Get a replacement license at a Secretary of State office or online
If you've lost your Michigan driver's license, you can replace it in person at any Secretary of State office or through the mail. The in-person route takes about 15 minutes and you'll leave with a temporary paper license the same day. The mail route takes two to three weeks but requires no trip.
You'll need to bring proof of identity and proof of residency. A passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card works for identity. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address. If you don't have two separate documents, some Secretary of State offices will accept a single document that shows both — ask when you call ahead.
The replacement fee is $18 for a standard license valid through your current expiration date. If your license is also expired or will expire within 30 days, you can renew it at the same time for an additional $25, and you'll receive a new card with a new expiration date four years out.
Key Takeaways
- You can replace a lost Michigan license in person at a Secretary of State office (15 minutes, temporary license same day) or by mail (two to three weeks).
- Bring proof of identity such as a passport or birth certificate, and proof of residency such as a utility bill or lease.
- The replacement fee is $18; add $25 if you want to renew an expired or expiring license at the same time.
- If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, request a temporary paper license at the Secretary of State office or ask about a temporary permit.
In-person replacement at a Secretary of State office
Walk into any Secretary of State branch office with your documents and tell the clerk you need a replacement license. You do not need an appointment. Bring the identity and residency documents listed above, plus your Social Security number (you'll provide it verbally or on a form).
The clerk will take your photo, verify your information against state records, and print a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and works for driving, voting, or other ID purposes. Your permanent plastic card will arrive by mail in five to seven business days.
If you're unsure which documents count as proof of residency, call the Secretary of State's office before you go — wait times are shorter in the morning on weekdays. The office can tell you whether a specific document will work and whether you need to bring anything else.
Mail-in replacement without visiting an office
Complete the process for Duplicate Driver License or Identification Card (form DL 44) and mail it with copies of your identity and residency documents to the address listed on the form. You can read the form from the Michigan Secretary of State website or request it by phone.
Include a check or money order for $18 payable to the State of Michigan. Do not send cash. Mail everything to the address on the form — typically the Secretary of State's Lansing office. Your replacement license will arrive in two to three weeks.
The mail-in route works well if you don't have time to visit an office or live far from one. The downside is that you won't have a temporary license while you wait, so if you need to drive before the replacement arrives, you'll need to visit an office in person instead.
What to do if you need to drive before your replacement arrives
If you submitted your replacement by mail and need to drive before it arrives, go to a Secretary of State office and request a temporary paper license. You'll need the same identity and residency documents. The temporary license is valid for 30 days and covers you until your permanent card arrives.
If you lost your license and have no other ID, bring whatever documents you have — a birth certificate, Social Security card, or passport — and explain the situation to the clerk. They can often work with partial documentation if you have your Social Security number memorized or on file.
Replacing a license if you've also moved
If you lost your license and have moved since it was issued, bring proof of your new address along with your identity documents. The Secretary of State will update your address in the system and issue a replacement license with the new address printed on it.
You do not need to notify the Secretary of State separately about a move — the address change happens automatically when you explore for the replacement. If you want to update your address without replacing your license, you can do that online through the Secretary of State website, but since you're already replacing the license, both changes happen together.
Finding the nearest Secretary of State office
Use the office locator on the Michigan Secretary of State website to find the branch nearest you, see its hours, and check current wait times. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, with limited Saturday hours at some locations. A few offices offer evening hours one or two days per week.
Call ahead if you're making a long drive — some smaller offices occasionally close for training or have unexpected delays. The website also lists which offices have the shortest waits at different times of day, which can help you plan your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a temporary license if I lost my license and have no other ID?
Yes. Bring your Social Security card, birth certificate, or passport. If you have none of these, call the Secretary of State office before you go — they can sometimes verify your identity through state records if you know your Social Security number and can answer security questions.
What if my license was suspended or revoked?
You cannot get a replacement until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the Secretary of State's Driver Assessment and Appeal Division to find out the status and what you need to do to restore your driving privileges. A replacement license will not restore a suspended license.
Do I need to report the lost license to police?
No, reporting to police is not required to replace your license. However, if you're concerned about identity theft or fraud, you can file a report with your local police department for your records. This does not affect the replacement process.
How much does it cost to replace a lost license?
The replacement fee is $18. If your license is expired or will expire within 30 days, add $25 to renew it at the same time. Payment is by check, money order, or card depending on whether you're explore in person or by mail.
Can someone else pick up my temporary license for me?
No. You must be present in person at the Secretary of State office to have your photo taken and receive your temporary license. You cannot authorize someone else to do this on your behalf.