Michigan driver licenses renew every four or eight years depending on your age

Michigan sends you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. The notice tells you whether you can renew by mail, online, or must visit a Secretary of State office in person. Most people under 65 can renew online or by mail without an appointment. If you are 65 or older, or if your license has been expired for more than four years, you must renew in person.

The state charges $25 for a four-year renewal and $50 for an eight-year renewal if you are under 65. The eight-year option is available only if you have a valid passport or passport card. Payments are made at the time of renewal — online, by mail, or at the office.

Key Takeaways

  • Michigan mails renewal notices 60 days before expiration and tells you which method you can use.
  • Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and is available for most drivers under 65 with a valid address on file.
  • Mail renewal requires a completed form, payment, and a new photo, which you provide yourself or have taken at a CVS or Walgreens.
  • In-person renewal at a Secretary of State office requires your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.
  • If your license has been expired for more than four years, you cannot renew by mail or online and must visit an office.

Renewing online through the Michigan Secretary of State website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you are under 65 and your license is not expired. Go to michigan.gov/sos and select "Renew Your Driver License" under the Driver Licenses section. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against state records.

You must upload a new photo during the online process. You can take a selfie with your phone or use a photo from your device. The photo must show your face clearly, be in color, and have a plain background. Once you submit the form and pay the $25 or $50 fee by debit or credit card, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal is not available if your address has changed and you have not updated it with the Secretary of State, if your name has changed, or if you need to correct information on your current license. In those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.

Renewing by mail with a photo

Mail renewal requires you to complete Form DL 44, which comes with your renewal notice. If you did not receive a notice or lost it, you can read the form from michigan.gov/sos. You must include a new photo, your current license, and a check or money order for $25 or $50 payable to the State of Michigan.

Your photo can be taken at home or at a retail location. CVS, Walgreens, and Costco photo departments will take a driver license photo for about $10 to $15. The photo must be 2 inches by 2 inches, in color, taken within the last 30 days, and show your face clearly with a plain background. Do not wear a hat, sunglasses, or heavy makeup that changes your appearance.

Mail your completed form, photo, current license, and payment to the address listed on your renewal notice. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks after the Secretary of State receives your packet. Do not mail cash. Keep a copy of your form for your records.

Renewing in person at a Secretary of State office

In-person renewal is required if you are 65 or older, if your license has been expired for more than four years, if you need to correct information, or if you prefer to have your photo taken at the office. You can visit any Secretary of State branch without an appointment, though wait times vary. Some offices offer online appointment scheduling through michigan.gov/sos, which can reduce your wait time.

Bring your current license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days), and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). If your name has changed, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will take your photo and process your renewal on the spot.

The fee is $25 for a four-year renewal or $50 for an eight-year renewal. You can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card. Your temporary license is valid when ready, and your permanent license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

What happens if your license is expired or will expire soon

You can renew your license up to four years after it expires. If it has been expired for more than four years, you must explore for a new license rather than renew, which requires an in-person visit, a written test, and a driving test. You cannot legally drive with an expired license, even if you have submitted a renewal process.

If your license will expire within 30 days, start your renewal when ready. Online and mail renewals take 7 to 10 business days after processing, so waiting until the last week risks driving on an expired license. If your license expires before your new one arrives, the temporary proof of renewal you receive is valid for 180 days.

Updating your address or correcting information on your license

If your address has changed, you can update it online through michigan.gov/sos without renewing your license. Go to "Update Your Address" and enter your license number, last four digits of your Social Security number, and new address. The change takes effect when ready and appears on your license when you renew.

If you need to correct your name, date of birth, or other personal information, you cannot do so during renewal. You must visit a Secretary of State office in person with proof of the correct information (a birth certificate for date of birth, a marriage certificate for a name change). The office will issue a corrected license on the spot for a $10 fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Michigan license if I live out of state?

Yes. You can renew online or by mail as long as your license is not expired and you meet the other requirements for that method. If you must renew in person, you can visit any Secretary of State office in Michigan, or contact the office to ask about exceptions for military members or others stationed far from the state.

What if I lost my license before it expired?

You must report the loss and request a replacement, not a renewal. Visit a Secretary of State office with proof of identity and residency. The replacement fee is $10, and you will receive a temporary license valid for 180 days while your permanent license is mailed.

Do I need a new photo if I renew by mail?

Yes. You must provide a new photo taken within the last 30 days. You can take it yourself at home or have it taken at a retail photo department. The photo must be 2 by 2 inches, in color, and show your face clearly.

How long does it take to receive my renewed license after I explore online?

Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days after you complete the online renewal. You will receive a confirmation number when ready. If you need to drive before it arrives, the confirmation serves as proof of renewal.

What if my renewal notice says I must renew in person but I think I should be able to renew online?

The notice is based on your age, license status, and address on file. If you believe there is an error, contact the Secretary of State at 888-767-6424 or visit a local office. They can review your record and may be able to process an online or mail renewal if you meet the requirements.