MDOS installs electronic check-in stations at 80 branch offices seven months ahead of schedule

All 131 Secretary of State offices now provide either a full-time staff greeter or self check-in station, promoting faster service

LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan Department of State (MDOS) completed the installation of check-in and booking stations at branch office locations that do not have a full-time staff greeter present, finishing the project seven months ahead of schedule. Now, customers at 80 branch offices can immediately check in or book an appointment using an oversized computer tablet stationed at the front of the office.

"Bringing check-in tablets to our branch offices without a permanent greeter marks a major step forward in how we serve our customers," said Jennifer Mazzola, director of the Bureau of Branch Operations at MDOS. "This improvement gives visitors the flexibility to check themselves in on arrival or conveniently schedule a visit if needed. It's all about making interactions simpler and faster for everyone."

MDOS first installed check-in and booking stations as a part of a pilot program in 2025 at the Adrian, Alma, Kalamazoo, St. Ignace, and St. Johns offices. Based on the successful pilot, the stations were scheduled to be installed in the remaining 75 offices without greeters by November 2026. Due to the dedication and efficiency of the MDOS team, the project was successfully completed well ahead of schedule.

Branch office managers came up with the idea of installing electronic check-in stations and worked with the MDOS Office of Continuous Improvement and Transformation to make the plan a reality. Now, employees at smaller branch offices don't have to try to greet and check people in while in the process of helping another customer complete their transaction.

Michiganders can schedule a visit up to six months in advance for any Secretary of State office online at Michigan.gov/SOS or by calling 888-767-6424.

The online system or call center agent will walk you through everything you need to bring for your transaction, helping you avoid having to make a return visit. If you arrive without having scheduled ahead, you can use one of the check-in and booking stations or work with a staff member to book the next available time slot, which may be later in the day or the next business day.

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