SOS Express News from Secretary of State Ruth Johnson

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auto show

Johnson introducing new technology for customers at Detroit Auto Show

Secretary of State Ruth Johnson strongly believes customers deserve technology that makes doing business with her department more convenient and she is unveiling some exciting innovations at this year's North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Johnson will demonstrate 'revolutionary' new technology at the Secretary of State booth next week that can minimize the time customers spend at SOS branch offices, if they need to come in at all. The department already offers numerous services online at ExpressSOS.com.

Also, Johnson has just launched a new email and text notification service that can remind Michigan drivers a few weeks ahead of their birthday that it is time to renew their vehicle registration. They can also sign up to be reminded of upcoming elections. Sign-ups can be done online, by text or at the Secretary of State booth at the Auto Show. 

The SOS booth is located across from the Macomb Hall entrance at Cobo Center. Staff will be on site providing full branch office services during the show, as well as information on Secretary of State services and programs.


BBBS news conference

SOS partners with Big Brothers Big Sisters to keep teen drivers safe

Secretary of State Ruth Johnson announced a new partnership between the Michigan Secretary of State's Office and Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) on Jan. 13 in Lansing.

The pilot program in the Lansing area will enlist BBBS volunteers who have Little Brothers and Little Sisters in the state's driver's ed program to serve as driving coaches and help the teens become safe and responsible drivers.

Watch video excerpts               

View photo gallery


MDOS employees shine after storm

When a winter storm forced the closure of much of state government on Monday, Jan. 6, including 70 Secretary of State branch offices in two dozen counties, many Department of State employees didn't let that stop them.

Many went above and beyond what was expected, given the weather conditions.

A few examples:

  • The Detroit SUPER!Center was not on the list of closures but staff couldn't get out of their neighborhoods. Region 1 Analyst Donna Penick used her 4-wheel drive vehicle to pick up some staff and they were able to open by 10:45 a.m.

  • Kalamazoo Branch Manager Kirk Lillrose did not receive the closing notification before he reached the office, so he opened with a few staff who were able to make it in.

  • Driver Assessment Analyst Candee Culler took it upon herself to leave her home in Hudsonville on Sunday and drive to Muskegon and stay overnight where she was scheduled to work on Monday.

  • Driver Assessment Section Manager Phil Robinson drove to his Detroit office to coordinate contacting customers scheduled for driver re-exams on Monday.

  • And many MDOS staff members worked from home to support the branch offices that were still open.

"Time after time, I have seen our staff go above and beyond because of their commitment and dedication," Secretary Johnson said. "They represent the very best of those in public service."

election ahead

Voter registration deadline is Jan. 27

Here's a reminder for anyone who is eligible but not yet a voter in Michigan: The last day to register to vote in the Feb. 25 elections is Jan. 27.

Download a voter registration application here.

Check this list to see if your community has an election.

See a sample ballot, confirm your polling place and more at the Michigan Voter Information Center.


gift of life MI

Donor registry adds 462,000 names in 2013

More than 462,000 people added their names to Michigan's Organ Donor Registry in 2013.

Since Secretary Johnson took office in 2011 and increased the state's efforts to partner with Gift of Life Michigan and promote organ donation, the registry has increased by 1.4 million names to approximately 3.3 million.

Please help save lives by giving the gift of life. You can join the state's registry at Michigan.gov/organdonation.


Shuman photo op

Tax win for consumers

Bob Shuman, Secretary Johnson and Sen. Dave Robertson welcomed a new law, effective Dec. 15, that lowered the amount of Michigan sales tax on new vehicle purchases that involve a trade-in on Dec. 16 at Shuman Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Walled Lake.


express sos sign

ExpressSOS tops 4M

The number of timesaving transactions that have been completed at ExpressSOS.com (instead of in person at branch offices) surpassed 4 million in December.

Secretary Johnson launched ExpressSOS.com in October 2011. The website gives customers the ability to do SOS business in minutes from home or wherever they have access to the internet, including on their smartphone or tablet.


mac plate

Tens of thousands of

Mac Bridge plates sold

More than 76,000 Pure Michigan Mackinac Bridge license plates were sold in 2013 after the plate was issued in late August. Get one for your vehicle for just $5!