Pontiac residents face temporary disruption to state services

The Secretary of State office at 1270 Pontiac Road in Pontiac will be closed from May 21 through June 5 for a remodeling project, the Michigan Secretary of State's office announced.

The closure affects one of the primary in-person service locations for Oakland County residents who rely on the Pontiac office for driver's license renewals, vehicle registrations, and other state transactions.

Remodeling includes facility upgrades

According to the announcement from the Secretary of State's office, the remodeling project includes:

  • Carpet replacement
  • Fresh paint
  • A new greeter station
  • Upgrades to the counter line

The office will resume normal service at 9 a.m. on Monday, June 8.

Benson administration emphasizes digital alternatives

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson's administration has promoted digital services as an alternative during the closure. The department states it has doubled the number of services available online since Benson took office in 2018.

"Most transactions can be done from computer, tablet, or mobile phone," the department said in its announcement.

Self-service stations also remain available at nearby locations. The nearest self-service kiosks are located at:

  • Meijer at 800 Brown Road in Auburn Hills
  • Meijer at 3610 Marketplace Circle in Rochester Hills
  • Kroger at 65 S. Livernois Road in Rochester Hills

These stations offer instant license plate, driver's license, and ID renewals in nine language options.

Alternative offices available for in-person visits

Residents who must visit an office during the closure can schedule appointments at nearby Secretary of State locations. The closest alternative offices are:

  • 1111 E. Long Lake Road in Troy
  • 2250 Crooks Road in Rochester Hills

Both offices operate weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Wednesdays when hours shift to 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Residents can schedule visits at Michigan.gov/SOS or by calling 888-767-6424.

A test of Benson's digital-first agenda

The closure comes as Benson prepares to run for governor in 2026. Her administration has long argued that expanding online services reduces the need for physical branch offices.

During her tenure, Benson's office has installed more than 100 self-service stations across the state and launched mobile offices to reach residents who lack easy internet access, according to the department's website.

For Pontiac residents without reliable internet or transportation to alternative offices, the two-week closure could present challenges in accessing basic state services.

The department did not provide a cost estimate for the Pontiac office remodel.

James Thornton is a reporter for Michigan Capitol.