Computer outage closes Illinois DMV offices statewide

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A computer outage at the Secretary of State's Office caused many DMV locations throughout Illinois to turn patrons away Wednesday. The state fixed the problem on Wednesday night, but officials have not yet said what caused the outage.

"I just wanted to cry because I've been just sitting here all day," said Zyzanie Medley.

The problems began Wednesday morning, as a Secretary of State spokesperson said computers went down at all offices statewide.

Though many have business that can wait until later, some have no choice but to camp out.

"It's crazy because I start a new job, and the requirement for my job is to have a state ID and a social, and I can't get my state ID," said Brittany Brinkley. "So I don't know what I'm going to do because I start at 7 tonight."

Meredith Card has been here since 10 a.m. She needs a new license plate for a vehicle in South Carolina with expired tags, and has to be there Thursday to pick up the car.

"There's a young girl sitting here next to me. She said they should have a back-up plan for this, but what are you going to do?" Card said.

She was given this no-wait pass, which is good for Wednesday.