Michigan's new driver's licenses and IDs with higher security features are now in circulation. Residents will receive the new license or ID design if applying for their first card or when renewing/replacing their current card. There is no additional cost for the new card and all valid features, designations, and endorsements on a current license or ID will transfer to the new one. Michigan's old card design featuring the Mackinac Bridge is valid until expiration and will phase out over the next five years.
To receive your first-time REAL ID-compliant license or ID, an office visit and further documentation are required.
Your license or ID will expire on your birthday every four (4) years. You can renew up to six months ahead of time and up to four years after it expires before having to reapply for a license or ID.
Most residents only need to visit a Secretary of State office every 12 years to renew their credential, take a new photo, and complete a vision test (drivers only). Those who are eligible can renew their license or ID online, by mail, or at a self-service station instead.
Michigan standard IDStandard photo identification card used to verify identity as a Michigan resident. No age requirement.
Michigan driver's licenseStandard photo identification card that allows a resident to legally drive on public roads. Eligible drivers must be at least 16 years old and pass a written knowledge exam and on-road driver skills test to qualify.
Michigan enhanced driver's licenseAllows resident to present their license or ID, instead of a passport, when crossing back into the United States by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.
Michigan CDL licenseLicense for drivers transporting more than 16 people, carrying hazardous materials, operating a vehicle weighing more than 26,001 lbs., or towing a heavy-weight trailer.
Apart from CDL medical certificates (which must be submitted separately), license endorsements and other designations will be renewed at the same time as your license or ID.
Michigan chauffeur's licenseLicense for drivers professionally operating a bus or a vehicle weighing at least 10,000 lbs. or who are contracted to transport passengers or property.
Michigan moped licenseFirst-time | Renew | Replace/Correct | Late Fee | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Standard ID | $10 | $10 | $10 | None |
Enhanced ID* | $30 | $30 | $30 | None |
First-time | Renew | Replace/Correct | Late fee | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Standard license | $25 | $18 | $9 | $7 |
Enhanced license | $45 | $38 | $24 | $45 |
First-time | Renew | Add Group Designation/Endorsement | Replace/Correct | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Standard CDL | $25 | $25 | $5 each | $9 |
Enhanced CDL | $45 | $38 | Groups A, B, C: $25 Endorsements: $5 each X Endorsement: $10 | $24 |
First-time | Renew | Replace/Correct | |
---|---|---|---|
Standard chauffeur's license | $35 | $35 | $18 |
Enhanced chauffeur's license | $50 | $43 | $33 |
| First-time | Renew | Replace/Correct |
---|---|---|---|
Standard moped license | $7.50 | $6 | $6 |
Enhanced moped license | $38 | $30 | $18 |
Michigan residents can add their name to the state organ donor registry, designated by the red "DONOR" heart on their license or ID.
Military veterans who have served in any branch of U.S. armed forces are eligible to have a veteran designation printed on their license or ID.
Drivers who qualify may add a motorcycle endorsement to their standard or enhanced license to operate their bike on public roads.
To add the "F" endorsement to your driver's license, you must pass both the CDL general written knowledge test (unless you have a valid CDL Group B or C endorsement) and the combination vehicles written knowledge test (unless you have a valid CDL A Group endorsement) at a Secretary of State office.
Drivers towing a trailer, fifth-wheel, or semi-trailer must have a recreational double endorsement ®. Those who are at least 18 years old and have a valid, unexpired Michigan driver’s license can apply for the Double R endorsement at a Secretary of State office. Drivers must complete and pass the Recreational Doubles written test and pay a $10 fee to add the endorsement to their license.
Update the address on your license or ID online, by mail, or while completing another license or ID transaction at a self-service station. Your Michigan voter registration will automatically update at the same time.
A corrected address sticker will be mailed to you to place on the back of your license or ID. If you have an enhanced license or ID, you’ll receive a new card.
Update the name on your license or ID at a Secretary of State office. You will need to provide your current Michigan license or ID and a legal name change document, such as:
Make sure your name has been corrected with the Social Security Administration before visiting a Secretary of State office.
Correct the sex designation on your license or ID to male (M), female (F), or nonbinary (X) by visiting a Secretary of State office and completing an application.
Beginning May 7, 2025, you must have a REAL ID-compliant document to board a domestic flight in the U.S., enter some federal buildings, and visit military bases. You can convert your standard Michigan license or ID to REAL ID at a Secretary of State office by providing your current credential and proof of legal presence.
The commercial driver’s license (CDL) knowledge skills test and on-road driving skills test requirements are waived for military service members who are trained and have been employed in the past year to operate the military equivalent to a commercial vehicle. Eligible veterans and service members may apply to convert their Michigan license to a CDL Class A or B at any Secretary of State office by completing the Application for Military Waiver Even Exchange.
The expiration date of your driver's license is extended to include the next business day if your driver's license expires on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday.
Why can't I have both a state identification card and a driver's license?According to section 28.291(2) of the State Personal Identification Card Act, the Secretary of State shall not issue an official state identification card to a person who holds an operator's or chauffeur's license, unless the license has been suspended, revoked or restricted.
Where can I obtain an International Driving Permit?The International Driving Permit is a translation of the driver's license. This permit/translation is carried in addition to the driver's license issued by the driver's home country. Michigan residents may wish to obtain an International Driving Permit if they intend to drive while in a foreign country. If you are interested in obtaining an International Driving Permit you should contact a full-service Automobile Club of Michigan (AAA) office or American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) before traveling out of the U.S. Information is also available at the following websites: https://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html http://aataidp.com/ Residents of a foreign country who are temporarily in the United States may drive in Michigan with their home country license and, if the license is not in English, an English translation of the license or an International Driving Permit.
How do I replace a lost or stolen license, ID or permit?Most driver’s licenses and IDs can be replaced online or at a self-service station. However, if you have changed your address or requested a replacement license or ID within the last 28 days, you will need to visit a Secretary of State office to provide proof of identity. Replace a license, ID, or permit Go to Online Services Find a self-service station
My license or ID hasn't come in the mail yet. What should I do?To track processing of your driver’s license or ID, visit Online Services and follow the prompts to create or log into your account. Select "More" from the list of menu options. Follow the link on the next page "View Credential Mail Status" to track when your credential is processed, mailed, and whether it was returned by the United States Postal Service as undeliverable. MiLogin customer account
How can I find information and resources for aging drivers?Aging drivers, their families and friends, and healthcare providers may visit the Safe Drivers Smart Options: Keys for Lifelong Mobility website for information and resources for active older drivers and those who may be considering limiting their driving and using alternative transportation.