Published: August 08, 2008 10:18 am      

SOS to accept check card payments

By KANDACE MCCOY

kandace.mccoy@register-news.com

MT. VERNON — Customers now have another option to pay for driver’s license and identification card fees as well as vehicle renewals and registrations.

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White and Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias have announced that customers can now use MasterCard, American Express and Discover credit or debit cards to pay driver’s license and identification card fees, as well as vehicle renewals and registrations.

Previously, only cash payments or check payments have been accepted at driver’s license facilities throughout the state.

John Wellen, Regional Manager for Region II, which includes driver’s license facilities in Mt. Vernon, McLeansboro and Carmi, said the change comes as technology continues to advance. “The last two or three years we’ve heard that plastic is the going thing. [Customers] take it for granted that everyone takes [credit cards], and we’ve always had to say no [regarding that type of payment.”

The change has been a “big benefit” for customers, Wellen added, as well as a benefit to the facilities. “It’s convenient for us. We don’t have to handle money, checks or cash.”

Wellen said a number of customers have been taking advantage of the new payment options.

White initiated this project as part of his effort to continue to provide the public with additional, more convenient services, information states.

“Customer service continues to be one of my top priorities,” White said. “We are constantly looking at ways to offer customers more options when it comes to serving their driving and identification needs.”

There is a processing fee for using the credit card — 65 cents or .021 percent of the amount of the transaction, depending on which is greater.

For example, a $10 transaction would cost $10.65, while a $78.00 renewal would be $79.64.

Wellen said customers should contact their local Secretary of State driver’s license facility for more information.