What you need to do to renew in Michigan
Michigan renews driver licenses by mail, online, or in person at a Secretary of State office. Most people can renew online or by mail without visiting an office — you only need to go in person if your license has been expired for more than four years, if you need to update your photo, or if you want to change your address without notifying the state first.
Your license is valid for eight years from the date it was issued. Michigan sends you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before expiration. That notice includes a barcode you can use to renew online. If you do not receive a notice, you can still renew by going to the Secretary of State website or visiting an office in person.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Secretary of State website takes about 10 minutes and costs $25 if your license is not expired yet.
- Mail renewal requires the renewal notice that arrives 60 days before expiration, a check or money order, and takes two to three weeks to arrive.
- In-person renewal at a Secretary of State office is necessary only if your license expired more than four years ago, you need a new photo, or you are changing your address without prior notification.
- You must have a valid Social Security number on file with Michigan to renew online; if you do not, you will need to renew by mail or in person.
Renewing online through the Secretary of State website
Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is not yet expired. Go to the Michigan Secretary of State website, select "Renew Your Driver License," and enter your driver license number and date of birth. The system will pull up your record and ask you to confirm your address and other information.
You will then pay the $25 renewal fee by debit card or credit card. Michigan will mail your new license to the address on file, which usually takes five to seven business days. You can use your old license until the new one arrives. If your address has changed, update it before you pay — the new license will be mailed to whatever address you confirm during renewal.
Online renewal is not available if your license expired more than four years ago, if you need to change your name, or if you do not have a valid Social Security number in the Michigan system. In those cases, you will need to renew by mail or in person.
Renewing by mail with your renewal notice
If you received a renewal notice in the mail, you can renew by returning it with payment. Write a check or money order for $25 payable to the State of Michigan, place it in the envelope with your renewal notice, and mail it to the address printed on the notice.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time Michigan receives your envelope. Do not mail your old license — keep it until your new one arrives. If you are moving, update your address with the post office so the renewal notice and new license reach you. You can also call the Secretary of State at 888-767-6424 to update your address before mailing in your renewal.
If you did not receive a renewal notice, you can request one by calling the same number or visiting a Secretary of State office. You can also renew online instead if you prefer not to wait for the notice to arrive.
Renewing in person at a Secretary of State office
Visit a Secretary of State office if your license expired more than four years ago, if you need a new photo, or if you want to change your address without having notified the state in advance. Bring your expired or expiring license, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).
The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. You will pay $25 and receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. The permanent license usually arrives within five to seven business days.
Secretary of State offices are open Monday through Friday, with some locations open on Saturday mornings. You can find your nearest office and check hours on the Michigan Secretary of State website. Offices can be busy, especially near the end of the month, so arriving early in the day or on a weekday morning usually means a shorter wait.
What happens if your license is already expired
If your license expired fewer than four years ago, you can still renew by mail or in person using the same process described above. You cannot renew online once your license has expired.
If your license expired more than four years ago, you must renew in person at a Secretary of State office. The office will treat your renewal as a new license process, which means you will need to bring proof of your Social Security number, proof of your address, and proof of your identity (your expired license counts as identity proof). The fee remains $25.
Changing your address during renewal
If you are moving, you have two options: update your address before you renew, or update it during renewal. If you update your address before renewing online, your new license will be mailed to your new address. If you are renewing by mail, call the Secretary of State at 888-767-6424 to update your address before you send in your renewal notice.
If you are renewing in person, bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days) and the office will update it while processing your renewal. Your new license will be mailed to the address you confirm at the office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?
No. Michigan will not renew your license if you owe money on traffic tickets, child support, or certain other court-ordered debts. Contact the court that issued the ticket or fine to pay what you owe, then renew your license. The Secretary of State system will check for these holds when you attempt to renew.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
Call the Secretary of State at 888-767-6424 and request a duplicate renewal notice, or renew online instead if your license is not yet expired. You can also visit a Secretary of State office and renew in person.
How long is my new license valid?
Your renewed license is valid for eight years from the date you renew it. Michigan will send you a new renewal notice about 60 days before that expiration date.
Can I renew my license if I changed my name?
You cannot renew online or by mail if you changed your name. You must renew in person at a Secretary of State office and bring a document showing your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Bring your old license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address.
What if my address on file is wrong and I did not update it before renewing?
If you renewed online or by mail and your new license was mailed to the wrong address, contact the Secretary of State at 888-767-6424 as soon as you realize the mistake. They may be able to intercept the license or issue a replacement to your correct address. If the license arrives at the wrong address, the person who receives it should return it to the Secretary of State unopened.