WSCE – Frequently Asked Questions

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With over 20 locations across the Chicagoland area, one of the main goals of West Suburban Currency Exchange is to offer convenient financial, document, and vehicle services.

We understand that you might have a few questions about our services before you decide to visit your local WSCE location, so below we’ve answered some of our customers’ most frequently asked questions:

Vehicle Services

What documents do I need to register my vehicle?

At our currency exchange, you’ll need these items to register your vehicle:

  • Valid Photo I.D. (Driver’s license, State ID, Matricula, or Passport
  • Proof of address if not on your ID (Utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement—paper or email)
  • Properly-signed title (We can help with corrections!)
  • Bill of sale for dealer purchases (optional for private sales)
  • Current vehicle mileage

In most cases, no, you cannot register a vehicle if the title is not in your name. However, WSCE can help you complete the title transfer process.

To complete your car title transfer, bring these items to any WSCE location:

  • The signed original title from the seller
  • Valid ID (state ID, driver's license, matricula, or passport)
  • Proof of Illinois auto insurance
  • Payment for fees and taxes
  • Bill of sale (for dealer sales only)
  • Odometer disclosure statement (for vehicles under 10 years old)

Yes, we handle out-of-state title transfers. You'll need the original out-of-state title and proof of Illinois insurance to complete the process.

Yes! As an authorized Illinois Secretary of State agent, WSCE can renew your license plate and provide you with a new sticker in minutes.

To renew your license plate registration in Illinois, simply bring these items to any WSCE location:

  • Current vehicle registration card or renewal notice
  • Valid driver's license or state ID
  • Payment for renewal fees
  • Valid insurance card

If your Illinois license plates are not renewed within 30 days of expiration, the state imposes a $20 late fee.

You do not need to bring your renewal notice. As long as you have your license plate number, we can renew your plates.

The currency exchange cannot issue a legal receipt to drive with when a renewal sticker must be ordered. However, the receipt issued shows that you paid for the renewal, and most law enforcement agents will not issue a ticket if you show your receipt. Please be advised that you can receive a citation for invalid registration. You should receive your renewal sticker within a week of purchase.

You (or your lienholder, if applicable) will receive the title through the mail within 2-4 weeks. If you ordered license plates with a specific plate number (ie, personalized plates, a single replacement plate, ham radio plates with your call numbers), you will receive them through the mail within 2-3 months. If the plate ordered did not have a specific plate number, it will be available at the currency exchange within 2-4 weeks.

Yes! Simply bring your license plate number to renew your registration.

We charge a service fee of $9.50. The state’s renewal fee varies depending on the type of plate used.

Check Cashing

What types of checks do you cash?

We cash all types of checks, including payroll, government, personal, two-party, money orders, income tax refunds, insurance drafts, cashier’s checks, and more.

Yes, we cash personal checks. In rare cases, we may need to bank the check and release the funds after the check has cleared. In most cases, however, we can cash personal checks on the spot.

To cash a check payable to your business, please bring the following information:

  • If you have been incorporated for less than a year, bring your Articles of Incorporation.
  • If you have been incorporated for more than a year, bring your Articles of Incorporation and your annual minutes (Form 2553) filed on the last anniversary of the corporation.
  • If you are not incorporated and have been doing business for less than a year, we will need a letter from an accountant or an attorney stating that you are the sole proprietor of the business.
  • If you are not incorporated and have been doing business for more than a year, we will need your Schedule C from your latest federal tax return.
  • If you cannot provide the documentation stated, please contact our Commercial Account Manager at 847-759-4566, who can assist you further.

Money Orders

Can I purchase money orders with a credit card?

No, you cannot purchase a money order with a credit card, however, we accept both cash and debit card payments. You may also use our convenient on-site ATMs to take out a cash advance using your credit card.

If the money order has not been cashed, and you have the original receipt, you may request a refund for your money order.

Western Union

Can I send and receive money here with Western Union?

Yes, we can send and receive money through Western Union at all of our WSCE locations.

Vital Documents

How long does it take to receive the documents?

It currently takes about 2-3 weeks to receive any vital records.

No appointment is necessary for notary services.

Foreign Currency Exchange

Which foreign currencies do you carry?

We carry foreign currency from 30 different countries. Please call us if you want to check on a specific currency.

Most of our locations have Euros on hand that we can sell over the counter. Other currencies take 2-4 days to arrive at our location for pickup.

Please call our office for current rates: 847-299-3100

Phone Cards

What phone card brands or carriers do you sell?

We can process a “top-up” payment to any of the major phone card carriers.

Prepaid Debit Cards

How do I load money onto a prepaid Visa card?

At WSCE, you can reload your prepaid Visa card in 3 easy ways:

  1. Add money at any WSCE location using cash
  2. Transfer funds from another bank account or card
  3. Set up direct deposit for automatic funding

Yes, some prepaid debit cards have small monthly or reloading fees. If you have questions about fees, our friendly staff can answer them for you.

Pay Utility Bills

What utility companies can I pay through you?

At WSCE, you can pay any major utility bill, including People’s Gas, Nicor, ComEd, AT&T, Comcast/Xfinity, Verizon, DirecTV, Dish, Illinois American Water, Fox Metro, Talro Insurance, Active Insurance, and more.

Most utility payments are processed electronically and show up on your account within 48 hours or less.

Vital Records

Which vital records can I request here?

You can request any type of vital record as long as it is filed within Cook County.

To request a vital document, simply bring your driver’s license or state-issued ID card to one of our currency exchange locations. If you’re under 18, you will need a parent or guardian with a valid form of identification to accompany you.

To request a birth certificate for yourself or your child, you’ll need to provide the city of birth as stated on the certificate, the complete name, the precise date of birth, and the first and last names of the parents.

It typically takes 7-10 business days to arrive. We are unable to ship documents directly to your home address, but with our convenient hours, you can easily pick up your documents at WSCE.

Notary Services

Do I need an appointment for notary services?

No, you don’t need an appointment for notary services at WSCE.

We can notarize all types of documents, including:

  • Powers of attorney
  • Contracts
  • Affidavits
  • Oaths
  • Real estate documents
  • And more

Your ID must be current and include a valid government-issued photo.

How Can We Help You Today?

West Suburban Currency Exchanges, Inc. (WSCE) is your community financial service center.

WSCE offers so much more than check cashing and money orders. We are an agent for the Illinois Secretary of State and can handle all of your vehicle license and title needs. We also offer Western Union money transfers, bill payment services, phone cards, check cashing, and more. Check out our full range of currency exchange services below!

West Suburban Currency Exchanges, Inc.

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