What you pay to renew your Michigan driver's license

A standard Michigan driver's license renewal costs $25 if you renew by mail or online, or $20 if you renew in person at a Secretary of State office. The difference reflects the processing fee for remote renewal. If you are renewing a license that has been expired for more than four years, you may need to take a new written test and vision screening, which adds time but not an additional fee to the renewal itself.

These fees cover a four-year renewal cycle for most adults. If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), renewal costs more — typically $35 for a four-year cycle — because CDL holders must pass additional testing and medical certification requirements. Military members and veterans may be may be able to access for fee reductions or waivers under certain circumstances; check with your local Secretary of State office for current veteran benefits.

Payment methods depend on how you renew. Online and mail renewals accept credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks. In-person renewals at a Secretary of State office accept cash, check, credit card, and debit card. Some offices also accept money orders. If you are paying by mail, include a check or money order with your renewal process — do not send cash through the mail.

Key Takeaways

  • Online or mail renewal costs $25; in-person renewal at a Secretary of State office costs $20.
  • Commercial driver's license renewal costs $35 for a four-year cycle and requires medical certification.
  • Payment methods vary by renewal route: online accepts cards and e-checks, mail accepts checks or money orders, and in-person accepts cash, check, card, or money order.
  • If your license has been expired for more than four years, you will need to pass a written test and vision screening, though this does not add a separate fee.

Renewing online versus by mail versus in person

Online renewal through the Michigan Secretary of State website is the fastest route and costs $25. You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes, and your new license ships within 7 to 10 business days. Online renewal is open to most drivers whose licenses are not suspended or revoked and who have not changed their address recently.

Mail renewal also costs $25 and works if your license is not suspended or revoked. You submit the renewal form (available on the Secretary of State website), a copy of your current license, and payment by check or money order. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks after the office receives your process, plus mailing time both ways. Mail renewal is useful if you prefer not to use a credit card online or if you cannot visit an office.

In-person renewal at a Secretary of State office costs $20 and is the only option if your license is suspended, revoked, or if you need to update your address, name, or other information. You will also renew in person if your current license is damaged or if you are renewing after a long expiration. Walk-in service is available at most offices, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Some offices offer appointment scheduling through the Secretary of State website.

When you pay extra fees beyond the base renewal cost

A duplicate license fee of $10 applies if you need a replacement card before your renewal is due — for example, if your license is lost, stolen, or damaged. This is separate from renewal and can be done at any time.

If you renew in person and need to update your address, name, or other personal information, there is no additional fee beyond the $20 in-person renewal cost. However, if you are renewing a license that has been expired for more than four years, you must pass a written test and vision screening at the Secretary of State office. These tests are free, but you must renew in person rather than by mail or online.

If you are renewing a commercial driver's license, the $35 fee includes the cost of medical certification review. However, if your medical certification has expired or you need a new medical examination, you must obtain that from a certified medical examiner before renewing your CDL. The medical exam itself is not part of the Secretary of State fee and is paid directly to the examiner.

How to pay when you renew online

Online renewal through the Michigan Secretary of State website accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You can also pay by electronic check (eCheck) if you have your bank account and routing number. The payment is processed when ready when you submit your renewal, and you receive a confirmation number on screen. Keep this number for your records.

If your payment is declined, the website will tell you when ready and you can try again with a different card or payment method. If you have trouble with online payment, you can switch to mail renewal (paying by check or money order) or visit a Secretary of State office in person to pay by cash, check, or card.

How to pay when you renew by mail

Mail renewal requires payment by check or money order made out to the "State of Michigan." Write your driver's license number on the back of the check or money order. Include the payment with your completed renewal form and a copy of your current license in the envelope you mail to the Secretary of State address listed on the renewal form.

Do not send cash through the mail. If your check is returned for insufficient funds, the Secretary of State will contact you to request payment before processing your renewal. Processing time begins after the office receives and deposits your payment, so delays in the mail can add several days to the total time.

How to pay when you renew in person

In-person renewal at a Secretary of State office accepts cash, personal check, money order, credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), and debit card. Payment is collected at the time you submit your process. You will receive a receipt showing the amount paid and your confirmation number.

If you do not have your payment method with you when you arrive, you can leave and return with payment, though you may need to restart the check-in process. Some offices allow you to pay online before your visit and bring a confirmation, which can speed up the in-person transaction. Check your local office's website to see if this option is available.

What happens if you do not renew before your license expires

If your license expires, you cannot legally drive in Michigan. Driving with an expired license can result in a traffic citation and fine. If your license has been expired for less than one year, you can renew it using any of the three methods (online, mail, or in person) at the standard renewal cost. The fee does not increase based on how long the license has been expired.

If your license has been expired for more than four years, you must renew in person at a Secretary of State office. You will need to pass a written test and vision screening as part of the renewal process. These tests are free, but they require an in-person visit and add time to the renewal. You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been expired for more than four years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if I have moved to a new address?

If you have recently moved, you may not be able to renew online. The Secretary of State website will tell you during the online process whether your address change disqualifies you from online renewal. If so, you must renew in person at a Secretary of State office to update your address. In-person renewal costs $20.

Do I have to pay the renewal fee if my license is suspended or revoked?

You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Once it is lifted, you pay the standard renewal fee ($20 in person or $25 by mail or online). Contact the Secretary of State to find out the status of your license and what steps are needed to restore it.

What if I lose my payment information during online renewal?

If your online renewal session times out or you close the browser before completing payment, your process is not submitted and you are not charged. You can start a new online renewal at any time. If you were charged but your renewal was not processed, contact the Secretary of State customer service line for a refund.

Are there any discounts for renewing multiple licenses at once?

No. Each driver's license renewal is charged separately at the standard rate. If you are renewing licenses for multiple household members, each person pays the full renewal fee for their own license.

Can I pay the renewal fee in installments?

No. The Secretary of State does not offer payment plans for license renewal. Payment in full is required at the time of renewal, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.