A member of the U.S. Armed Forces, while on active duty, may use an expired Michigan driver license in conjunction with his/her military papers for a period not to exceed:

• 30 days from the person's first leave of absence following the expiration of his/her license (the leave does not have to be to Michigan, this refers to any leave of absence),
  or
• 30 days from the date of the person's discharge following the expiration of his/her license. Whichever occurs first.

Note: It is suggested that the person also carry their leave or discharge papers if driving on what appears to be an expired license.

Military personnel may renew their driver licenses by mail as long as their Michigan driver license has not been expired more than six years and there is an electronic photo on file with the Department. You may contact the Out of State Resident Services Unit at:

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

Spouses and dependents of active military personnel are not granted the same extension allowed for military personnel.  A spouse or dependent's driver license expires on his/her birthday in the expiration year.  The license may be renewed through the mail.  The office noted above can be contacted for more information.

NOTE:  By law, Michigan requires an individual to renew in person once every 8 years at a Secretary of State branch office.