ILLINOIS SECRETARY OF STATE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 28, 2003 CONTACT: Elizabeth Kaufman

Secretary White Announces Office to Accept American Express By Phone and on the Internet Beginning September 1st

SPRINGFIELD — Secretary of State Jesse White announced today that the office would begin accepting American Express for motorist transactions over the Internet and telephone.

Beginning September 1, the office will accept American Express for those wanting to renew their vehicle registration or driver's license through the Safe Driver program.

"By adding this new option, we can give motorists another tool to make it easier to take care of their business from home," White said. "We hope that we can continue to expand our services to customers by using the Internet and the telephone."

Previously, motorists have been able to purchase their renewals by using their Visa, MasterCard, Diners, and Discover/Novus. Those renewing through the Safe Driver program on the Internet can use a check.

In 2002, 540,000 people used the Internet and telephone for their renewals.

The Secretary of State's office began the touch-tone telephone renewals in 1992. In June of 2001, the office began accepting Internet renewals.