What you need to do to renew in Michigan
Michigan lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State office. Which method you can use depends on how close you are to your expiration date and whether your license is a Real ID or a standard license. If your license expired more than four years ago, you must renew in person — you cannot use the online or mail routes.
The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs $18 for a four-year renewal or $24 for an eight-year renewal. You will need your current license number, your Social Security number, and a payment method. Michigan will mail your new license to the address on file, which usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
If you prefer to renew by mail, you send in your current license along with a check or money order and a completed process form. The mail-in process takes longer — typically two to three weeks — and you will need to request the process form from the Secretary of State website or pick one up at an office.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal is available if your license expires within the next four years and costs $18 for four years or $24 for eight years.
- You can renew by mail by sending your current license, a completed form, and payment to the Secretary of State, though it takes two to three weeks.
- If your license expired more than four years ago, you must renew in person at a Secretary of State office with proof of identity and residency.
- Real ID licenses have different renewal rules than standard licenses, and you should check which type you have before you start the process.
- Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, so update your address before you renew if you have moved.
Online renewal: the fastest route
The Michigan Secretary of State website has a dedicated renewal portal where you can renew if your license is not expiring for at least 30 days and not more than four years. You log in with your driver's license number and Social Security number, review your information, choose your renewal length (four or eight years), and pay by debit card or credit card.
After you submit, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license ships within 7 to 10 business days to the address currently on file with the state. During that time, your old license remains valid, so you can still use it to drive or show as ID.
Online renewal does not work if you have a Real ID license and your Real ID is expiring. Real ID licenses have a star in the upper right corner. If you have one, you will need to renew in person or by mail and bring documents that prove your identity and Michigan residency — the online system cannot process those documents.
Mail renewal: when you cannot get to an office
To renew by mail, read the process to Renew a Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DL 44) from the Secretary of State website. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current license and a check or money order to the address listed on the form.
The Secretary of State processes mail renewals in the order they arrive. Expect two to three weeks for your new license to reach you. Your old license remains valid during this time. If you are renewing a Real ID license by mail, you must also include copies of documents proving your identity and Michigan residency — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement usually works for residency.
Mail renewal costs the same as online renewal: $18 for four years or $24 for eight years. Include a check or money order for the correct amount. Do not send cash.
In-person renewal at a Secretary of State office
You must renew in person if your license expired more than four years ago, if you are renewing a Real ID license, or if you prefer to handle it face-to-face. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current Michigan address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days).
If you are renewing a Real ID license, bring a document that proves your identity — a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers — along with your residency proof. The office will take a new photo and process your renewal on the spot. Your new license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
Wait times at Secretary of State offices vary by location and time of day. Offices are typically less busy early in the morning on weekdays. You can check current wait times on the Secretary of State website before you go. In-person renewal costs $18 for four years or $24 for eight years.
Real ID versus standard license: which do you have
A Real ID license has a gold or metallic star in the upper right corner. A standard Michigan license does not have this star. The difference matters because Real ID licenses have stricter renewal rules and require more documents.
If you have a Real ID license, you cannot renew online. You can renew by mail or in person, but both routes require you to provide proof of identity and Michigan residency. If you have a standard license, you can renew online, by mail, or in person, and the online route requires no documents at all.
Real ID licenses are required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building as of May 2025. If you have a standard license and want to upgrade to Real ID, you must renew in person and bring the required identity and residency documents.
What happens if your license is already expired
If your license expired fewer than four years ago, you can still renew online or by mail using the same process as above. Your new license will be mailed to you, and you can drive legally while you wait for it to arrive.
If your license expired more than four years ago, the online and mail routes are closed to you. You must go to a Secretary of State office in person. Bring your expired license along with proof of identity and Michigan residency. The office will treat this as a new license process rather than a renewal, though the process is similar and the cost is the same.
Updating your address before you renew
Your new license will be mailed to the address currently on file with the Secretary of State. If you have moved since your last license was issued, update your address before you renew. You can change your address online through the Secretary of State website, by mail, or in person at an office.
If you change your address online or by mail, the change takes effect when ready, and your new license will go to your new address. If you renew in person, the office will update your address at the same time and your new license will reflect the change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while I wait for my new license to arrive?
Yes. Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives, even if it has expired. You can drive legally and use your old license as ID during the 7 to 10 business days it takes for your new license to be mailed to you.
What if I move after I renew but before my new license arrives?
Contact the Secretary of State and provide your new address. They can redirect your license to your new location. If you do not update your address in time, the license may be returned to the state, and you will need to pick it up at an office or request it be reissued.
Do I need to renew my license if I only have a standard license and it is not expiring soon?
No, you only need to renew when your license is about to expire. Standard Michigan driver's licenses are valid for four or eight years depending on your age and when you renewed last. Check your license to see your expiration date.
Can I renew my Real ID license online?
No. Real ID licenses must be renewed in person or by mail because the Secretary of State needs to verify your identity and residency documents. Online renewal does not have a way to process those documents securely.
What if the Secretary of State loses my renewal process in the mail?
If you do not receive your new license within three weeks, contact the Secretary of State customer service line. They can track your process and reissue your license if it was lost. Keep your confirmation number or receipt if you renewed by mail.