Apply for a License (Drivers 18+) in Michigan

SUMMARY: How to Apply for a Michigan Driver's License

You will need to apply in person for a temporary instruction permit before you can obtain a full driver's license. After holding your permit for 30 days, you can take your driving test. After passing this test, you will be issued your driver's license. You can apply for an enhanced driver's license for an additional fee.

Continue reading this page to learn how to obtain your driver's license from the Michigan Secretary of State (SOS).

NOTE: If you are younger than 18 years old, you will need to complete the graduated driver licensing (GDL) program. Please follow the application instructions on our Applying for a New Teen License page.

Michigan REAL ID Driver's License

The Michigan SOS has begun issuing federally-compliant REAL ID driver’s licenses. As of October 1, 2021, the REAL ID will function as federal identification for domestic travel and entry into federal and military buildings—a standard license will not after this date.

All newly issued licenses in Michigan are now automatically REAL ID-compliant—simply follow the steps below. Renewals have the choice to maintain a standard license or upgrade to a REAL ID or enhanced license. Learn more at our renewals guide.

New to Michigan?

Just Moved?

Find all the information you need to finish your moving requirements with the DMV.

You must obtain a Michigan driver's license once you become a resident of the state. Please follow the instructions below.

If your out-of-state driver's license is valid or has been expired for 4 years or less, your driving and written tests may be waived and you may be able to simply transfer your license over.

Contact the Michigan SOS at (888) 767-6424 for more information.

You will also be able to transfer your out-of-state driver's license for an enhanced MI license as long as you're a U.S. citizen and meet all eligibility requirements. See below for application instructions.

Non-U.S. Citizens

If you are not a U.S. citizen, your MI driver's license will be valid for as long as you are legally allowed to stay in the country (up to 4 years at a time).

You will not be eligible for an enhanced driver's license.

Types of MI Driver's Licenses

The Michigan SOS offers various different types of licenses and endorsements depending on various factors, such as age and vehicle type:

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for a driver's license in Michigan, you must be:

  • A resident of Michigan.
  • A legal resident of the U.S.
    • You must be a U.S. citizen if you want an enhanced driver's license.
  • Legally allowed to operate a motor vehicle (the MI SOS will check your driving record for any violations, suspensions, revocations, etc.).

Apply for a Michigan Driver's License

Temporary Instruction Permit

Before you can obtain your Michigan driver's license (standard or enhanced), you will need to first obtain a temporary instruction permit (TIP) so you can practice driving. Visit your local SOS office and:

  • Provide proof of your:
    •  Social Security number (SSN) or ineligibility, such as your:
      • Social Security card.
      • W-2 form.
      • Letter of ineligibility from the Social Security Administration (SSA).
    • U.S. citizenship (for enhanced cards) or legal presence in the U.S., such as your:
    • Identity, such as your:
    • Michigan residency (2 documents) such as your:
      • Recent credit card bill.
      • Paystub.
      • Car insurance policy.
  • Pass the following DMV tests:
    • Vision.
    • Road signs.
    • Written knowledge.
  • Pay the $25 fee.

NOTE: The MI SOS website has a list of accepted and required documents for a standard driver's license and enhanced driver's license.

Your TIP will be issued and allows you to practice driving while supervised by a licensed adult.

Upgrade to an Enhanced Driver's License

An enhanced driver's license can be in place of a passport to cross borders to Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, and the Caribbean, either by land or sea. This card has been made available as part of the federal REAL ID Act.

If you already have a driver's license, whether it be from Michigan or another U.S. state, you can upgrade it to an enhanced driver's license.

NOTE: Before applying, make sure you are eligible.

Upgrade by visiting your local MI SOS office. You will need:

  • Documents proving your:
    • Social Security number (SSN).
    • U.S. citizenship.
    • Identity.
    • Michigan residency.
  • To have your photo taken.
  • Payment for the $45 fee.

The Michigan Secretary of State (SOS) will issue you a temporary license to drive with until your enhanced driver's license arrives in the mail within 3 weeks.

NOTE: You cannot use the temporary license as identification for travel to any other country.

DMV Driver's License Tests

In order to obtain your driver's license in Michigan, you will need to pass both a knowledge test and road skills test.

Your driving skills test can be taken at any approved third-party tester location. Fees may vary depending on which organization you take your test at.

Before taking exam, have a look at the Driving Skills Test Study Guide and make sure you're ready. If you fail your test, you will need to wait 1 day before you can try again.

You need to successfully perform various maneuvers (e.g. parallel parking, backing on a curved path, stopping and starting) and show you can operate the vehicle safely.

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