The Michigan Department of State may issue a restricted driver license to a minor who is at least 14 years old when a severe hardship in the family farming operation is demonstrated and no alternative transportation is available.  A minor restricted license is intended to assist family farms operating with low levels of total household income.  It is not issued as a convenience for larger farming operations.   

An applicant for the minor restricted license must meet all of the eligibility requirements outlined below:

1. The total taxable adjusted gross income for all household members may not exceed the level shown below.
2. The applicant must document a significant change to the farming operation that prompts the request for a minor restricted license.  Changes may include loss of a previous driver or expansion of the family farm operation.
3. Requests for minor restricted licenses will only be considered for the immediate family owned farm.  

Taxable Household Income Eligibility Table 

If you meet all of the above criteria, here are some final points to consider before filing an application:

Placement of a minor on a motor vehicle insurance policy usually results in a large increase in the coverage cost.  Please check with your insurance agent.

A minor restricted license will not be issued to operate vehicles requiring a farm endorsement or a Commercial Driver's License (CDL).  

The Department will consider alternative sources of transportation before approving a minor restricted license.  Risk for a traffic crash for this age group is very high.
 
The minor restricted license is not an alternative to the Graduated Driver's License requirements and will not be issued to applicants over 16 years of age.  

A license will not be issued for the convenience of other household members.

If the holder of a minor restricted license receives a moving violation, the license will be canceled.

If approved for a minor restricted license, a minor will be required to complete Segment 1 of driver education and successfully complete a road skill test before the restricted license will be issued.  The minor restricted license will be issued for a minimum of six months.  For a renewal of the minor restricted license, another application is required, and the minor must complete Segment 2 of driver education.

Applications may be obtained by clicking on the link below or by writing to the following address:

Michigan Department of State 
Action Processing Unit 
P.O. Box 30206
Lansing, MI 48909-7706

Upon completing the application, please mail it to the above address.