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Out-of-state residents
Completing Secretary of State transactions while outside Michigan
Michigan residents who will be out of state are encouraged to complete their transactions early, before leaving the state, but they have several options for conducting business with the Michigan Department of State while traveling or temporarily residing elsewhere. Information on registering to vote, participating in elections, and completing Secretary of State transactions is found in the next sections.
Renew vehicle tabs (Choose tab)
Per state law, you must provide proof of Michigan No-Fault insurance to renew your tabs and registration.
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Online
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By mail
To renew your vehicle through Online Services, you will need your:
- License plate number
- Last four digits of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Valid credit or debit card (additional fees apply) or e-check/bank account number for payment
If you need to complete any additional transactions, update your vehicle information, or renew more than one vehicle at the same time, you will need to create or log into your online Secretary of State account.
To renew your vehicle by mail, you will need your:
- Renewal notice
- Return envelope included with your renewal notice
- Copy of Michigan No-Fault insurance policy
- Check/money order payable to the State of Michigan
If you lose or damage your return envelope, you can mail your renewal directly to:
Michigan Department of State
Internal Services Section
7064 Crowner Drive
Lansing, MI 48918
In addition to renewing your registration by mail, you can:
- Change the address on your registration
- Have registration sent to a different mailing address
Renew a license or ID (Choose tab)
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Online
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By mail
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Early renewal at an office
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180-day extension
To renew your license or ID through Online Services, you will need your:
- Driver’s license or ID number
- Last four digits of your Social Security number
- Valid credit or debit card (additional fees apply) or e-check/bank account number for payment
You will also need to create or log into your Online Services account.
To renew your license or ID by mail, you will need your:
- Renewal notice
- Return envelope included with your renewal notice
- Check/money order payable to the State of Michigan
If you lose or damage your return envelope, you can mail your renewal directly to:
Michigan Department of State
Internal Services Section
7064 Crowner Drive
Lansing, MI 48918
If your license or ID will expire within 1 year of the date you are traveling and you are required to visit a Secretary of State office to renew it, visit an office before your departure and provide your travel itinerary and current Michigan license or ID to renew early.
Please note, by state law, most residents only need to visit a Secretary of State office to renew their license or ID in person to take a new photo every 12 years.
Schedule an office visit
If you are required to renew your license or ID in person and won't return to Michigan prior to your license or ID expiring, you can request a special extension permit. To request a 180-day extension permit online, you will need your:
- License or ID number
- Last four digits of your Social Security number
- Reason for requesting an extension
- Access to a printer
Upon completing the extension request, select the prompt to print your permit directly from your device.
Replace a license or ID (Choose tab)
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Out-of-state and out-of-country residents
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Online
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By mail
If you are out of state or out of the country and unable to connect to Online Services, you may be experiencing a firewall issue.
Please contact the Internal Services Section at MDOS-ISS@Michigan.gov for further assistance.
To replace your license or ID through Online Services, you will need your:
- Driver’s license or ID number
- Last four digits of your Social Security number
- Valid credit or debit card (additional fees apply) or e-check/bank account number for payment
You will also need to create or log into your Online Services account.
To replace your license or ID by mail, you will need to:
- Complete the Out‐Of‐State Resident Application for Duplicate Driver’s License or State ID
- Check/money order payable to the State of Michigan or valid credit or debit card (additional fees apply) for payment
Submit your form and payment information to:
Michigan Department of State
Internal Services Section
7064 Crowner Drive
Lansing, MI 48918
Fax 517-636-5865
Title and register a vehicle (Choose tab)
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Title and register a vehicle
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Appointing an agent
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By mail
If you purchase a vehicle while temporarily out of state, you can title and register your vehicle in Michigan by appointing an agent to transfer the vehicle title on your behalf at a Secretary of State office or submitting the necessary documents and payment by mail.
To title and register your vehicle, you will need to provide:
- The original vehicle title (photocopies and electronic copies won't be accepted), including a complete and accurate odometer mileage reading, the seller’s signature, and a completed and signed purchaser’s section
- Completed and signed Application for Michigan Vehicle Title
- Proof of Michigan No-Fault insurance for the vehicle
- A statement from the loan provider, if there has been a loan or lien against the vehicle
- Payment for the $15 title transfer fee ($16 if there is a loan on the vehicle), registration fees, plus 6 percent sales tax
If you authorize another individual to transfer your vehicle title on your behalf at a Secretary of State office, provide them with the previously listed documents, plus the following:
- A completed and signed Appointment of Agent form
- A photo or copy of your Michigan driver’s license
To title and register your vehicle by mail, submit the previously listed documents, as well as:
- A check or money order made payable to the State of Michigan for the total amount of the title transfer fee, registration fees, and 6 percent sales tax.
- A completed and signed Special Mailer of Certificate for Title form if the title will be sent to an address other than what is listed on the title application.
Mail all documents and payment to:
Michigan Department of State
Internal Services Section
7064 Crowner Drive
Lansing, MI 48918
If you have questions about registration fees or transferring your title by mail, call 517-636-5872.
Change an address
Residents who are out of state can update their residential and mailing address online or by mail at any time.
Go to Change of Address
Correct a license or ID
Corrections to your address may be completed online or by mail at any time. Changes or corrections to your name, date of birth, or adding and dropping endorsements require an in-person visit to a Secretary of State office.
Go to License or ID name correction
Order a duplicate title
Duplicate titles are $15. You can order one online through your Secretary of State account or by mail.
Note: The duplicate will be issued to the owner listed on the title.
Go to Online Services
Submit your duplicate title application and payment information to:
Michigan Department of State
Internal Services Section
7064 Crowner Drive
Lansing, MI 48918
Fax 517-636-5865
Duplicate Michigan Title Application
How do I register and vote while I'm out of state? (Choose tab)
Citizens who are eligible can register to vote and vote by absentee ballot while outside of Michigan.
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Register to vote
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Update voter registration
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Voting by absentee ballot
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Military servicemembers and residents currently abroad
If you have a valid Michigan license or ID, register to vote online. Note: You cannot register to vote online or by mail within 14 days of an election.
If you have a valid Michigan license or ID you may update your voter registration online. Note: You cannot update your voter registration online and vote within 14 days of an election.
All Michigan voters can request an absentee ballot without providing a reason. You can request an absentee ballot online or by mail within 40 days of an election.
If returning your absentee ballot by mail, be sure to do so no later than 14 days prior to Election Day.
Additionally, to automatically receive an absentee ballot application before every election, sign up for the permanent absentee voter list online or by mail.
Special services are provided to assist military and overseas civilian voters participate in elections.
Register to vote: Download and submit a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) to your local clerk’s office in Michigan.
Request an absentee ballot: In January of every year, or after any move, complete the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) and select the option to receive an absentee ballot via email, fax, or regular mail. Submit your FPCA to your local clerk’s office in Michigan.
If you don't receive your requested ballot and are concerned of missing the ballot return deadline, you can use the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB) online assistant to help you fill out the form.
Voters covered under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) are eligible to use the Federal Post Card Application Form (FPCA) and receive an absentee ballot by email or fax. Covered voters include:
- Members of the uniformed services on active duty who are absent from their city or township of residence. (Voter can be inside or outside the United States.)
- Members of the Merchant Marine who, by reason of service in the Merchant Marine, are absent from their city or township of residence. (Voter can be inside or outside the United States.)
- A spouse or dependent of a member of a uniformed service or a member of the Merchant Marine who, by reason of the active duty or service of the member, is absent from their city or township of residence. (Voter can be inside or outside the United States.)
- A civilian voter who is outside the United States and is eligible to vote in Michigan.
- A member of the National Guard activated on state orders.
You can track the status of your absentee ballot and request to receive an absentee ballot application overseas before every election by signing up for the permanent absentee voter list at Michigan.gov/Vote.
Go to the Federal Voter Assistance Program (FVAP.gov)
Go to Michigan.gov/Vote
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
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What do I need to do before I leave Michigan?
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I don’t have a Michigan license or ID, but I am a Michigan resident. Can I still register to vote while I’m out of state?
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What should voters do if they have not received their absentee ballot by mail within two weeks before Election Day?
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Can I register and store my boat in Michigan if I’m not a Michigan resident?
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Who should I contact if I have a question about a transaction and am out of state?