What you need to do it online

Michigan lets you renew your driver's license online if your license is still valid or expired no more than four years ago. You'll need a computer or phone with internet access, your current or expired license, and a valid payment method — Michigan takes Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.

The state also requires you to have a Secretary of State account. If you don't have one yet, you create it free during the renewal process using your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The whole renewal takes about 15 minutes online.

Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can keep driving on your current license until the new one shows up.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online at michigan.gov/sos if your license is valid or expired less than four years ago.
  • You need your current or expired license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee.
  • Creating a free Secretary of State account takes a few minutes and you can do it as part of the renewal process.
  • Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, and you can continue driving on your current license until it arrives.
  • If your license expired more than four years ago, you must renew in person at a Secretary of State office.

Step-by-step: completing your renewal online

Start at michigan.gov/sos and look for the "Renew Your Driver's License" option. Click it and you'll land on the renewal page. If you already have a Secretary of State account, sign in. If not, select "Create Account" and enter your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

Once you're logged in, the system will pull up your current information from your license. Review it carefully — your name, address, and date of birth should all be correct. If anything has changed, you can update it during this step. Then answer the vision and medical questions the state asks (these are the same ones you'd answer in person).

Next, choose how you want to pay the renewal fee. Michigan's current renewal fee is $25 for a four-year license or $50 for an eight-year license. Enter your card details and submit. You'll get a confirmation number on screen — write it down or take a screenshot.

That's it. You're done. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file.

When you cannot renew online

If your license has been expired for more than four years, the online system won't let you renew that way. You'll need to go to a Secretary of State office in person. The same applies if your license was suspended or revoked — you cannot renew online in those cases.

If you need to change your name, add or remove organ donor status, or update your address to something outside Michigan, you also have to renew in person. The online system handles routine renewals only.

If you've lost your license or it was stolen, you cannot renew online either. You'll need to report it and get a replacement at a Secretary of State office.

What happens after you submit

Michigan's system sends you a confirmation email right away with your confirmation number and the details of your renewal. Keep this email — you don't need it to drive, but it's proof you renewed if a question comes up.

Your new physical license is printed and mailed within 7 to 10 business days. During this time, your old license is still valid and you can use it to drive. You don't need to do anything else or visit an office.

If you don't receive your new license within two weeks, contact the Secretary of State at 1-888-SOS-MICH (1-888-767-6424) with your confirmation number.

Updating your address during renewal

The online renewal form includes a space to change your address. If you've moved within Michigan, you can update it right there and your new license will be mailed to your new address. Make sure the address you enter is where you actually live — the Secretary of State uses this for voter registration and other state records.

If you've moved out of Michigan, you cannot complete the renewal online. You'll need to visit a Secretary of State office in person to handle an out-of-state address change, or you can renew your license in your new state instead.

Fees and payment details

Michigan charges $25 to renew a four-year license or $50 for an eight-year license. You choose which one during the online process. The fee is the same whether you renew online or in person. Payment is taken when ready when you submit, and there are no additional processing fees for online renewal.

The state accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. If your card is declined, you'll see an error message and can try again with a different card. If you don't have a credit or debit card, you'll need to renew in person at a Secretary of State office, where you can pay with cash, check, or card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew online if my license is suspended?

No. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online. You must visit a Secretary of State office in person. The office can tell you the status of your license and what steps you need to take to restore it.

What if I enter the wrong address by mistake?

Contact the Secretary of State at 1-888-SOS-MICH before your new license arrives and they can correct it. If your new license is already mailed to the wrong address, you can request a replacement at a Secretary of State office with a form of ID.

Do I need to print anything or bring anything to the mailbox?

No. The entire process is online. You don't print anything or mail anything back. Michigan mails your new license to you automatically after you submit.

What if my vision or medical situation has changed since my last license?

The online form asks you to confirm your vision and medical status. Answer honestly. If you've had vision changes, you may need to take a vision test in person at a Secretary of State office instead of renewing online.

Can I renew early, before my license expires?

Yes. You can renew online up to six months before your license expires. Your new license will have a new expiration date six or eight years from the date you renew, depending on which term you choose.