Michigan State ID fees in 2024

A standard Michigan state ID card costs $25 if you are getting one for the first time. If you are renewing an ID that has expired or is about to expire, the cost is also $25. If you need to replace a lost or stolen ID, the fee is $25 as well.

These fees cover the card itself and the processing at a Secretary of State office. You pay at the time you submit your process in person — Michigan does not accept mail-in applications for state IDs. The fee does not change based on how long the card is valid for (standard IDs are good for eight years) or whether you choose a standard or REAL ID-compliant card.

If you are under 18, the cost remains $25. Senior citizens (age 65 and older) pay $10 instead. If you are a veteran, you can request a veteran designation on your ID at no additional cost.

Key Takeaways

  • A Michigan state ID costs $25 for first-time issuance, renewal, or replacement, regardless of which type you choose.
  • You must explore in person at a Secretary of State office — there is no online or mail option for state IDs.
  • Seniors age 65 and older pay $10 instead of $25.
  • Bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to complete your process.
  • Standard processing takes about two weeks; you can pay extra for expedited service at some locations.

What documents you need to bring

Before you go to a Secretary of State office, gather your proof of identity and proof of Michigan residency. For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a naturalization certificate, or a military discharge paper (DD214). If you do not have any of those, you can bring two documents from a secondary list — a Social Security card, a school ID, a work ID, or a medical record.

For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 30 days that shows your current Michigan address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. A piece of mail from a government agency (like a tax notice or voter registration card) also counts. If you live with someone else and do not have a document in your name, bring a signed letter from the person whose name is on the bill, plus their ID.

Bring your Social Security number or Social Security card. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a state ID, but you will need to bring additional documents — ask the Secretary of State office which ones when you call ahead.

Where to explore and how long it takes

You explore at any Secretary of State office in Michigan. There are branch offices in most counties, plus a main office in Lansing. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Michigan Secretary of State website.

Standard processing takes about two weeks from the day you explore. You will receive your card by mail at the address you provide. Some offices offer expedited service for an additional fee — usually $5 to $10 — which cuts the wait to about one week. Call your local office to ask whether expedited service is available there.

You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some branches now use an online reservation system. Check the Secretary of State website for your location before you go. If you walk in without a reservation and the office is busy, you may have a long wait or be asked to come back another day.

Standard ID versus REAL ID

Michigan offers two types of state ID cards: a standard ID and a REAL ID-compliant card. Both cost $25. The difference is what you can use them for.

A standard Michigan state ID works for everyday identification — buying age-restricted items, opening a bank account, or proving residency. It does not meet federal requirements for air travel or entry to federal buildings. If you need to board a domestic flight or enter a federal courthouse, you must have either a REAL ID card, a valid passport, a military ID, or a passport card.

A REAL ID card looks similar to a standard ID but has a gold star in the upper right corner. It requires the same documents as a standard ID, plus proof that your current address matches your identity document (or an explanation of why it does not). The processing time and cost are the same. If you think you might fly domestically or need federal building access, getting a REAL ID card now saves you a trip back to the Secretary of State office later.

What happens if your ID is lost or stolen

If your Michigan state ID is lost or stolen, report it to the Secretary of State office as soon as you can. You do not have to file a police report first, though you can if you want to. Go to any Secretary of State office with your proof of identity and proof of residency — the same documents you would bring for a new ID.

The replacement fee is $25, the same as a new card. Processing takes about two weeks. If you are concerned about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) at no cost — this makes it harder for someone to open accounts in your name.

Renewing an expiring or expired ID

You can renew your Michigan state ID up to one year before it expires. The cost is $25. You can renew in person at a Secretary of State office, or you can renew by mail if your ID is not expired yet and you have not changed your name or address since your last card was issued.

To renew by mail, contact the Secretary of State office or check their website for the mail-in renewal form. You will need to send in your current ID card, the completed form, and a check or money order for $25. Mail-in renewal takes about four weeks. If your ID has already expired, you must renew in person.

If you have changed your name or address since your last card, you must renew in person at a Secretary of State office, even if your ID is not yet expired. Bring your proof of identity, proof of residency, and your current ID card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Michigan state ID if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes. You can still get a state ID without a Social Security number, but you will need to bring additional documents to prove your identity and residency. Contact your local Secretary of State office before you go to find out which documents they require in your situation.

What if my name or address has changed since my last ID?

You must renew in person at a Secretary of State office. Bring your proof of identity (showing your new name if applicable), proof of residency at your new address, and your current ID card. The cost is $25, and processing takes about two weeks.

Do I need a REAL ID to fly within the United States?

Yes, starting in May 2025, a standard Michigan state ID will not be accepted for domestic air travel. You will need a REAL ID card, a valid passport, a military ID, or a passport card. A REAL ID costs the same as a standard ID ($25) and takes the same time to process.

Can I renew my Michigan state ID online?

No. You can only renew by mail (if your ID is not expired and your name and address have not changed) or in person at a Secretary of State office. Mail-in renewal takes about four weeks; in-person renewal takes about two weeks.

What if I moved to Michigan from another state?

You will need to get a Michigan state ID. Bring your out-of-state ID or driver's license as proof of identity, a document showing your new Michigan address dated within the last 30 days, and your Social Security card or number. The cost is $25, and you must explore in person at a Secretary of State office.