Getting a replacement license in Michigan takes about two weeks by mail, or you can walk in same-day at a Secretary of State office

Michigan issues replacement licenses through the Secretary of State, not your local DMV — there is no DMV in Michigan. You have two paths: order by mail and wait roughly two weeks, or visit a Secretary of State office in person and leave with a temporary license the same day. Both cost $25 for a standard replacement. You will need to prove your identity and Michigan residency, and you cannot renew online if your license is lost rather than expired.

The mail route is slower but requires no trip. The in-person route is faster and gives you a document to carry when ready, but you need to find an office near you and may wait in line. Which one makes sense depends on whether you need to drive before two weeks pass.

Key Takeaways

  • Mail-in replacement takes about two weeks and costs $25; in-person replacement at a Secretary of State office takes one visit and gives you a temporary license same-day.
  • You must bring a government-issued photo ID and proof of Michigan residency, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address.
  • The Secretary of State website has an office locator tool; call ahead to confirm hours, as some offices have limited schedules.
  • If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, a temporary license issued in-person is valid for 30 days while you wait for the permanent one by mail.

Ordering a replacement by mail

To order by mail, go to michigan.gov/sos and find the "Driver License and ID Card" section. read the process for Duplicate Driver License or ID Card (form DL 44). Fill it out completely — include your name, date of birth, current address, and driver's license number if you remember it. If you do not remember your license number, leave it blank; the Secretary of State can look it up.

Mail the completed form to the address listed on the form, along with a check or money order for $25 made out to the State of Michigan. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your proof of residency — a recent utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address all work. The Secretary of State recommends mailing from a post office rather than a mailbox to reduce loss.

Your replacement license will arrive in roughly two weeks. If you need to drive before it arrives, you cannot use this method; go in-person instead.

Getting a replacement in person at a Secretary of State office

Find your nearest Secretary of State office using the office locator at michigan.gov/sos. Click "Find an office" and enter your city or zip code. The locator shows hours, which vary — some offices are open Monday through Friday only, while others have Saturday hours. Call the office before you go to confirm it is open and to ask about wait times, especially if you are going during lunch or after work.

Bring your government-issued photo ID (a passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license all work) and one proof of Michigan residency. Acceptable residency documents include a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail — anything with your name and current Michigan address dated within the last 60 days. If you have moved recently and your ID does not show your new address, bring two documents: one showing your old address and one showing your new address.

At the office, tell the staff member you need a replacement license. They will take your photo, verify your information, and issue you a temporary license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and lets you drive while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail. Your permanent license will be mailed to the address on your temporary license within two weeks.

What to bring and what it costs

A replacement license costs $25 whether you order by mail or go in person. You pay by check or money order if you mail the form, or by cash, card, or check if you go to an office. The Secretary of State does not accept payment online for lost licenses — only for renewals.

Bring one government-issued photo ID and one proof of residency. Your photo ID must be current (not expired). Your residency proof must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a current photo ID, you can bring two documents that together prove your identity and residency — for example, a birth certificate and a utility bill. Call your local Secretary of State office before you go if you are unsure whether your documents will work.

If you do not remember your license number

You do not need your license number to order a replacement. Leave that field blank on the form if you mail it, or tell the staff member at the office that you do not remember it. The Secretary of State can look up your number using your name, date of birth, and address. This adds no time to the process.

If you want to find your old license number before you explore, you can call the Secretary of State at 888-767-6424 and provide your name and date of birth. They can tell you your number over the phone, though this step is not necessary.

Temporary licenses and what they cover

A temporary license issued in person is valid for 30 days and lets you drive, work, or travel within Michigan. It does not work for air travel or crossing into Canada or another country — you would need your permanent license or a passport for that. The temporary license is a paper document, so keep it with you when you drive.

Your permanent license will arrive by mail within two weeks. Once it arrives, the temporary license is no longer valid, even if the 30 days have not passed. Destroy the temporary license or keep it for your records — you do not need to return it.

What to do if your mail-in replacement does not arrive

If two weeks have passed and your replacement has not arrived, call the Secretary of State at 888-767-6424. Have your name, date of birth, and the address you mailed the form from ready. They can check whether your form was received and where your license is in the mail. If it was lost in the mail, they can reissue it at no extra cost.

If you need to drive before the replacement arrives and you did not get a temporary license in person, you can go to a Secretary of State office and request a temporary license. Bring your proof of identity and residency, and they will issue one on the spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order a replacement online?

No. Michigan only allows online renewal for licenses that are expired or expiring soon. If your license is lost, you must either mail the form or go to an office in person. The Secretary of State website does not have an online replacement option for lost licenses.

Do I need the original lost license to get a replacement?

No. You do not need the lost license itself. You only need to prove your identity with a government-issued photo ID and prove you live in Michigan with a recent utility bill, lease, or similar document.

How long is a temporary license valid?

A temporary license is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within that time. Once your permanent license arrives, the temporary one is no longer valid.

What if I moved to a new address after I lost my license?

Bring two documents: one showing your old address (the one on your lost license) and one showing your new address. Both must have your name on them. A utility bill, lease, or bank statement works for the new address. At the office, staff will update your address in the system before issuing your replacement.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. If you order by mail, the license is mailed to the address you provide on the form. If you go in person, you must be there yourself — the Secretary of State will not issue a license to someone else on your behalf.