What you need to bring to the Secretary of State office

A Michigan ID card is a state-issued photo identification that proves who you are. You do not need a driver's license to get one — the ID card works on its own for voting, banking, air travel, and age verification. To get a Michigan ID, you visit a Secretary of State office in person with specific documents.

Bring one document that proves your identity: a U.S. passport, passport card, certified birth certificate, or an out-of-state driver's license or ID card. You also need proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days works. If your name has changed since your identity document was issued, bring the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, such as a Social Security card or W-2 form. You will also need to fill out the process for Michigan ID Card (form DL 44), which you can read from the Michigan Secretary of State website or fill out at the office.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Secretary of State office in person with a valid identity document, proof of address, and your Social Security number.
  • The ID card costs $25 and is valid for four years, or until age 65 if you are 60 or older.
  • Processing takes about 10 business days; you receive your card by mail at the address you provide.
  • If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign the process form in person.
  • You can renew your Michigan ID by mail if it has not been expired for more than four years.

Finding a Secretary of State office near you

Michigan has 159 Secretary of State branch offices across the state. You can search for the one closest to you on the Michigan Secretary of State website by entering your city or ZIP code. The website shows office hours, which vary by location — some are open evenings or Saturdays, and some close for lunch.

Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to book an appointment in advance. Check the office's page before you go, because appointment availability changes with the season. During busy periods like the weeks before holidays, wait times can be long even with an appointment.

The cost and how long it takes

A Michigan ID card costs $25 and is valid for four years. If you are 60 years old or older when you get your ID, it is valid until you turn 65. You pay at the office when you submit your process.

After you pay, the Secretary of State mails your card to the address you provide on the process. Processing takes about 10 business days from the date you explore. You should receive your card within two to three weeks. If you do not receive it after four weeks, contact the Secretary of State office where you applied.

What to do if you are under 18

If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must go with you to the Secretary of State office and sign the process form in person. The parent or guardian does not need to bring their own ID, but they do need to be present when you sign.

Bring the same documents you would bring as an adult: your identity document, proof of address, and your Social Security number. Your parent or guardian can help you gather these documents, but you must be the one to present them and answer the questions on the form.

Renewing your Michigan ID by mail

If your Michigan ID has expired but has not been expired for more than four years, you can renew it by mail instead of visiting an office. read the process for Michigan ID Card (form DL 44) from the Secretary of State website, fill it out, and mail it with your expired ID card and a check or money order for $25 to the address listed on the form.

Mail renewal takes about three weeks. You do not need to bring new proof of address or identity documents if you are renewing the same card — the Secretary of State has your information on file. If your address has changed, include a new proof of address with your process.

If your name has changed

If you have married, divorced, or legally changed your name since your last ID was issued, bring the document that shows the change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order of name change all work. The Secretary of State will update your name on your new ID card.

If you are renewing by mail and your name has changed, include a copy of the name-change document with your process. The Secretary of State will not process your renewal without it.

What to do if you lose your ID card

If your Michigan ID card is lost or stolen, visit a Secretary of State office and explore for a replacement. Bring the same documents you brought for your original ID: your identity document, proof of address, and your Social Security number. Tell the office that you are explore for a replacement, not a new card.

A replacement card costs $25 and takes about 10 business days to arrive by mail. If you believe your ID was stolen and you are concerned about identity theft, you can also file a report with the Michigan State Police or your local police department.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a Michigan ID card to fly domestically?

Yes. A Michigan ID card is accepted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for domestic flights. Bring it to the airport along with your boarding pass. It works the same way a driver's license does for air travel.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can use a U.S. passport, passport card, or out-of-state driver's license or ID card as your identity document instead. If you do not have any of these, contact the Secretary of State office to ask what other documents they will accept.

Can I get a Michigan ID if I am not a U.S. citizen?

No. You must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident to get a Michigan ID card. Bring proof of citizenship or permanent residency, such as a passport or green card, along with your other documents.

How do I change my address on my Michigan ID?

You must visit a Secretary of State office in person to change your address. Bring your current ID card, proof of your new address, and the process form (DL 44). There is no fee to change your address.

What if I cannot visit an office in person?

Michigan requires you to explore for a new ID card in person at a Secretary of State office. There is no way to get a new ID by mail or online. If you are unable to travel, ask a family member or trusted person to help you find the office closest to you or with the most flexible hours.