Where to get a replacement Michigan driver's license
You can replace your Michigan driver's license at any Secretary of State branch office. Michigan has over 130 branch locations across the state, including offices in most cities and many smaller towns. You can find the branch nearest you and check its hours on the Michigan Secretary of State website.
If you cannot visit in person, you can request a replacement by mail, though this takes longer. Mail requests go to the Secretary of State's Lansing office, and processing typically takes two to three weeks after they receive your request.
Key Takeaways
- Visit any Secretary of State branch office in Michigan with your current license, proof of residency, and the replacement fee to get a new license the same day.
- If your license was lost or stolen, report it to the Secretary of State before requesting a replacement to prevent misuse.
- A replacement license costs $25 if your current license is still valid, or $18 if it has expired.
- You can mail in a replacement request if you cannot visit an office, but allow two to three weeks for processing.
- Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate or passport as proof of identity, along with proof of your current Michigan address.
What documents you need to bring
Bring your current Michigan driver's license if you still have it. If your license was lost or stolen, bring a police report or a written statement describing what happened. You will also need proof of your identity — an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, U.S. passport, or passport card.
You must show proof that you live in Michigan. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you recently moved, bring both your old address proof and your new address proof.
The cost and how long it takes
A replacement license costs $25 if your current license is still valid. If your license has expired, the replacement fee is $18. You pay at the branch office when you submit your request. The Secretary of State does not accept payment by mail for in-person replacements.
If you visit a branch office in person, you will receive your new license the same day or within a few days. If you mail your request, expect two to three weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives it. Some branch offices offer expedited service for an additional fee — call ahead to ask whether your local office does.
Reporting a lost or stolen license before replacing it
If your license was lost or stolen, contact the Secretary of State to report it before you request a replacement. You can report it online through the Michigan Secretary of State website, or call the customer service line. Reporting it prevents someone else from using your license number for fraud or other misuse.
When you report a lost or stolen license, you will receive a confirmation number. Bring this confirmation number with you when you visit the branch office to replace your license. It speeds up the process and ensures the Secretary of State has a record that you reported it.
Replacing your license by mail
To request a replacement by mail, read the process for Duplicate Driver's License or Identification Card form from the Michigan Secretary of State website. Fill it out completely and include copies of your proof of identity and proof of residency. Do not send original documents — send copies only.
Mail the completed form and copies to the Secretary of State's Lansing office. The address is on the form. Include a check or money order for the replacement fee made payable to the State of Michigan. Processing takes two to three weeks after the office receives your request. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide on the form.
What to do if your address has changed
If you have moved since your license was issued, you must update your address when you replace it. Bring proof of your new Michigan address to the branch office. If you moved very recently and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, bring a letter from your landlord or a recent bank statement showing your new address.
You cannot update your address without replacing your license — the two processes are combined. This is why the replacement fee applies even if you are only changing your address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license online?
No. Michigan does not offer online replacement for driver's licenses. You must visit a Secretary of State branch office in person or mail your request to the Lansing office. You can renew a license online if it is still valid and you have not had any address changes, but replacement requires an in-person visit or mail request.
What if I do not have my birth certificate?
You can use a U.S. passport, passport card, or certified copy of your birth certificate. If you do not have any of these, contact the Michigan Secretary of State before visiting a branch office to ask what other documents they will accept as proof of identity. Some offices may accept additional documents depending on your situation.
How long is a replacement license valid?
A replacement license is valid for the same length of time as your original license. If your original license was not expiring for five more years, your replacement license will also be valid for five years from the date you receive it. The expiration date is printed on the front of your license.
Do I need an appointment to visit a branch office?
Most Michigan Secretary of State branch offices do not require appointments for license replacement. You can walk in during business hours. However, some offices in larger cities may have appointment systems during busy times. Check the website for your local branch to see whether appointments are recommended or required.
What if my license was damaged but not lost?
If your license is torn, faded, or otherwise damaged but you still have it, you can replace it at a branch office. Bring the damaged license with you. The process and fees are the same as replacing a lost or stolen license.