What you need before you start
Michigan lets you renew your driver's license online if your license is not expired more than four years, you have no medical restrictions, and your name and address match what the Secretary of State has on file. You will need your current driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method — Michigan takes Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.
The renewal fee is $20 for a four-year license or $35 for an eight-year license. You pay this when you submit your process. The state will mail your new license to the address on file, which usually takes five to seven business days after approval.
If your license expired more than four years ago, if you have medical restrictions, or if you need to change your name or address, you cannot use the online process. You will need to visit a Secretary of State office in person instead.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your license expired within the last four years and you have no medical restrictions.
- The online renewal costs $20 for four years or $35 for eight years, and you pay by credit or debit card at the time of submission.
- Your new license will be mailed to the address currently on file with the Secretary of State.
- The process takes about five to seven business days from approval, and you will receive your license by mail.
Steps to renew online through the Secretary of State website
Go to the Michigan Secretary of State website and look for the driver's license renewal section. You will create an account or log in if you already have one. The state uses this account to track your transaction and send you updates about your renewal status.
Once you are logged in, select "Renew Driver's License" and answer the questions about your current license. You will enter your driver's license number, your date of birth, and your Social Security number. The system checks these against the state's records to confirm your identity.
Review the information the state has on file — your name, address, and license details. If anything is wrong, stop here and visit a Secretary of State office instead, because you cannot change your name or address through the online renewal. If everything matches, proceed to payment.
Enter your payment information and submit. You will receive a confirmation number by email. Save this number — you may need it if you have questions about your renewal or if your license does not arrive within two weeks.
When your new license will arrive
After you submit your online renewal, the Secretary of State reviews your process. This usually takes one to three business days. Once approved, your new license is printed and mailed to the address on file.
Mailing typically takes five to seven business days, though it can take longer depending on mail volume and your location. You should receive your license within two weeks of approval. If you do not receive it within that time, contact the Secretary of State with your confirmation number.
Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives, so you can continue to use it for identification and driving. Once your new license arrives, the old one is no longer valid.
What to do if you cannot renew online
If your license expired more than four years ago, you must visit a Secretary of State office. The online system will not let you proceed if your license is too old. You will need to bring your expired license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment in cash, check, or card.
If you need to change your name or address, you also cannot use the online process. Visit an office in person and bring a document that shows your new name or address — a marriage certificate for a name change, or a utility bill for an address change. The office staff will update your information and issue your new license.
If you have medical restrictions on your license, the online system will block your renewal. You will need to see a doctor and have them fill out the medical form, then bring that form and your license to an office. The Secretary of State will review the medical information before issuing your new license.
Finding a Secretary of State office if you need to go in person
The Michigan Secretary of State website has a location finder where you can search by city or zip code. Each office has different hours, and some are busier than others. Calling ahead to ask about wait times can save you a trip.
Many offices now use an appointment system. You can often book a time slot online before you go, which means you will not have to wait in line. Check the website for your nearest office to see if appointments are available.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency if you are changing your address, and payment. If you are changing your name, bring the document that shows your new name. Processing usually takes a few minutes, and you will receive a temporary license to use while your permanent one is mailed.
Tracking your renewal status
After you submit your online renewal, you can check the status on the Secretary of State website using your confirmation number. The website will tell you whether your process is being reviewed, has been approved, or has been mailed.
You will also receive email updates at the address associated with your account. If you do not receive an email within a few days of submitting, check your spam folder or log back into your account to confirm your email address is correct.
If your renewal is denied, the website will explain why. Common reasons include a mismatch in your personal information or a flag on your driving record. Contact the Secretary of State to find out what needs to be fixed before you can renew.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than four years ago?
No, the online system only works if your license expired within the last four years. If it is older than that, you must visit a Secretary of State office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment.
What if my address changed since I got my current license?
You cannot change your address through the online renewal. You will need to visit an office in person and bring a document showing your new address, such as a utility bill or lease. The office will update your information and issue your new license.
How long does it take to get my new license after I submit online?
Approval usually takes one to three business days, and mailing takes five to seven business days. You should have your new license within two weeks. If you do not receive it within that time, contact the Secretary of State with your confirmation number.
Can I use my old license while I wait for my new one?
Yes, your current license remains valid for driving and identification until your new license arrives. Once the new one comes in the mail, the old license is no longer valid.
What payment methods does Michigan accept for online renewal?
The Secretary of State accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You enter your card information on the find payment page during the renewal process. The fee is $20 for a four-year license or $35 for an eight-year license.