Michigan requires you to visit a Secretary of State office in person, bring specific documents, and pay a fee — the process takes about 30 minutes if you have everything ready
Michigan does not issue replacement licenses by mail or online. You must go to a Secretary of State branch office, show proof of identity and residency, and pay the replacement fee. The state will issue you a new license on the spot or mail it to you within 7 to 10 business days, depending on which service level you choose.
The fee for a replacement license is $18 if you keep your current address, or $25 if you need to update your address at the same time. If your license was lost or stolen, you do not need a police report to replace it — the Secretary of State treats lost and stolen licenses the same way.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Secretary of State office in person with a valid photo ID and proof of your current address.
- The replacement fee is $18 for an address-only replacement or $25 if you are also updating your address.
- You can receive your new license at the office when ready (for an extra $5 fee) or by mail within 7 to 10 business days at no extra charge.
- Michigan Secretary of State offices accept appointments online, and walk-ins are served on a first-come, first-served basis.
- If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot replace it — you must resolve the suspension or revocation first.
Documents you need to bring to the Secretary of State
Bring one form of valid photo identification and one document showing your current address. The photo ID can be a passport, military ID, tribal ID, or an out-of-state driver's license. It must not be expired.
For proof of address, the Secretary of State accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail (such as a tax return or voter registration card) dated within the last 30 days. A cell phone bill does not count. If you live with someone else and the document is in their name, bring a signed letter from the person whose name is on the bill, stating that you live at that address.
If you do not have a document with your current address, you can bring an affidavit of residency, which you sign at the Secretary of State office. This takes longer but is an option if you have just moved or do not receive mail at home.
How to schedule or find a Secretary of State office
Michigan Secretary of State offices are located in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check hours on the Michigan Secretary of State website. The site also lets you book an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time.
Appointments are not required, but they are recommended. Walk-ins are served during office hours, but wait times vary by location and time of day. If you book an appointment, arrive 10 minutes early with all your documents.
Some Secretary of State offices are busier than others. If your local office has a long wait, you can visit a different branch in your region — your license will be processed the same way regardless of which office you use.
Choosing between when ready pickup and mail delivery
When you submit your replacement request, you can choose to receive your license at the office when ready or by mail. The when ready option costs an extra $5 on top of the $18 or $25 replacement fee, for a total of $23 or $30. The license is printed on-site and ready within a few minutes.
If you choose mail delivery, there is no extra fee. Your license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days. Mail delivery is slower but costs less, and you do not need to return to the office.
Choose when ready pickup if you need to drive right away. Choose mail delivery if you can wait and want to save $5, or if you do not have a way to get back to the office quickly.
Payment methods and what happens after you pay
Michigan Secretary of State offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. They do not accept checks or money orders. If you are paying by card, bring the card itself — you cannot pay over the phone or online.
Once you pay and submit your documents, the office will take a new photo and print your license (if you chose when ready pickup) or send it by mail. You will receive a receipt showing your transaction number and the expected delivery date if you chose mail delivery.
Keep your receipt. If your license does not arrive within the stated timeframe, you can contact the Secretary of State office with your receipt number to check the status.
What to do if your license was suspended or revoked
If your Michigan license was suspended or revoked — for example, due to unpaid traffic fines, a DUI conviction, or accumulating too many points — you cannot replace it. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the Secretary of State.
To learn about your license is suspended or revoked, call the Michigan Secretary of State at 1-888-SOS-MICH (1-888-767-6424) or check your status online through the Secretary of State website. The office will tell you what you need to do to clear the suspension or revocation, which may include paying fines, completing a course, or waiting out a suspension period.
Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can then replace your license using the standard process described above.
Replacing a license that expired while lost
If your license expired before you lost it, you cannot straightforward replace it — you must renew it instead. Renewal requires passing a vision test and paying a renewal fee, which is different from a replacement.
If your license was current when you lost it but has since expired while you were waiting to replace it, you can still use the replacement process. Bring your documents to the Secretary of State, and they will issue a new license with an updated expiration date. The fee remains $18 or $25 depending on whether you are updating your address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license if I do not have a current address on file?
Yes. Bring a document showing your current address dated within the last 30 days, such as a utility bill or lease. If you do not have one, you can sign an affidavit of residency at the Secretary of State office, though this adds time to your visit.
What if I lost my license out of state and I am now in Michigan?
You can replace your Michigan license at any Secretary of State office in Michigan. Bring your photo ID and proof of your current Michigan address. The process is the same whether you lost it in Michigan or elsewhere.
How long does a replacement license last?
Your replacement license has the same expiration date as your original license would have had. If your original license was set to expire in 2027, your replacement expires in 2027. You do not get extra time just because you replaced it.
Can I replace my license online or by mail?
No. Michigan requires you to visit a Secretary of State office in person. You cannot replace a license by mail or through an online portal. However, you can book an appointment online to reduce your wait time at the office.
What if the Secretary of State office lost my documents after I submitted them?
Contact the office where you submitted your replacement request with your receipt number. The office will investigate and can reissue your license or refund your fee if documents were lost. Keep your receipt for this reason.