How to Renew a Michigan Driver's License [2024]

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Renew Your Driver License in Michigan

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In Person

The Department of State sends a renewal notice about 45 days before expiration. You may renew your driver’s license at a Secretary of State office up to 12 months before the expiration date. If your renewal notice states that your license is not Real ID compliant, you have to decide whether or not you want to apply for it. Check here if you need a Real ID-compliant license. If you decide to get a Real ID document, renew in person.

Plan of Action:

1. Visit a Secretary of State office. Find a location convenient for you. You may schedule an appointment or reserve your spot in line with MI-Time Line.

2. Provide documentation.

   • You must bring proof of the following to get your first Real ID license:
     • US citizenship or legal presence (passport or other approved document)
     • Name-change documents (if applicable). Make sure you get your name updated with the Social Security Administration and wait 3 business days before visiting a Secretary of State office.
     • Social Security Number or letter of ineligibility (only if your renewal notice asks for it).

   If you renew a REAL ID license or want to receive a standard license, just bring your license or any other acceptable ID.

3. Pass the vision test. (Have your glasses on you if used for driving.)

4. Have your picture taken.

5. Pay the fee of $18.00 by cash, check, money order. Discover, MasterCard, and Visa are accepted, but a small fee is charged. Add a$7 late fee if renewing after the expiration date.

You will also need to renew in person if:

• Your Social Security number has not been verified by the Secretary of State office.
• Your name has changed.
• There is a change in your physical or mental condition.
• You renewed online or by mail last time.
• It has been more than four years since you last renewed in person.

Note that you must take a written and road skills test if your driver’s license has been expired for at least four years.

Find a secretary of state office near you

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By Mail

If you are eligible to renew by mail, it will say so on your renewal notice. If the notice says “You cannot renew your license by mail,” renew in person at a Secretary of State office.

You may renew your valid Michigan driver’s license by mail if all the following conditions apply:

• You are not listed on the sex offender registry.
• You did not renew by mail last time.
• Your Social Security number has been verified with the Social Security Administration.

Plan of Action:

1. Note any address changes if needed.
2. Provide your SSN.
3. Sign the renewal notice.
4. Add a check or money order for $18.00 payable to the State of Michigan.
5. Mail the renewal notice and payment using the enclosed envelope, or mail to: Michigan Department of State 7064 Crowner Dr. Lansing, MI 48980-0001

Once your renewal application has been processed, your new license will be mailed to you. It is valid for up to four years.

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Online

You may renew your standard driver’s license online only if you are a U.S. citizen and you renewed last time at a Secretary of State office. Online renewal is not available for enhanced driver’s licenses.

Plan of Action:

1. Go to ExpressSOS and choose online renewal.
2. Provide the last four digits of your SSN, your license number, date of birth, and eye color.
3. Pay $18.00 by card (A small fee will be charged for paying by card).

Once your renewal application has been processed, your new license will be mailed to you. It is valid for up to four years.

Renew Online

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Renewing in a different state?