Online Services

We recommend that you save the PDF of your transaction receipt documents to your computer. In the unlikely event that printing fails, you'll have a backup. If you are having problems printing the PDF, please read the following:

1. Is it a problem with your printer's paper or ink? If you've saved the PDF or kept the window open, you can fix the printer problem and reprint the PDF. If you close the PDF screen or sign out of your session before printing or saving the PDF, you will lose your transaction documents and will need to contact the Michigan Department of State.
2. For duplicate or renewal registrations only. If you have completed either a duplicate registration or a renew registration transaction and lose your transaction receipt documents, you can reprint your vehicle registration by completing a Duplicate Registration transaction. You will not receive a registration document online if you renewed a registration using the Quick Renewal option. Your registration and tab will arrive by mail.
3. Did you receive an error message? Certain problems with the application, server or other systems may prevent you from printing your transaction receipt documents. If you received an error message and can't print your documents, please contact the Michigan Department of State. Provide your full name, driver's license or state ID number, the type of transaction you were conducting when the PDF failed and the date of the transaction. If you were conducting a transaction as a business customer, we will need the full business name, a license plate or VIN from a vehicle used in the transaction, the type of transaction and the date of the transaction.
4. Was a copy of the PDF automatically saved? Depending on your computer settings and the circumstances that cause the problem with the PDF, it is possible that a back-up copy was placed in a temporary folder on your computer. If this is the case, you may be able to recover the PDF and save it or print it. 

Yes, you can add your name to the Michigan Organ Donor Registry during any driver's license or state ID card online transaction.

Online enrollment is also available in a standalone transaction by selecting the Login to Become an Organ Donor hyperlink under the Driver's License and ID section on Online Services.

The short answer is yes. Michigan Law now permits residents of the State of Michigan with a valid driver's license or state identification card to register online. 

Register online

Online purchases may be paid with a valid American Express, Discover, MasterCard or Visa debit or credit card. eCheck is available as a payment option for select online purchases. A processing fee per shopping cart will be charged for online transactions if paying with a debit or credit card. Please make sure the name on the debit or credit card is entered in the name field on the payment processing screen.

Gift cards from American Express, Discover, MasterCard or Visa may also be used for payment and may also be subject to a processing fee. Always make sure to enter your first and last name in the name field, even if your gift card does not have your name printed on it. 

For online transactions using e-Services, there is no processing fee for payments by eCheck.

The Secretary of State offers two convenient methods for renewing your vehicle and watercraft registrations - Quick Renewal and Authenticated (Logged in) Renewal, which would require you to log into your account with us.

Authenticated (Logged in) Renewal allows you to renew your registration and, because you have also logged into your account and provided information to us so that we can identify you, you may also change the address on your vehicle's registration. You can print a copy of your renewed registration to carry with you until your tab arrives. The system will also provide reminders, such as when it's time to renew your driver's license.

Quick Renewal requires only the license plate, watercraft MC number, or snowmobile registration number, which allows you to renew your own registrations as well as those of a family member or friend. Privacy and security concerns prevent you from submitting a change of address with this option. No personal information is displayed on the screen and there are no reminders of other registrations or licenses that may need to be renewed. This option does not allow you to print a copy of the renewed registration.

A valid Discover, MasterCard or VISA debit or credit card is accepted for payment of all online renewals. A processing fee will be charged.

You should receive your new tab, watercraft decal or snowmobile decal and two copies of your registration in the mail within 14 business days.

The new online system no longer allows for opting out of online services. If you opted out of online services previously, you will now be able to use those services.

The following online transactions are available:

1. Renew a vehicle license plate
2. Renew a watercraft registration
3. Renew a snowmobile registration
4. Replace your plate or order a new plate including a personalized plate
5. View your personalized plate status
6. Request a duplicate title
7. Request a duplicate vehicle, watercraft, snowmobile, or moped registration
8. Request a replacement tab
9. Add a recreation passport
10. Change the address on your registration
11. Renew a driver's license, including enhanced and commercial driver's license 
12. Renew a state identification card, including enhanced state ID's 
13. Request a duplicate driver's license, including enhanced and commercial driver's license
14. Request a duplicate state identification card, including enhanced state ID's 
15. Add or view a license extension
16. View driver's license or state ID status
17. Change the address on your driver's license or state ID
18. Add, remove, or update emergency contact 
19. Add or remove your name from the organ donor registry 
20. Replace organ donor sticker
21. Apply to become a notary public 
22. Pay reinstatement fees 
23. Update commercial driver's license self and medical certification 
24. Change commercial driving type 
25. Request your driving record 
26. View your driver's license or state ID mailing status 
27. Replace a temporary instruction permit, a motorcycle temporary instruction permit, or a commercial learner's permit 
28. Add or view a driver's license extension 
29. View open FAC/FCJs

Your driver's license number may be printed on your vehicle registration. You might also look for canceled checks or for an expired driver's license or ID card from previous years. If you are unable to find the number, you'll have to visit a Secretary of State office for a replacement card and present documentation to verify your identity.

The Customer Authentication process is a security feature of our new online transactions. It allows you access to your customer file only after your identity information has been correctly entered and verified. Express Renewal is the only online feature that does not require customer authentication. With an Express Renewal transaction, only the license plate number or watercraft registration number is displayed - no other customer details are revealed.

Once you have authenticated, the system provides a number of options: renewal alerts for your vehicle plates or driver's license, the ability to renew multiple vehicles at a time, online change of address and much more. You'll only need to authenticate once per session, so if you have several online transactions to conduct, the system will personalize your information for each transaction.

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.

Your security is important to us. Newer Internet browsers may still be shutting down in the background even though they have "closed" on the computer screen. Your online session does not end until the browser has completed all shut-down processes. If another user re-opens the browser before it has completely shut down, the session could remain active. To prevent other users from viewing your account information, make sure to select "Log Out". This is especially important if you use a public computer.

To use our e-Services, a business can only have one business address on system and no leased or co-owned vehicles. The business customer enters the title number of a vehicle owned by the business along with the business name and ZIP code. Second, using the same steps as for individual customer authentication, the system verifies the identity of the person conducting the transaction on behalf of the business. (Business customers choosing Express Renewal to renew their vehicle plates do not authenticate.)

Businesses are limited to license plate and watercraft renewals, and duplicate title and registration transactions. The customer file of the individual conducting the transaction is never accessed or revealed.

You may submit a change of address online, at a Secretary of State office or by using a mail-in change-of-address form. Using our online option is the quickest method for updating your customer profile information, including your address.

Yes, duplicates for GDL 1, GDL 2, and GDL 3 Level licenses can be ordered online.

A. A vehicle you no longer own might be showing on your customer file if you:

1. Traded the vehicle in to a dealer and the title has not yet been transferred.
2. Sold the vehicle and the buyer has not yet gone to a Secretary of State office to have the title transferred into his or her name.
   
   In either case, Michigan law requires that you keep a bill of sale or a copy of the reassigned title as proof that the vehicle is no longer yours - or you may be liable for any tickets issued against the vehicle at a later date. With private vehicle sales, we always recommend that you accompany the buyer to a Secretary of State office to ensure the title is properly transferred.

B. A license plate that is still registered in your name will show on your customer file even if it is not on a vehicle. Take care with license plates you are no longer using. A valid plate may be transferred to another vehicle that you own. Never give a plate away with a vehicle when you sell it. If a plate is no longer needed, cut it up and discard it.

To protect your personal information and documents against fraud, specific guidelines were developed for changes of address online. The information you provide when you sign in will be used to verify your identity and match it to your customer file.

You cannot submit a change of address online if you:

1. Submitted a change of address within the last 28 days.
2. Ordered a duplicate for a driver's license, state ID card or vehicle title on the same day you wish to submit the change of address.
3. Are renewing a plate with Express Renewal.

You will need to renew either by mail or at a Secretary of State branch office and provide proof of current, valid insurance.

We recommend that you use 8 ½" x 11" inch white copier paper.

Your difficulty could be due to one or more of the following:

1. The vehicle may not be within the renewal period. Vehicles may be renewed up to 180 days before the registration expires. Passenger vehicles owned by a business may be renewed up to 45 days before the registration expires. Commercial vehicles may be renewed only after Oct. 1.
2. The plate type is not eligible for online renewal.
3. We could not verify online that you have insurance for the vehicle. If your insurance company doesn't send us updated files electronically or if a VIN is incorrect in the file, you must renew by mail or at a Secretary of State office (proof of Michigan no-fault insurance will be required).
4. There may be suspensions, violations or restrictions tied to the vehicle or owner that prohibit a registration renewal.

When renewing online, it will show you which type of license you are renewing. If changes are required, such as switching from an operator's license to a chauffeur's or Commercial Driver License, or changing from a standard license/state ID to an enhanced or REAL ID license/state ID, the renewal must be completed at a Secretary of State office.

Check your renewal notice for your options when renewing. Our Electronic Insurance Verification program makes renewing online possible because your proof of insurance has already been verified through the updated electronic files sent by participating insurance companies.

If your renewal notice states "Proof of insurance required" your registration can be renewed by mail or in person at a Secretary of State office. Please enclose or present a copy of your current valid proof of insurance. The Secretary of State's Office will cancel a registration for submission of invalid or fraudulent insurance.

Insurance does not pertain to watercraft renewals.

Your e-mail address is optional and will be used by the Michigan Department of State for communication purposes only. For example, we will use your e-mail to send transaction confirmation receipts or notifications. Your personal information is protected under the terms of the State of Michigan Privacy Policy.

You may drop an endorsement online. You may also add a motorcycle endorsement online, if eligible. To add any other endorsement, please visit a Secretary of State office. 

(Commercial Driver's License endorsements and group designations must be added or dropped at a branch office in compliance with state and federal laws.)

There could be a few reasons why you are unable to order a new license plate online.

1. The plate type may not be permitted to be replaced online. Most plate types can be replaced online; however, some plate types are ineligible.

2. An indicator is on the vehicle account that stops plate orders. 

Your emergency contact information is optional. The department and law enforcement may use your emergency contact information in the event of an emergency. 

Mopeds are currently not available for renewal online. You can renew by mail by sending payment for $15 to:
Michigan Department of State
Special Services Branch
7064 Crowner Drive
Lansing, MI 48918

To register your moped for the first time, you will need to schedule an office visit at a Secretary of State office. 

At the time of registering your moped, you will be charged a $15 registration fee and will be provided a registration decal in return. The decal should be affixed to the back of your moped so that it is visible to law enforcement on public roads. Your decal and moped registration will be valid for three years. All moped registrations must be renewed on or before April 30 of the third year of your registration.

We currently do not offer decal replacements online.

Yes, provided you keep the following important points in mind. A duplicate title can be ordered online if:

1. Your name appears on the title.
2. You have not submitted a change of address within the last 10 days.
3. You have not applied for a duplicate of the same title within the last 10 days.

Note: If your title information is not available online after you sign in and verify your identity, you'll need to visit a Secretary of State office. Customers that have power of attorney or an appointment of agent form will also need to visit a branch office to apply for a duplicate title on behalf of another person.
 

No, requests for an original or replacement temporary plate must be submitted at a Secretary of State office.

Online services will occasionally be down for maintenance. In addition, credit and debit card payments cannot be processed between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. on Sunday mornings because the software that processes electronic payments is offline at that time.

Databases outside the state's system for driver's license and state ID card transactions will also be unavailable at certain times, but this should only affect a small number of our web customers. The following table gives you the maintenance schedule for databases outside the state's system:

You must submit a completed original dealer application for departmental review; submit the proper fees; have an established place of business; be fingerprinted (through L-1 Identity Solutions) to allow for a criminal history check and provide copies of Articles of Incorporation or Assumed Name Filing for the business.  A pre-license inspection of the business location will be conducted to verify the business address meets the established place of business requirements.

New and used vehicle dealers must also have zoning and municipal approval for their dealership location; Michigan no-fault fleet type insurance; either their own registered repair facility or an agreement with a registered repair facility; request at least 2 dealer plates. New vehicle dealers must have a franchise agreement with a manufacturer.

Used vehicle parts dealers and automotive recyclers must maintain Worker's Compensation insurance or have an insurance exemption from the Office of Financial and Insurance Services.

You may obtain an original dealer application or by calling the Customer Support Section at 1-888-SOS-MICH (1-888-767-6424).

The application will automatically close in 30 minutes if there is no activity on the screen. If you are using a computer in a public setting, such as a library, please remember to complete or cancel all transactions and close all screens before leaving the computer terminal.