What a Michigan Chauffeur's License Is and Who Needs One

A chauffeur's license in Michigan is a commercial driver's license (CDL) endorsement that allows you to be paid to drive passengers. It is different from a regular driver's license — you cannot legally charge people for rides with a standard license, even if you own the vehicle. Michigan calls this endorsement a passenger (P) endorsement, and it appears on your CDL.

You need this license if you drive for a rideshare company, work as a taxi or limo driver, operate a shuttle service, or drive a bus that carries passengers for money. If you drive your own car and occasionally accept payment from friends, Michigan law is unclear on whether you need the endorsement — but if you do it regularly or advertise the service, you should have it to stay legal.

The process takes several weeks and involves a written test, a driving test, and a medical examination. You cannot skip steps or explore online; you must visit a Secretary of State office in person.

Key Takeaways

  • You must hold a valid Michigan driver's license before you can add a chauffeur's endorsement.
  • The medical examination (Form MCSA-5875) must be completed by a certified medical examiner and costs money out of your pocket, typically $75 to $150.
  • You will take a written test on passenger transport rules and a behind-the-wheel driving test at a Secretary of State office.
  • The entire process from first visit to endorsement in hand usually takes four to eight weeks, depending on how quickly you schedule your tests.
  • You must renew your chauffeur's endorsement every four years, and your medical certificate every two years.

Step 1: Hold a Valid Michigan Driver's License

Before you can add a chauffeur's endorsement, you must already have a valid Michigan driver's license. If you do not have one, you will need to pass the written test and driving test for a regular license first. This is a separate process from the chauffeur's endorsement and can take several weeks on its own.

If your license is expired or suspended, you cannot add the endorsement until your license is current and in good standing. The Secretary of State will check your driving record when you explore, so any unpaid tickets or outstanding suspensions will block your process.

Step 2: Get a Medical Examination from a Certified Examiner

Michigan requires you to pass a medical examination before you can take the chauffeur's test. You must use a certified medical examiner — not your regular doctor. The examiner must be listed on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. You can search for examiners near you on the FMCSA website.

The examination covers your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and general health. The examiner will complete Form MCSA-5875 (the Medical Examiner's Certificate), which you will bring to your Secretary of State appointment. The form is valid for two years. The cost varies by examiner but typically ranges from $75 to $150, and you pay the examiner directly.

Schedule this appointment before you go to the Secretary of State, because you will need the completed form in hand when you arrive to take your test.

Step 3: Gather Required Documents and Visit a Secretary of State Office

Bring these documents to your local Secretary of State office:

  • Your valid Michigan driver's license
  • Your completed Form MCSA-5875 (medical certificate)
  • Proof of Michigan residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days)
  • Your Social Security number

You will fill out an process form at the office. There is a fee for adding the endorsement — currently $20 for a four-year endorsement, though fees can change. Pay at the counter when you submit your process.

The Secretary of State office will not schedule your written and driving tests on the same day. You will take the written test first, usually within a few days of your visit. Once you pass the written test, you can schedule your driving test, which may be weeks later depending on the office's availability.

Step 4: Pass the Written Test on Passenger Transport

The written test covers Michigan's rules for transporting passengers safely. You will answer questions about passenger safety, vehicle maintenance, communication with passengers, and what to do in an emergency. The test is typically 30 to 50 questions, and you must score at least 80 percent to pass.

You can study using the Michigan Commercial Driver License Manual, which is free on the Secretary of State website. The manual has a section specifically on the passenger endorsement. You are allowed to take the test once, fail, and retake it — but you must wait at least one day between attempts.

The test is given at the Secretary of State office on a computer. You will receive your score when ready after you finish.

Step 5: Pass the Behind-the-Wheel Driving Test

After you pass the written test, you can schedule your driving test. This test is conducted by a Secretary of State examiner and takes about 30 to 45 minutes. You will drive a vehicle (usually your own or one you arrange) on public roads while the examiner watches and scores your performance.

The examiner will evaluate your ability to control the vehicle, follow traffic laws, communicate with passengers, and handle common driving situations. You must bring a vehicle that is safe and registered. The examiner will do a brief safety inspection before you start.

If you fail the driving test, you can retake it, but you will need to schedule another appointment, which may be weeks away depending on office availability.

Timeline and Renewal Requirements

From your first visit to the Secretary of State to receiving your endorsement in the mail usually takes four to eight weeks. The written test can often be scheduled within days, but the driving test appointment may have a longer wait depending on your local office's schedule.

Your chauffeur's endorsement is valid for four years and expires on your birthday in the year it is due. Your medical certificate, however, expires every two years. You will need to renew your medical certificate with a certified examiner before it expires, or your endorsement will become invalid even if it has not yet expired on your license.

To renew your endorsement at the end of four years, you will repeat the process: get a new medical certificate, visit the Secretary of State, take the written test again, and take the driving test again. There is no way to renew by mail or online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my regular doctor for the medical examination?

No. Your doctor must be on the FMCSA National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. You can search for certified examiners in your area on the FMCSA website. A regular doctor's exam will not be accepted, even if they perform the same tests.

What happens if I fail the written or driving test?

You can retake either test, but you must wait at least one day after a written test failure and schedule a new appointment for the driving test. There is no additional fee to retake the test. Your medical certificate remains valid during this time, so you do not need a new exam.

Do I need a chauffeur's license to drive for Uber or Lyft in Michigan?

Michigan law requires a passenger endorsement to be paid to drive passengers. Rideshare companies typically inform drivers of this requirement, but it is your responsibility to have the proper license. Driving without one can result in fines and legal consequences.

Can I add the chauffeur's endorsement to an out-of-state driver's license?

No. You must have a valid Michigan driver's license. If you are new to Michigan, you will need to get a Michigan license first, then add the chauffeur's endorsement.

How much does the entire process cost?

The medical examination costs $75 to $150 (paid to the examiner). The endorsement fee is $20. The written and driving tests are included with the endorsement fee and have no separate cost. Total out-of-pocket is roughly $95 to $170, depending on which examiner you choose.