What you need to do to get a new Michigan driver license
To get a new Michigan driver license, you visit a Secretary of State office in person, bring required documents, pass a vision test, and pay a fee. The process takes about 30 minutes on the day you explore. You will leave with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while the state mails your plastic card, which arrives in 7 to 10 business days under normal circumstances.
Michigan issues driver licenses to people who pass a written knowledge test and a driving skills test, or who transfer a valid license from another state. If you already hold a Michigan license and need to renew it or replace a lost one, the process is different — you can do that by mail or online in many cases. This guide covers getting your first Michigan license or getting a new one after yours has expired for more than four years.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Secretary of State office in person with a valid photo ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or proof you don't have one.
- The vision test happens at the office; you do not need to bring results from an eye doctor.
- You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and the plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- The fee for a new driver license is $25 for a four-year license or $35 for an eight-year license, paid by cash, check, or card at the office.
- If you are under 18, you need a parent or guardian to sign consent forms, and you must pass additional restrictions that limit when and where you can drive.
Documents to bring to the Secretary of State office
Bring one valid photo ID — a passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID all work. If you do not have a photo ID yet, you can bring two documents that prove your identity without a photo, such as a birth certificate and a Social Security card. The office staff will tell you which combinations they accept.
You also need proof that you live in Michigan. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address works. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have one, a letter from your employer, school, or a government agency with your name and address is acceptable.
Bring your Social Security number written down, or bring a document that shows it — a tax return, W-2, or Social Security card. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.
The vision test and what happens at your appointment
When you arrive at the Secretary of State office, staff will check your documents and have you fill out an process form (Form DL-44). You will then take a vision test at a machine in the office — you do not need to bring results from an eye doctor. The test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test.
After the vision test, you will take a written knowledge test on a computer. The test covers Michigan traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 16 out of 20 questions correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost, though you may need to wait a few hours.
Once you pass the knowledge test, you pay the fee and receive your temporary paper license. This paper license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive while you wait for the plastic card to arrive by mail.
Fees and payment methods
A four-year driver license costs $25. An eight-year driver license costs $35. You can pay with cash, check, or debit or credit card at the office. The Secretary of State does not accept payment by phone or online for new licenses — you must pay in person at the office.
If you are under 18, the fee is the same, but your license will have different restrictions printed on it. These restrictions limit the hours you can drive and the number of passengers you can carry until you turn 18.
How to find a Secretary of State office near you
Michigan has Secretary of State offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you on the Michigan Secretary of State website by entering your city or zip code. Some offices are busier than others — offices in larger cities often have longer wait times, especially on Saturdays and after 3 p.m. on weekdays.
You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now offer online scheduling. Check the office's page on the Secretary of State website to see if you can reserve a time slot. Walk-ins are still accepted, but arriving early in the morning or on a weekday morning usually means a shorter wait.
What to do if you are under 18
If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must come with you to the office and sign the process form. They must bring a photo ID. You will receive a Level 1 Graduated Driver License, which has restrictions: you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you can have no more than one passenger under 21 unless a parent or guardian is in the car.
These restrictions stay in place until you turn 18, at which point you can renew your license without the restrictions. You do not need to visit the office again — you can renew online or by mail once you turn 18.
If you are moving to Michigan from another state
If you hold a valid driver license from another state, you can transfer it to a Michigan license without retaking the knowledge test. You still need to visit a Secretary of State office, bring your out-of-state license plus the documents listed above, pass the vision test, and pay the fee. The process is the same as getting a new license, except you skip the written test.
If your out-of-state license has expired, you will need to retake the knowledge test. Michigan law requires that your previous license be valid at the time you transfer it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a driver license if I don't have a Social Security number?
Yes. Bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a Social Security number. You will still need to provide proof of identity and residency as usual.
What if I fail the knowledge test?
You can retake it the same day at no extra cost. Most people who fail study the Michigan Driver's Manual (available free on the Secretary of State website) and try again within a few hours. You do not need to reschedule or pay again.
How long does the plastic card take to arrive?
The plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days under normal circumstances. Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days, so you have time to drive while you wait. If the card does not arrive within two weeks, contact the Secretary of State office where you applied.
Do I need to take a driving skills test?
The knowledge test and vision test are required for everyone. A driving skills test (behind-the-wheel test) is required only if you are under 18 or if you are transferring a license from a country outside the United States. If you need a skills test, the office will tell you how to schedule it.
Can I renew my license online instead of going to the office?
Online renewal is available only if your license is still valid or expired for less than four years. If your license expired more than four years ago, you must visit an office in person and go through the process as if getting a new license.