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Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson
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The Office of
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson
  • Elections
    • Michigan Voter Information Center (MVIC)
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      • Qualified Voter File (QVF)
      • Voting System Purchase
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      • MERTS/Campaign Finance
    • Casino Disclosure
    • Campaign Finance Disclosure
      • Searchable Database Downloads & Statistics
      • Forms and Filing Materials
      • County Clerk Tool Box
      • Michigan Campaign Finance Act
      • E-Filing
      • Complaints
      • Campaign Finance Submission Failures
      • Declaratory Rulings and Interpretive Statements
    • Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission
    • Legal Defense Funds
    • Lobby Disclosure
    • Previous Election Information
    • Secretary of State Collegiate Student Advisory Task Force
    • Upcoming Elections
    • Voter Information
      • Voter Cancellation
    • Publications and Forms
    • Election Modernization Advisory Committee
    • Election Security in Michigan
    • Office of the Great Seal / Notary / Document Certification
      • Great Seal
      • Official Repository
      • Document Authentication
      • Notary
      • Publications and Forms
    • Military and Overseas Voting
    • Partners in Democracy
  • Driver's License and State ID
    • Your Michigan Driver's License
      • Your First License Over 18
      • Chauffeur
      • Commercial Driver License (CDL)
      • Renewing
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      • Other Licenses and Endorsements
      • Military Personnel
      • Enhanced Driver's License
      • Of Interest to Michigan License Holders
    • State Identification Card
    • Driver Education
      • Provider
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      • Resources
      • Laws & Requirements
    • Teen Driver
      • Parent/Legal Guardian
      • Teen Driver Education
      • Graduated Driver Licensing
      • Teen Driver Skills Testing
      • Probationary Period
      • Moped and Motorcycle Licenses
      • Teen Driving Risk Awareness
      • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Teen Driving Publications and Resources
    • Aging Driver
    • REAL ID
    • Driver Testing Businesses
      • Information for Drivers
      • Driver Testing Businesses (DTB) and Examiners
    • Motorcycle Rider
      • Motorcyclist Training Site Locator
      • Preparing for the Motorcycle Training Course
      • Sponsor and RiderCoach Information
      • Laws and Regulations
      • Publications and Resources
      • Frequently Asked Questions - MI Rider Education Program
    • Losing Your Privilege to Drive
      • Points and Probation
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    • Basic Driver Improvement Course
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  • Vehicles
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    • Information for Repair Facilities
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      • Licensing & Renewal Requirements
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      • Direct Access to Driving and Vehicle Records
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    • Abandoned Vehicles/Vessels
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  • About
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Secretary of State
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  1. SOS

FAQs

Online Services Information

  • Where can I find resources to help me with online transactions?
  • What are the new online transactions?
  • How do I pay for online purchases?
All Online Services Information FAQs

Abandoned Vehicles or Vessels - Custodians

  • What is my role as the custodian of the vehicle or vessel?
  • What do I have to do if I get a call from a private property owner to remove a vehicle or vessel from private real property?
  • Does law enforcement have to come before I remove the vehicle or vessel or can I just give law enforcement the VIN, HIN or serial number?
All Abandoned Vehicles or Vessels - Custodians FAQs

Abandoned Vehicles or Vessels - Law Enforcement

  • If an owner does not claim a vehicle or vessel that was removed as a result of a crash, or if it was stolen or seized to preserve evidence of a crime, when is the vehicle or vessel considered abandoned?
  • Which law enforcement agency has jurisdiction if a vehicle or vessel was removed from one jurisdiction and towed to another?
  • Can unclaimed vehicles or vessels that are left in tow yards be considered abandoned?
All Abandoned Vehicles or Vessels - Law Enforcement FAQs

Abandoned Vehicles or Vessels - Public

  • What are some of the significant things I need to know about the abandoned vehicle or vessel law?
  • When is a vehicle or vessel considered abandoned?
  • What is a custodian?
All Abandoned Vehicles or Vessels - Public FAQs

About the Secretary of State

  • What are the duties of the Department of State?
  • How do I find out if the Department of State has issued a news release on a particular topic?
All About the SOS FAQs

Basic Driver Improvement Course - Course Sponsors

  • How do I become a course sponsor and provide classes?
  • If I am not authorized by the National Safety Council to provide the Defensive Driving Course, how can I be approved as a course sponsor?
  • What are the curriculum requirements for the course?
All Basic Driver Improvement Course - Course Sponsors FAQs

Basic Driver Improvement Course - Public

  • What Are Basic Driver Improvement Courses (BDIC)?
  • Who is eligible for this program?
  • How much time will it take me to complete a Basic Driver Improvement Course?
All Basic Driver Improvement Course - Public FAQs

Branch Offices

  • What are the hours of operation for Secretary of State branch offices?
  • When are Secretary of State offices scheduled to be closed statewide?
  • Where can I obtain fax numbers for Secretary of State branch offices?
All Branch Offices FAQs

Campaign Finance & Lobby Disclosure

  • How do I find information on a particular candidate's campaign finance statement?
  • Where can I obtain forms for filing my campaign report?
  • How do I find committee filing deadlines?
All Campaign Finance & Lobby Disclosure FAQs

Commercial Drivers - General Questions

  • How do I apply for an original Commercial Driver License (CDL)?
  • How do I convert an out-of-state Commercial Driver License (CDL) to a Michigan CDL?
  • What tests are necessary to renew a Commercial Driver License (CDL)?
All Commercial Drivers - General Questions FAQs

Commercial Drivers - Self and Medical Certification

  • What must I do to comply with the new requirements to make my medical certification part of my CDL driving record?
  • How do I determine which type of commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operation I should self-certify to?
  • After I provide the Secretary of State's Office with my unexpired medical examiner's certificate, do I still have to carry it with me when operating a commercial motor vehicle?
All Commercial Drivers - Self and Medical Certification FAQs

Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) Hand-Held Mobile Telephone Ban

  • Are wired or wireless earpieces allowed?
  • Are CMV drivers allowed to use push-to-talk mobile communications equipment while driving?
  • Are holders of a commercial driver's license (CDL) subject to the regulation only when driving a CMV, as defined in 49 CFR 383.5, or any vehicle?
All Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) Hand-Held Mobile Telephone Ban FAQs

Contact Information

  • How can I contact the Secretary of State?
  • How can I contact the Bureau of Elections?
All Contact Information FAQs

Disability Parking

  • Who qualifies for a disability license plate or parking placard?
  • How do I obtain a disability license plate or parking placard?
  • How long is a disability parking placard valid?
All Disability Parking FAQs

Driver's Education - Providers and Instructors

  • What do I need to qualify to become a driver education instructor?
  • What information is a provider required to maintain?
  • Once I receive my instructor certification, what do I need to do?
All Driver's Education - Providers and Instructors FAQs

Driver's License and State ID

  • How do I report an unsafe driver to the Department of State?
  • What types of driver's licenses does Michigan issue?
  • How do I replace a lost or stolen driver's license?
All Driver's License and State ID FAQs

Driver's License and State ID - Proof of Identity

  • What types of documents can I use to obtain an original driver's license or personal identification card?
  • How do I obtain a duplicate birth certificate, marriage license or divorce decree?
  • Can I present photocopies or fax copies of my identity documents?
All Driver's License and State ID - Proof of Identity FAQs

Driver's License and State ID - Proof of Residency

  • Why is the Secretary of State asking for proof of residency?
  • What is the difference between "proof of residency" and "legal presence"?
  • "Why is the Secretary of State asking for proof of identity, legal presence, Michigan residency and Social Security number from all original driver's license and PID applicants?
All Driver's License and State ID - Proof of Residency FAQs

Driver's License and State ID - Social Security Numbers

  • Who will see my Social Security number?
  • What if I don't have a Social Security number?
  • Where can I get a Social Security card?
All Driver's License and State ID - Social Security Numbers FAQs

Driving - Misc.

  • How long do tickets stay on my driving record?
  • How long do points remain on my driving record?
  • How does the Michigan penalty point system work?
All Driving - Misc. FAQs

Electronic Insurance Reporting

  • What gives the Secretary of State the legal authority to collect this information?
  • How will the information be used?
  • Can motorcycles and commercial vehicles be included?
All Electronic Insurance Reporting FAQs

Elections & Voting

  • Who qualifies for an absent voter ballot?
  • How do I get an absent voter ballot?
  • Where do I send the absent voter ballot once I've filled it out?
All Elections & Voting FAQs

Enhanced Driver's License and State ID Card

  • What is the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) and how does it affect me?
  • What is an enhanced driver's license or state ID card?
  • How do I apply for an enhanced license or state ID card?
All Enhanced Driver's License and State ID Card FAQs

Fees

  • How much will a Michigan driver's license cost?
  • How much will a Michigan state ID cost?
  • How much will it cost to title and register my vehicle in Michigan?
All Fees FAQs

Financial Responsibility

  • What can I do if my driver's license is suspended due to a financial-responsibility judgment.
  • What is a financial-responsibility judgment?
  • What is financial-responsibility insurance?
All Financial Responsibility FAQs

Great Seal / Authentications

  • What is an "apostille"?
  • What does an apostille achieve?
  • Who is authorized to issue an apostille?
All Great Seal/Authentications FAQs

International Registration Plan (IRP)

  • Who is required to register under the IRP?
  • Can I register my vehicle with IRP if it is less than 26,000 lbs?
  • What documents do I need to transfer an IRP plate from one vehicle in my account to another vehicle in my account?
All International Registration Plan (IRP) FAQs

License Plates and Tabs

  • I'm on active duty. Do I qualify for a Veteran Campaign/Service Medal plate?
  • How do I apply for a Veteran plate or a Veteran Campaign/Service Medal plate?
  • What is the Mackinac Bridge plate?
All License Plates and Tabs FAQs

Mechanics

  • Will my BAIID Installer Certificate have the same number as my mechanic certificate?
  • How do I renew my BAIID Installer Certificate?
  • What if I lose my BAIID Installer Certificate?
All Mechanics FAQs

Michigan Rider Education Program

  • Why should I take a motorcycle safety course?
  • Do I need to have any riding experience before I enroll in a course?
  • Do I have to take a motorcycle safety course to get my cycle endorsement?
All Michigan Rider Education Program FAQs

Military and Overseas Voting

  • How can Michiganders overseas register to vote to participate in the national General Election this November?
  • How can registered Michigan voters serving in the military or living abroad request an absentee ballot?
  • How can registered Michigan voters overseas confirm they will receive an absentee ballot ahead of the Nov. 3 election?
All Military and Overseas FAQs

New Michigan Residents

  • How do I change my out-of-state title to a Michigan title and obtain a registration for my vehicle?
  • Where can I find additional information of interest to new Michigan residents?
  • How long do I have before I must change my out-of-state driver's license, vehicle title and registration?
All New Michigan Residents FAQs

New Online Services - Business Licensing - Dealers

  • How do I provide access for new users in our e-Services dealer account?
  • How do I access the MSRP plate calculator in my e-Services account?
  • Is training required to obtain a vehicle dealer license?
All New Online Services - Business Licensing - Dealers FAQs

Notary Public

  • What is my commission number?
  • Can a county clerk certify that a document is a true copy? If so, does the original document have to be maintained in that office?
  • Employers who are personally worth $10,000 currently act as surety. Can this continue?
All Notary Public FAQs

Organ Donation

  • What is organ and tissue donation?
  • Who can become an organ and tissue donor?
  • What is the Michigan Organ Donor Registry?
All Organ Donation FAQs

Real ID

  • How does REAL ID affect me?
  • What is the REAL ID Act?
  • When does REAL ID law take effect?
All Real ID FAQs

Recreational Vehicles

  • What is considered a moped? Are they registered?
  • Where do I display the Trail Permit?
  • Where do I purchase a Trail Permit?
All Recreational Vehicles FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the Nov. 3, 2020 General Election and Voting by Mail

  • When is the deadline to request an absentee ballot?
  • How can Michigan residents without a Michigan state ID card or driver's license register to vote?
  • When is the deadline to register to vote in the Nov. 3 election?
All Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the Nov. 3, 2020 General Election and Voting by Mail

Repair Facilities

  • Is there a compliance checklist available for Repair Facilities to use?
  • How do I find repair facility and mechanic training information?
  • How do I become a registered repair facility?
All Repair Facilities FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions regarding Secretary of State Services During the Coronavirus Outbreak

  • How can I complete my transaction at a Secretary of State branch office during the pandemic?
  • How can I make an appointment?
  • Which transactions can be completed by appointment at a Secretary of State branch?
All Frequently Asked Questions regarding Secretary of State Services during the Coronavirus Outbreak Questions

Services Provided by Other Government Agencies

  • How do I establish a corporation or business in Michigan?
  • How do I obtain a passport?
  • How do I obtain vital records?
All Services Provided by Other Government Agencies FAQs

Services to the Disability Community

  • What documents do I need to present at a participating station?
  • How much does it cost to use the service?
  • What accommodations have been made in Michigan to support voters with disabilities?
All Services to the Disability Community FAQs

Teen Driver

  • Where can my child take driver education?
  • What things should I consider when determining where to send my child?
  • My child has special needs. What accommodations can or will be provided during driver education?
All Teen Driver FAQs

UCC - Filing Information

  • What is a financing statement?
  • What is a financing statement amendment?
  • How long is a financing statement active?
All UCC - Filing Information FAQs

UCC - General Information

  • What is the purpose of Uniform Commercial Code?
  • What is a debtor?
  • What is a secured party?
All UCC - General Information FAQs

UCC Online - Filing Information

  • Can I file financing statements with attachments online?
  • How do I retrieve my filing documents?
  • Where do I file financing statements electronically?
All UCC Online - Filing Information FAQs

UCC - Searching Information

  • What are the fees for a UCC search?
  • How do I request a search?
  • How do I request an expedited search?
All UCC - Searching Information FAQs

UCC Online - General Information

  • How do I authorize other people to use my billing account to pay for filings and searches?
  • Is there a limit to the number of filings or searches I can complete in one order?
  • What is the Debtor Name Quick Search?
All UCC Online - General Information FAQs

UCC Online - Searching Information

  • How do I open my search results?
  • Where do I search UCC filings electronically?
  • Can I submit a search online to verify that the filing I just completed online is posted?
All UCC Online - Searching Information FAQs

Vehicles and Titles

  • How do I file a complaint against a dealership, repair facility or mechanic?
  • What should I do if I have a complaint about a car dealer or manager?
  • Can I return a newly bought vehicle within a certain time period?
All Vehicles and Titles FAQs

Vehicle Dealers

  • I bought a vehicle over the internet and I have not yet received a title?
  • Where can I find information on dealer related eServices topics?
  • Is there a compliance checklist available for A & B Dealers to use?
All Vehicle Dealers FAQs

Veteran Designation

  • Does the veteran designation qualify me to receive veteran benefits?
  • How can I have the designation removed?
  • When can veterans apply for the veteran designation?
All Veteran Designation FAQs

Contact the Secretary of State

  • Contact the Secretary of State

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