[2] The secretary also registers corporations and lobbyists, commissions notaries public, and regulates the securities industry, among connected responsibilities.

Many of the secretary of state's workers assigned to motor vehicle and licensing duties work in the Howlett Building, south of the Capitol.

In addition, the secretary of state operates 136 Driver Services license-issuing facilities statewide and maintains its own police force.

Established in 1913, their duties include enforcement of the Illinois Vehicle Code on businesses regulated by the secretary of state and maintaining public safety, traffic control and assisting other law enforcement agencies.

White, who decided to retire at the end of his sixth term at the age of 88, was succeeded by Alexi Giannoulias, who won the 2022 election and became the 38th secretary.

Ryan's tenure as secretary of state led to his downfall in the "licenses for bribes" scandal: after a major automobile accident in Wisconsin that killed six children, investigators discovered that unqualified truck drivers were receiving drivers licenses in exchange for bribes.

Ryan chose not to run for re-election in 2002, and in 2006, he was convicted of fraud, including using his authority as secretary of state to end his office's internal investigation after it discovered the scheme.

This 1867 seal redesign continues in use to this day, and can be seen, among other places, as the principal device on the flag of Illinois.