License or ID renewal

It's likely because we need to verify your personal information or take a new photo of you at a Secretary of State office.

Reasons that your driver's license cannot be renewed online may include:

1. You renewed through alternative methods, such as by mail, online, or at a self-service station the last two renewals.
2. Your Social Security number cannot be verified by the Department of State.
3. You are not a U.S. citizen -- a non-citizen's legal presence must be verified at the time of renewal.
4. Your license has been canceled or voluntarily surrendered.
5. Your photograph is not on file or is more than 12 years old.
6. You are listed on the sex offender registry.
7. You have submitted a change of address online within the last 28 days.
8. Your license has been expired for more than four years.
9. Your license is suspended, revoked, or denied.
10. You are turning 21 years old.
11. You have a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a hazmat endorsement.
12. You have dual products on system, such as a driver's license and a state ID.

Standard license renewal - $18
Standard license late renewal - $25
Enhanced license renewal - $38
Enhanced license late renewal - $45
Standard ID renewal - $10
Enhanced ID renewal - $30

Fees vary for chauffeur, commercial, and other endorsements. Some residents are eligible for a no-fee ID.

The expiration date of your driver's license is extended to include the next business day if your driver's license expires on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday.

No. Michigan will continue to issue standard driver's licenses and state ID cards that are not REAL ID compliant. If you plan to fly domestically or enter certain federal facilities, military bases and nuclear power plants, you will need to bring documentation that meets the REAL ID requirements.

Beginning Feb. 1, 2026, the Transportation Security Administration will offer travelers (who lack a REAL ID) an alternative identity verification option called TSA ConfirmID for a $45 fee, which will still allow them to fly. Learn more at tsa.gov/tsaconfirm-id.

Yes.

You will need to send a letter before your license or ID expires with the following information:

• Your first, middle and last name
• Your license/ID number
• Your permanent address and alternative mailing address, if applicable
• Your phone number
• A check or money order payable to the State of Michigan
• Your signature.

Mail your information and payment to:
Michigan Department of State
Internal Services Section
7064 Crowner Drive

Lansing, MI 48918

Online - out of state

State laws requires that a driver's license be renewed at a Secretary of State office every 12 years in order to update the photograph and other information. If you are out of state and need to renew your driver's license, you may do so online provided you are not required to renew at a Secretary of State office.  

Go to online services

 

Out of state - by mail

If you will be returning to Michigan soon, a driver's license extension that is valid for 180 days after the date your license expires can be mailed. All that is needed is your complete name, date of birth, driver's license number, Social Security number, and out-of-state address. If you are renewing a standard license, and are ineligible for a Social Security number, you must provide a letter of ineligibility from the Social Security Administration and proof of legal presence. You must have a valid Social Security number to renew an enhanced license. All Social Security information will be verified.

If you are not going to be back in Michigan within 180 days of the driver's license expiration, information to renew your driver's license by mail, if eligible, will be sent to you. For a temporary extension permit or renewal application, log into online services or contact:

Michigan Department of State
Special Services Section
7064 Crowner Drive
Lansing, Michigan 48918
517-636-5872

Your name will appear on two separate lines. Your first and middle name will appear on the first line, and your last name will appear on the line directly below.

• Michigan’s system allows up to 36 characters in the full name fields. If your name exceeds this limit, it will be automatically shortened.
• Apostrophes cannot be included on a Michigan driver’s license or state ID. Hyphens can be used for multiple names and will appear on the card.
• Suffixes such as JR, SR, and Roman numerals up to X may be included. These suffixes will appear at the end of the first line after your first and middle name.