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A Unique Experience at the Illinois State Fair

The Illinois State Fair is more than just a place to enjoy rides, games, and delicious food. It also offers a convenient location for visitors to complete essential tasks, such as visiting the DMV. This year, attendees can take advantage of a special tent set up by the Illinois Secretary of State’s office, which provides various driver and vehicle services alongside family-friendly activities.

The fair kicks off on Thursday and runs through August 17. Visitors will find the DMV tent located on Brian Raney Avenue in the southeast corner of the fairgrounds. It will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., making it easy for fairgoers to handle their paperwork while enjoying the event.

Services Available at the DMV Tent

Fairgoers can access a range of services at the DMV tent, including:

• Applying for a REAL ID or new driver’s license or state ID card
• Renewing a driver’s license or state ID card
• Switching from a Temporary Visitor Driver’s License to a standard driver’s license
• Renewing vehicle registration
• Applying for persons with disabilities placards

To complete any of these transactions, visitors must bring the necessary documents. The required documentation for each process is available online, so fairgoers can prepare ahead of time.

In addition to DMV services, the tent offers other valuable resources. Attendees can take advantage of free genealogy searches and speak with representatives from the Business Services Department. There are also kid-friendly activities, such as basketball hoops and a coloring station, ensuring that families have something to enjoy together.

Literary Events and Author Readings

Throughout the fair, Illinois authors will visit the DMV tent to read from their books and give away signed copies. Here is a schedule of the author visits:

• Jacob Grant, Umami: August 8, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Candance Fleming & Eric Rohmann, Penny & Pip and Giant Squid: August 9, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Ruth Spiro, Love Grows: August 9, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
• Mike Petrik, One Cool Duck #1: King of Cool: August 10, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Nadia Ahmed, The Ghost Who Was Afraid of Everything: August 10, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
• Janet Nolan, Bats Beneath the Bridge: August 11, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Kat Chen, Play Outside with Me: August 12, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Wendy Parris, Stage Fright: August 13, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Jeffrey Brown, Hulk Teach: August 14, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Ray Nadine, I Felt Myself Slipping: August 15, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Ann Zhao, Dear Wendy: August 16, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Ronni Davis, This Night Is Ours: August 16, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
• Lisa Katzenberger, A Love Letter to My Library: August 17, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Fiona Cooke, Wheel of the Year: August 17, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

These events provide a unique opportunity for fairgoers to engage with local authors and explore the literary talent of Illinois.

Additional Information

The Illinois State Fair takes place at 801 Sangamon Ave. in Springfield. The fairgrounds are open daily from 7 a.m. to midnight, giving visitors plenty of time to experience all the attractions. Whether you're looking to complete DMV tasks, enjoy entertainment, or meet local authors, the fair offers something for everyone.