatever you’re trying to do.

haven't been here for a couple years and went today to get one of them fancy Real IDs (which you don't need an appointment to get here, by the way)... it's just as legendary as i remember it being. showed up at 7am, was third in line, had someone come out and brief us/help get our documents together about 30 minutes before opening at 8am, and i was back out and on the train towards work by 8:22am. probably the most painless facility of its kind in the whole state! a few tips: - make sure you triple-check the checklists online and get your documents in order before you show up or while in line. a big reason they're so efficient here is because they simply don't let you in if you don't have your proper documents, so make sure you're set. also, don't be that lame one that argues with them about it, no one likes that! - show up early, as you would for any other spot like this. arriving at 7am, i was the third in line, and for a little bit only one or two people would join every 5 or so minutes, but by the time they opened, there were easily 30-40 people already in line. those extra 30 minutes could save you many more later!!

Recently, I visited this facility (July 2021) to get my driver's license renewed. Based on my visit, there's a long line while you're there. If you want to come first thing in the morning, get there as early as 6:30am. Otherwise, you'll be waiting in line for some time. Also, make sure you have all of the necessary paperwork ready once you're there. The best part is they're very efficient. I got in line at 7:30AM, and got out in an hour. So I didn't have to wait that long. Overall, a smooth visit. Not sure if the long lines are always the case. But because this facility reopened back up in June 2021, it may have been with all of the COVID-19 restrictions in Chicago/Illinois being lifted. Also, a lot of people have expired driver's licenses from 2020 and 2021. So that might be another reason why with the expired licenses valid until January 1, 2022. But those are my thoughts. I recommend coming here. I'll probably visit again the next time my license is up for renewal.

I had a positive experience today when I went to get a new state ID. There was a queue of about eight people in front of me when I arrived, but it moved quickly. Staff were helpful and I made steady progress through the various stations. Everything took just under an hour to get my Real ID. To avoid frustration, and a second trip, be sure to double check that you have all of the necessary documents before you arrive. I brought extra documentation for each category just in case.

Given the bad reputation of DMVs, I was suspicious of the many reviews saying how fast the service was. It’s real, they are actually speedy here. Thought I was too late to beat lunch rush since I came around 11:30/12 but I was done renewing my license within 15/20 minutes. Hard to believe but props to this office for their courtesy and quickness

Walked into the building at 3:00 pm on a Thursday to get my real ID. A security guard pointed me in the direction I needed to go down the escalators. The office is hidden sort of behind the escalators. There was a guard that asked you to get your paperwork out before letting you in. Had all my documentation and moved through the lines very quickly. First line was for eligibility and having your picture taken. Second line was for verification of documentation and receipt. This is where some people were asked to take a vision test, I wasn't. The third line was to pay the fee. Credit cards are accepted, although with an additional charge. After a few minutes I was issued a temporary one with the information that the actual one will come in the mail a few weeks later. At 3:25 I was already back upstairs and walking outside of the building.

Went today (7/14) and got there just before 7am. 10 people ahead of me and the line got longer after that. Highly recommend getting there by 7am to get out within an hour after they open at 8am. Bring all your required documents as they will check that once you enter and the line continues downstairs before letting you inside the facility

Dare I say that I had a good experience at the DMV this morning...? Less than 30 minutes to get a Real ID to replace my expiring license. The DMV is easily spotted - on the NW corner of Randolph and LaSalle at street level. They don't take appointments, so I walked up to the building at 7:55am just before it opened. There were 14 people in line outside already, but the doors were opened at exactly 8am and the queue moved inside. They had a pretty efficient system with 4 different stops (1. identification papers check, 2. photo, 3. information check, vision test, various questions about your license, and then finally 4. payment) and I was out by 8:24am with my temporary ID.

They don't close at 5. The website is a lie. If you get there anywhere close to 5, the police will not allow you into the building, no matter how quickly your business can be conducted. Therefore, even though the employees may be super friendly and though they may move you through efficiently, they have zero regard for the time and money of others. We who work understand the desire to leave on time. We understand the frustration of having people come in when we are about to close. We are all stressed with heavy workloads and personnel shortages. So don't think you are the only ones going through. There is a remedy. Indicate what time you stop accepting customers. Everyone will understand and time and money will not be wasted. I'd suggest getting to this location before 4. 4;30 is a stretch and the police might not let you in. If you get off work @ 4:30 and you're not too far; hot-foot it over there and hope they have mercy.

Fast.friendly.honest. Great environment (definitely will come here again). From security to everyone else = amazing. To anyone that plans to go : 160 N LaSalle St for their new dmv location.

I went here for a driver's license renewal to get my 'REAL ID' and was in and out within 20 minutes! I couldn't believe it. I went at 10:20am on a Thursday and there were only about 10 people in front of me. All stations moved efficiently and staff were friendly (can't say the same about all the customers but what can you do). Entrance and location are street level on Randolph just west of LaSalle.

Wanted to highlight that Erica at the vehicle registration services was so helpful while I was navigating an unexpected and confusing issue. Her demeanor made a huge difference in my experience; she was patient, understanding, and efficient even with a line down the block. Thank you! They move through people faster than any other dmv I’ve been to and staff including security were pleasant.

The staff at this facility are professional, courteous, and fast. Though there was a pretty long crowd today, the staff were able to streamline the process pretty smoothly. I went in at 11.00 for my driver's license renewal and came out with my temporary driver's license document by 11.35. I cannot expect anything much faster than this!

Getting there early is a must if you want to avoid The Crush--folks who cannot seem to grasp that COVID was and still is a thing. Back up people! But I digress. Anyway, early arrival is also cool because it nets you the added benefit of working with people whose nerves have not yet been frayed to the snapping point. I breezed in and out in less than 30 minutes, and my photo is not all 'Bride if Frankenstein'. Appreciate that very much, lovely lady at photo desk number 1! Also, shout out to E. for the A+ humor, grace, and professionalism. You are the man!

Went this morning (6/29), arrived at 6:15a and there were already about 20 people in line. When the doors officially opened at 8am it was SUPER efficient. I was out the door by 8:40a. It definitely seems like the key to get out quickly is to get there before 6:30. Also, TRIPLE check you have all of your documents for Real ID before you get there... there were quite a few people near me that didn't have the right documents.

I am absolutely blown away by how quick & efficient this facility is! I went in to get a first time IL ID (just moved from out of state) around noon on a tuesday, & was out by 12:30! Everybody was very kind and helpful as well. Special shout-out to Brenda, who is literally so awesome, helpful, and kind!

I was in and out in about 30 minutes, even though I needed to make multiple complicated changes to my license plus renewal! Every staff member was kind and upbeat—something you wouldn’t expect from any old DMV. And they really have their efficiency down! Great experience!

This new DMV was honestly great! Super fast on a weekday around 1pm, I barely had to wait. Very reasonable and courteous employees. (As long as you didn’t forget to bring your required Real ID documents! Read instructions online in advance!)

By far the best experience I have had at any secretary of state. Went in for a new id- as long as you have all your documents you can be in and out. I only had to wait in a few- very small lines that took Max ten mins. I spent maybe 30 minutes there total. Very impressed!

Highly efficient system and friendly staff at this location. I cleared my schedule in anticipation of spending hours to work through the queues to apply for and take my drivers license written test but to my surprise, I was in and out in under 30 minutes. I’m pretty sure that anyone who gives this location a low rating is because they showed up without their proper documentation and wasn’t able to be helped.

The experience is quick and the staff are polite as long as you come prepared. This location has very little seating, but it seems like the processes are designed around getting you out quickly. It looked like the staff near the front door can assist with accessibility needs. They prohibit using phones for calls or recording, which some folks don’t notice on the signage.

The reviews are true - this location is super efficient and the staff are great. I needed to transfer my out of state license to a real Illinois ID and managed to get in & out in under an hour. The place was packed because it was the last day of the license renewal extension but they kept things moving quickly.

I got in to get the the veteran designation on the drivers license and provide all the required documentation. They made a copy of my DD214. At the time of renewal it is free to add it on so I did just that. They assured me that the veteran designation will be in the hard copy ID not the temp paper one. Come 2 weeks later I get my hard copy ID in the mail with no veteran designation. I call and they have no trace of my DD214 on file. So now she told me I have to go back get another paper copy and pay a $5 dollar fee to add the veteran designation for my drivers license. That being said now I can’t use the city’s veteran free city sticker program because of this either.

The service HOURS online and at the entrance are 8 AM to 5 PM. I have been here at 4 PM TWICE and not let in. "Because we feel like it", per the security. An HOUR before close? I wanted to update my ID. Change your hours or post the cut off time online!

The easiest and most efficient dmv ever. Was able to get in and out in hour end half on a Friday

I was in and out within 15 minutes on a Friday afternoon. No appointment neccessary for a license renewal with address update. I initially planned to go to the NW Suburbs for an appointment but due to traffic I came here and so glad I did. Facility was very clean as well!

Arrived 7/15/21 at about 7:25 am. Approximately 20 people ahead of me. In and out by 8:35. Very efficient. Highly recommended if you need real ID or license renewal. Just make sure you bring all the right stuff.

I got here around 10:50am on a Thursday and there was no line although it looked like it was starting to build up just after I got there. The process was super efficient and they check to make sure you have all the necessary documents for what you want before you even enter the office. I was out in about 35/40 minutes max. Just make sure you check the website before your visit so you bring the right documents (especially for the Real ID)!

WONDERFUL! I saw the positive reviews and couldn’t believe it. I am here to tell you that the beautiful people at this facility are AMAZING! It is the craziest thing!! Steve and Linda and Shanna were awesome! There were other workers at this location that were awesome as well. I just didn’t catch their names. They are people helping people. They understand the frustration of bureaucracy. All the workers were a God send to me. Thank you DMV people at the Atrium 🙏you are a blessing to the world 🙏🇺🇸💕

Not the nicest people work here. They all acted like they are doing you a favor talking to you and can't wait to go home.

Got here around 8 AM on Friday and was out in 30-40 minutes to renew my real ID. Check the website and bring necessary documentation. Also, make sure if you’re updating anything like address when renewing, you notate that when you check in - some will ask broadly “anything else” while others are more specific and provide examples of what they mean by “anything else.” All the employees I interacted with had great customer service.

The staff are always efficient and knowledgeable. During my last visit I got in and out within 20 minutes with a new photo. Marty, Arifa, and Robert were all personable and got me in and out quick. My roommate was missing a document, and it was caught before he even entered the facility. He ran to go get it printed and had a similarly zippy . No appointment needed for a great experience at the Chicago central DMV

Service was super fast! When I arrived the line wasn’t long at all, I was able to take care of business and go on my way. They were fully staffed, very helpful, and friendly. Majority of the booths were occupied with staff helping someone, so the lines were definitely moving. I wasn’t there for more than 30 mins!

I went at ~2 on a Fri for a Real ID and it was uncharacteristically busy. Still was in and out within 90 mins and the staff was super efficient and kind. They even went out of their way to prioritize older/vulnerable folks which was refreshing to see! Ultimately it was the best dmv experience I’ve had. Just make sure you triple check you have all the docs you need!!

Best experience I've ever had in the City of Chicago getting an ID and drivers license and I've lived here my entire life. Everyone was extremely friendly. The system was organized and proceeded smoothly. I was in and out in less than 30 minutes on a Friday. THANK YOU THANK YOU!!

So much better improvement than before. Wait time is about 30 mins for 3 different queues. I think it will be even better if it can issue the card on site.

Had an alright experience here. As others have noted make sure your required identification paperwork is in order; ID, proof of residency etc. there was a long line as expected but you just wait patiently. The workers I encountered were all so friendly and very helpful. From the man at the beginning who checks your identification paperwork, to the woman who took my instruction permit/license photo, to the woman who processed my payment and wished me luck in my written test (which I passed btw 😃) and congratulated me after! Was in by 1230 and out by 130pm and was able to do everything I wanted then and there. Do note they have moved offices. They aren’t exactly at the state building; they now opposite Walgreens on the right and Cadillac theatre on the left. See picture. Otherwise great service from all the workers.

Easy to find and was in and out of the facility to get my license plate sticker in no time. Very efficient and glad no appointment was necessary. Thank you!

Great staff here - fast, friendly, and efficient. Went in around 2:30pm on a Tuesday and there was barely a line. There were some system issues that popped up during my visit which caused delays (out of the control of the staff) but I was still in and out in less than an hour. The people behind the counters were nothing but kind and accommodating. I was pleasantly surprised at how painless the process was, would recommend this location.

Great people here, from the clerks to the Security Team! They are very efficient, kind, and make sure that you can fully understand all information. I was in and out in about 40 minutes. Also the security guards were very helpful. If people weren’t allowed to be in the building and it was cold, they let them know that there was a Starbucks nearby they could go to to wait.

TODAY, I renewed my Illinois Driver's License, which expired on my birthday, October 21. I want to take this opportunity to express my total satisfaction with the Department of Motor Vehicle in downtown Chicago Office for the quick, courteous, and professional service they rendered to the public! MY GOODNESS, THE SERVICE WAS SO RAPID! I COMPLETED MY APPOINTMENT IN LESS THAN 5 MINUTES, AND I HAVE MY DRIVER'S LICENSE IN MY HAND! It even took me so long to do my business in the bathroom! I was so impressed by the courteousness of the employees! Aside from this, so many employees are ready for service, waiting at all booths window. Not to exaggerate my words, but more employees are around ready to give service than clients! This makes me wonder why other offices take so long to serve their clients while everything can actually done in the blink of an eye! CONGRATULATIONS TO THE DMV OFFICE located at 160 N La Salle Dr, Chicago, IL 60601. You are all amazing!

Very efficient and the staff is very professional and helpful. Had to go in with my mom and wife, 2 people needed Real ID and one needed first time ID, we were in and out in less than 30 minutes. The guy on the front desk realized my DL was expiring so he asked me and also put in for DL renewal. From now on, this is the ONLY Secretary of State Chicago office that I am visiting, end of story. You might have to drive around to find street parking or park in a parking plaza, but trust me it is worth it. Exceptional service. 10/10 would recommend.