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Driver's License & State ID, photo montage of driver license and state id

Applying for a Standard GDL
Applying for an Enhanced GDL

Graduated Driver License
The Department of State offers the Graduated Driver License in a standard and enhanced version. The enhanced GDL is an attractive alternative to the standard license because it allows you to re-enter the U.S. by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean without the need to show additional identity or citizenship documents at the border.

Applying for a Standard Graduated Driver License
Level 1 Learner's License Eligibility

To be eligible for a Level 1 Learner's License, applicants must:

Level 2 Intermediate License Eligibility
To be eligible to apply for a Level 2 Intermediate License, applicants must:

  • Present a Level 1 Learner's License and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal presence.
  • Be at least 16 years old
  • Pass a vision test
  • Meet physical and mental standards as prescribed by the Secretary of State
  • Have possessed a Level 1 Learner's License for not less than 6 months
  • Must have successfully completed Segment 2 of an approved driver education program and present a Segment 2 Certificate of Completion
  • Pass a driving skills test and present a Driving Skills Test Certificate
  • Have no convictions or civil infractions, license suspensions, or at-fault crashes for the 90-day period immediately prior to applying for a Level 2 Intermediate License
  • Have a parent, legal guardian, or responsible adult sign the application to certify the 50 hours behind-the-wheel experience

Level 3 Full License Eligibility
To be eligible for a Level 3 Full License, applicants must:

  • Be at least 17 years old
  • Complete at least six months at Level 2
  • Complete 12 consecutive months without a moving violation, an accident in which a moving violation resulted, an accident, a license suspension, or a violation of the graduated license restrictions (may be six months at Level 1 and six months at Level 2, if consecutive)

A new Level 3 license is created and mailed from Lansing using the electronic image on file (obtained at Level 2). This license is issued at no-fee to the applicant. A teen will automatically advance to a Level 3 License provided he or she is age 17, has met all driving requirements, and has parental authorization. This authorization is granted when the parent or legal guardian signs for the teen's Level 2 License.

Applying for an Enhanced Graduated Driver License
In addition to the requirements above, you may apply for an enhanced GDL at Level 2 with parental approval if:

Eligibility:

  1. You are a U.S. citizen and a Michigan resident
  2. You have no violations, suspensions, revocations or denials on your driving record that would prevent you from legally operating a motor vehicle

To apply:

  1. Visit any Secretary of State office. Make sure you bring documentation of:
    1. A valid Social Security number (for example, a Social Security card)
    2. U.S. citizenship (for example, a certified copy of your birth certificate with a raised seal, must be issued by a governmental unit in the U.S. or U.S. territory)
    3. Identity (for example, a photo ID. If the young driver does not have acceptable photo ID, a parent or guardian must present their driver's license or ID and sign for their child.)
    4. Residency (for example, high school records or transcripts. Residency documents in a family member's name may be used if the family relationship can be established by other forms of documented proof.)
      Please refer to the Documents Required for an Enhanced License or ID form for a complete list of acceptable documentation.
  2. Have a new photograph taken
  3. Pay $45 for the standard enhanced license. There are additional fees for a chauffeur license, Commercial Driver License designations and endorsements or motorcycle endorsement.

All documentation is subject to Department of State approval. In some cases, document approval may not occur in the same day and may require an additional visit.

Once you complete the enhanced license application process, you will be issued a Temporary Operator's Permit to drive. The operator's permit does not qualify as a secure document for border-crossing purposes. Your enhanced license is valid for up to four years and should arrive in the mail within two to three weeks.

Related content
More information about GDL:
> Social Security Requirements
> Documents Required for a Standard License or ID
> Standard License Fees
> Physical/Vision Standards
> Testing Requirements
> Probation Explained
> Parental Responsibility
> GDL Denied
> Driver Education Program

Further information about enhanced licensing and travel requirements:

> Enhanced License Fees
> Documents Required for an Enhanced License or ID (PDF)
> Where to Apply for an Enhanced License or ID

> U.S. Customs and Border Protection Requirements for Land and Sea Travel

 

Related Content
 •  Enhanced Driver's License and State ID FAQs
 •  Press Releases and other documents
 •  WHTI and Its Impact on Border Security
 •  Applying for an Enhanced Driver's License (Over 18, Already Licensed)
 •  Applying for an Enhanced Driver's License (Over 18, Never Been Licensed)
 •  Documents Required for an Enhanced License or ID PDF icon
 •  Where to Apply for an Enhanced License
 •  Chauffeur License
 •  Commercial Driver License
 •  Military Personnel
 •  Renewing a Driver's License
 •  Replacing or Correcting a Driver's License
 •  Enhanced License Security Feature/RFID chip
 •  Enhanced License Fees

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