Renewing your Michigan driver's license online or by mail
You can renew your Michigan driver's license through the Secretary of State website without visiting an office, as long as your license is not expired by more than four years and you have no medical suspensions or restrictions that changed. The online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $18 for a four-year license or $24 for an eight-year license. Your new license arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days.
If you cannot renew online — because your license is too old, your vision or medical status changed, or you need to update your address — you will need to visit a Secretary of State office in person. This guide covers the online and mail routes; the office visit process is separate.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Michigan Secretary of State website works only if your current license is not expired by more than four years and you have no active medical suspensions.
- You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to renew online.
- Mail renewal is available if you prefer not to use the website, but takes longer and requires you to mail in your current license.
- Your new license is mailed to the address on file, so update your address before you renew if you have moved.
- If your license is expired by more than four years or you have medical restrictions, you must visit a Secretary of State office in person.
Renewing online through the Secretary of State website
Go to michigan.gov/sos and look for the "Renew Your Driver's License" link on the homepage. You will be taken to the online renewal system. Have your current driver's license in front of you — you will need your license number and the expiration date.
Enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and show you the information on file. Review your name, address, and any restrictions or endorsements (such as corrective lenses). If your address has changed, update it now before you pay. If your vision or medical status has changed, you cannot complete the online renewal — stop here and schedule an office visit instead.
Choose your license term: four years ($18) or eight years ($24). Enter your payment information. The system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. After payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot — you may need it if there is a problem with your order.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Renewing by mail if you prefer not to use the website
Request a renewal form by calling the Michigan Secretary of State at 888-767-6424 or visiting a local Secretary of State office. Ask for the "Driver's License Renewal by Mail" form. You can also read the form from michigan.gov/sos if it is available in your county.
Fill out the form completely. Include your current driver's license, a check or money order for $18 (four-year license) or $24 (eight-year license), and mail everything to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Mail your packet to the Secretary of State office that serves your county — the form will tell you which one.
Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the office receives your packet, plus mail time in both directions. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your form. If you need your license sooner, the online method is faster.
What to do if your license is expired by more than four years
If your current license expired more than four years ago, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a Secretary of State office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return). You will also need to pass a vision test at the office.
The office will take a new photo and process your renewal on the spot. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. Bring payment in the form of cash, check, or card — accepted cards vary by office, so call ahead if you plan to use a card.
What to do if you have medical restrictions or suspensions
If you have a medical suspension on your license, or if your vision, hearing, or other medical condition has changed since your last renewal, you cannot renew online. You must visit a Secretary of State office and may need to provide medical documentation or pass a new vision or hearing test.
Call 888-767-6424 to find out what documents you need to bring. Some medical restrictions can be cleared at the office; others require a letter from your doctor or a report from a medical professional. Bring all required documents with you to avoid a second trip.
Updating your address before or during renewal
If you have moved since your last license was issued, update your address before you renew. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, so if you do not update it, your license will go to your old address.
If you are renewing online, you can update your address in the renewal form itself before you pay. If you are renewing by mail, write your new address clearly on the renewal form. If you are renewing in person at an office, bring proof of your new address (such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it is already expired?
Yes, as long as it expired less than four years ago. If it expired more than four years ago, you must visit a Secretary of State office in person and may need to retake the written test and vision test.
What if I do not receive my new license after two weeks?
Contact the Michigan Secretary of State at 888-767-6424 with your confirmation number (if you renewed online) or the date you mailed your renewal form. They can check the status of your order and resend it if needed.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or child support obligation?
No. The Secretary of State will not renew your license if there is a hold on your record from the court system or the Department of Human Services. You must resolve the hold first. Call 888-767-6424 to find out what you need to do.
Do I need a new photo when I renew online?
No. Online and mail renewals use your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a Secretary of State office.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
If you changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a Secretary of State office in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).