A new permanent motor vehicle office will open on Monday in an Orland Hills shopping center. This comes over a year after the Illinois Secretary of State’s facility closed at Orland Township Hall.
The temporary drivers facility at Communities Transform Futures (CTF Illinois) in Orland Park was closed by the secretary of state’s office. CTF Illinois is a nonprofit that provides day programs for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Orland Park Mayor Jim Dodge appreciated CTF as a temporary solution. He mentioned that the new facility is purpose-built, offering more permanent services.
Both Dodge and Tinley Park Mayor Michael Glotz vied for the new office location. Dodge noted he explored potential sites with the secretary of state’s office. The final choice was an 8,700-square-foot facility at 9291 West 159th St. in Orland Hills.
“They had fairly specific requirements, and I think it came down to how they wanted to build out the space to serve their customers,” Dodge said.
Dodge expressed satisfaction that the new location benefits Orland Park residents while supporting economic growth in Orland Hills.
Orland Hills Mayor Kyle Hastings thanked Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias and state Sen. Michael Hastings for choosing the strip mall location. This spot is near Phenix Salon, Hallmark, and Subway, adding convenience for residents.
Hastings remarked on the competitive selection process. He appreciated the location next to a Walmart Supercenter, stating:
“Even though that is a non-revenue producing entity, after people finish there, they’re going to go out and eat, they’re going to shop. So it’s a win-win for everybody.”
The secretary of state’s office announced the new DMV+ location, which will offer services like business services, administrative hearings, and more, previously unavailable at the Orland Township location.
Orland Township had leased its facility to the state for $1 per year. However, the township board canceled the lease in July 2025, citing safety and parking issues.
Township Supervisor Paul McGrady had urged collaboration before the lease termination. He is pleased with the added services but questioned the Orland Hills site’s suitability.
“Our location was closer to our mall,” said McGrady. Regarding the new site, he commented on differing benefits, saying governmental activities should typically occur in government buildings, though this isn’t always feasible.
“That’s why I thought our facility made sense,” he said, noting limitations they faced in accommodating needs.
The secretary of state also has facilities operating at the Bridgeview courthouse and in Midlothian and Joliet.