The Michigan Department of State / Secretary of State will never ask people to send money or personal information via text message or QR code. Please contact the Michigan Department of Attorney General for more information on how to identify scams and to file a complaint.
Filing for office, including petition signature requirements and political party status.
Elections administration, including the Election Inspector's Guide; absentee voting; and the Michigan Qualified Voter File.
Find information about the Board of State Canvassers and its meeting notices.
Title and registration requirements; special titles; name changes; address changes; license plate fees; insurance requirements; new Michigan residents; lost titles; lost license plates; and deceased vehicle owners.
Disability parking and placard information, disability parking, disability plate, disabled parking permit, and wheelchair.
Recreational vehicles such as snowmobiles, watercraft, ORVs, and trailers.
Operating requirements for agricultural vehicles on public roads - lighting, slow-moving vehicle emblems, and more.
The International Registration Plan (IRP) - a program for registering and licensing of commercial vehicles in interstate operations among member jurisdictions (states or provinces).
The Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) online service for customers filing financial statements and liens through the Secretary of State.
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As a new Michigan resident and once you have established Michigan residency, you will need to complete these steps:
If you are applying for a first-time ID as a new Michigan resident, you will need to pre-apply, schedule an office visit, and provide the following documents:
If you are applying for a first-time license as a new Michigan resident, you will need to pre-apply, schedule an office visit, and provide the following documents:
As a new Michigan resident, if you are converting or transferring your current driver's license from another state, you will need to pre-apply, schedule an office visit, and provide the following documents:
As of 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 in accordance with federal law.
By state law, when you apply for a Michigan license or ID, you will be automatically registered to vote unless you choose to opt out at the time.
Michigan voters can request an absent voter ballot without providing a reason. During or after registration you can sign up to automatically receive an absentee ballot application before every election.
When you move to Michigan, you are required to purchase a license plate for your vehicle. To do so, you will need to schedule a visit at a Secretary of State office and provide the following:
If converting your title to Michigan, all owners named on the title must be present at the time of this transaction or they may appoint an agent to sign on their behalf. You will be mailed a copy of your new Michigan title. In most cases, you will receive your license plate, a tab to immediately place on plate, and two copies of your Michigan registration at your office visit.
Use the registration fee calculator to calculate your vehicle registration fee. Use the plate transfer fee calculator to calculate the cost of transferring a license plate.
While most transactions can be completed online, by mail, and at self-service stations, some still must be completed in person at a Secretary of State office, including:
You can register to vote at your local clerk’s office through Election Day. You must be a resident of your city or township for at least 30 days prior to the election, a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old when you will vote, and not currently serving a sentence in jail or prison.
If it is an Election Day, after registering to vote, you can vote with an absentee ballot at the clerk’s office or visit your polling place.
When registering, you must show proof of your address. The document must include your name and current address, and can be a digital copy. Acceptable documents include:
You will need to schedule a visit at a Secretary of State office.
No. All vehicles must have Michigan No-Fault insurance to be registered or to renew registration in Michigan. Out-of-state insurance is not accepted.
No, Michigan law, (MCL; Section 257.225), requires a registration license plate for the rear of a vehicle. The only exception are plates registered to truck tractors or road tractors, which must be placed on the front of the vehicle.
Motorists are allowed to put plates that are not used for registration (such as novelty, decorative, or collector plates) on the front of the vehicle. However, any plate that was once registered to a vehicle, even if expired and no longer in use, should not be displayed on the vehicle.
