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REAL ID
What is REAL ID?
Beginning May 7, 2025, Michigan residents will need to present a REAL ID-compliant document to fly within the United States and enter certain federal facilities to comply with federal law. REAL ID requirements ensure the secure production and issuance of licenses and IDs to prevent copying or altering.
Michigan’s old license and ID design, which is being phased out by January 2029, features a star in a gold circle to indicate REAL ID compliance. The state’s new license design features a star in a silhouette of Michigan.
Standard license or ID
Old: Standard REAL ID-compliant licenses and IDs will display a star in a gold circle in the upper right corner.
New: Standard REAL ID-compliant licenses and IDs will display a star in a silhouette of Michigan in the upper right corner.
Enhanced license or ID
Enhanced licenses and IDs are automatically REAL ID-compliant, regardless of whether they display this star.
Deadlines and requirements
The REAL ID requirement takes effect May 7, 2025. You can still convert your license or ID to REAL ID after the deadline at a Secretary of State office.
You aren’t required to convert your license or ID to become REAL ID-compliant. However, beginning May 2025, you will need to present a REAL ID document when you:
- Board a domestic flight in the U.S.
- Enter a military base or nuclear power plant.
- Visit certain federal buildings.
If you have a valid, unexpired Michigan enhanced license or ID, U.S. passport, or DHS Trusted Traveler’s card, you are already REAL ID-compliant.
Converting to REAL ID
To convert to REAL ID, visit a Secretary of State office and provide the following documents:
- Your current Michigan driver’s license or ID.
- A valid, unexpired U.S. passport, birth certificate, or other proof of legal presence document
- A certified legal name-change document, if your name is different from what is on your birth certificate.
There’s no added charge for converting to REAL ID if you do so at the time of renewing or replacing your license or ID. Otherwise, there is a correction fee ($9 for license; $10 for ID) to convert to REAL ID.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
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What happens if I don't get a REAL ID-compliant license or ID by May 7, 2025?
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After May 7, 2025, will I need a REAL ID to enter a federal building for jury duty?
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Do I need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID to vote? Will my standard license or ID be accepted at my polling place?
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Can non-US citizens apply for a REAL ID? For instance, is a permanent resident eligible for a REAL ID? Are non-permanent residents eligible for REAL ID?