A Michigan resident who is out-of-state when his/her license expires may:

• Obtain a special extension permit valid for up to 180 days (from expiration date), or
• Renew his/her license by mail.

A temporary extension is a special permit, valid for up to 180 days, issued to drivers who are out-of-state when their Michigan license expires.  This permit extends a driver license for up to 180 days past the expiration date or until two weeks after the applicant returns to Michigan, whichever occurs first.  The length of time for which a temporary extension is issued will be determined on an individual basis according to the applicant's circumstances , but will not exceed 180 days. This permit is also issued to a driver who is out-of-state and has lost his/her license, provided he/she will return to Michigan within 180 days. 

The number of temporary extension permits is limited to one per out-of-state Michigan resident.   An out-of-state mailing address must be provided.  There is no fee for this extension permit. 

When a Michigan resident will be out of state more than 180 days beyond the expiration of his/her driver license, he/she may renew the license by mail.  If the resident is unable to use the Renewal by Mail process offered by the State of Michigan, he/she must contact the Out-of-State Resident Services (OSRS) Unit in Lansing to obtain a temporary extension or begin an alternate process.  Residents who have received a renewal notice stating they are unable to renew through the mail should contact OSRS before mailing anything to the unit.   By law, Michigan requires an individual to renew in person once every 8 years at a Secretary of State branch office. 

The applicant must provide an out-of-state mailing address, proof of Michigan residency, and Social Security Number before the license request can be processed.   

Out of state Michigan residents may inquire about temporary extensions and driver license renewal eligibility by contacting:

Michigan Department of State
Out-of-State Resident Services Unit
7064 Crowner Drive
Lansing, MI 48918
Phone: (517) 322-1473
Fax: (517) 322-5438