Drove 3 hours to IDFPR building in Springfield, IL

Hi all, I saw another post about someone driving to Springfield, Illinois for Illinois license help. I wanted to give my background and my experience.

Background: Temporary SLP license (the one used for CFY) expired. I have my CCC-SLP and PEL theough ISBE but cannot supervise an SLPA without my permanent SLP IDFPR license. I tried calling since then but no luck. Recently called, said someone would call me back, waited another week and no response, called again and said "one of our senior managers will call you back within 3-5 business days" and I asked...can I come in person? "Yep, open 8-5." Great!

Experience: I'm 3 hours away. I gather various documents (I had way too many documents but wasn't sure what they needed.) I had a friend ride with me (I owe her big time!) and we left early, 630am. I wanted to leave early since I didn't know how traffic would be, any waiting in the building, etc. Get there and walk inside. Greeted by security staff, sign in, and go to 3rd floor. 3rd floor and walk in to a room with a lady at a big desk and she asks for my temporary license number and my first/last name so they can look me up. I wait for about 10-15 (honestly, expecting longer) and a gentleman walks in and asks for my name. He looks through my documents right there and was able to give me the correct code, what the fee would be, and what other documents I needed. I gave him the check right there, as well. Gentleman walks back and I wait another few minutes. He comes back in and says "it could take 8-12 weeks for processing." I said "okay, would I need to renew if I just get it since the renewal date is this coming October?" He wasn't sure so he went to go ask. He said "We are expecting your license to process by September and you would not need to renew. If your license comes in August, you would need to renew it." I said, "okay thank you. If you are able to expedite it, please do. My employer just hired an SLPA and I cannot supervise an SLP assistant without it." He shakes his head and says "I will talk to my supervisor after her meeting."

Bonus content! A lady was waiting for her dietary or dietician license and sent it in 4 months ago. She said to a guy who helped her that the call center said her paperwork was lost and they couldn't find it, etc. He said to her...it's not lost. They shouldn't have told you that from the call center. I can look up your info.

Words of Wisdom: •GO TO SPRINGFIELD IF YOU CAN. I GOT HELP AND ANSWERS IN ABOUT 20-30 MINUTES with minimal wait time. •Parking sucks. We parked on a side street with 2 hour parking. Other parking lots say violators will be towed or private parking. •DO NOT GO TO CHICAGO IDFPR OFFICE. The lady at the desk said it's only for security and Springfield is the only building to go in person.