Identification Cards in Michigan

SUMMARY: Michigan Identification Cards

You must apply for a non-driver ID card in person at a Michigan SOS office. You will need to provide a number of documents (listed below) and pay the required fee. Renewals and replacements may be completed either online, by mail, or in person, depending on what kind of ID you have. If you have an enhanced ID card in Michigan, you may need to renew or replace it in person or by mail (if eligible).

Continue reading this page to learn how to apply for an identification card from the Michigan Secretary of State (SOS), as well as renew and replace it.

Michigan REAL ID Identification Cards

The Michigan SOS has begun issuing federally-compliant REAL ID cards. 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 ID card will not after this date.

All newly issued identification cards in Michigan are now automatically REAL ID-compliant—simply follow the steps below. Renewals have the choice to maintain a standard ID card or upgrade to a REAL ID or enhanced identification card.

Eligibility Requirements

You can apply for a Michigan ID card at any age. To be eligible, you must:

  • Be a resident of Michigan.
  • Have a Social Security number (SSN), or have a letter of ineligibility from the Social Security Administration.

If you want to apply for an enhanced ID card, you MUST be a U.S. citizen and have a valid SSN.

NOTE: You cannot have both an ID card and MI driver's license at the same time. If your driver's license has been revoked, suspended, or revoked, the Michigan Secretary of State (SOS) will allow you to apply for an identification card.

How to Get a Michigan ID Card

There are no age restrictions for obtaining a state ID card. To apply for a MI identification card, visit your local Michigan SOS office and:

  • Present your Social Security card or other proof of your SSN.
  • Prove your legal U.S. legal presence with proper documentation (see "Required Documents" below).
  • Verify your identity.
  • Confirm your Michigan residency with at least 2 documents showing your address.
  • Pay the fee.

Enhanced MI Identification Card

Enhanced ID cards are federally-approved border crossing documents usable when returning to the U.S. from an adjacent country (basically, a limited version of a passport). As long as you are a Michigan resident and a U.S. citizen, you can apply for an enhanced ID card.

The steps to apply for an enhanced ID are the same as a standard non-driver ID card. It requires proper documentation to prove residency and verify identity.

Required Documents

All documents used to get a DMV ID card must be original, not faxed or photocopied. Certificates, such as your birth or marriage certificate, must have a raised seal or stamp.

Proof of your Social Security number:

  • Tax document such as W-2 or 1099.
  • Military ID with photo and social security number on it.
  • Letter of ineligibility from the Social Security Administration that is dated within 30 days.

Proof of your legal U.S. presence:

Proof of your identity:

  • Driver's license or ID card from any U.S. state, territory, or Canada.
  • U.S. marriage license.
  • U.S. military photo ID.

Proof of your MI residency:

  • Utility bill not over 90 days old.
  • Mortgage, lease, or rental agreement.
  • Earnings statement showing the address of your employer.

For a complete list of accepted documents, visit the MI SOS website.

Fees for an ID Card in MI

Michigan bases its fees for an ID card (and renewals) on your age and what type of ID you have.

  • Standard state ID card:
    • $10, if you're under 65 years old.
    • If you're 65 years old or older, blind, or cannot drive due to a disability the card is free.
  • Enhanced ID card:
    • $30, if you're under 65 years old.
    • $20, if you're 65 years old or older, blind, or cannot drive due to a disability.

It will cost you the following for replacement ID cards:

  • Standard ID cards: $10.
  • Enhanced ID cards:
    • $30, if you're under 65 years old.
    • $20, if you're 65 years old or older, blind, or cannot drive due to a disability.

Renew a Michigan ID Card

IMPORTANT: Standard ID vs. REAL ID Renewals

If you currently have a non-compliant standard ID card, upon renewal you'll need to choose whether to maintain a non-compliant ID or upgrade to a REAL ID. If you choose to upgrade (which is highly recommended), you must renew in person and bring your required identity and residency documents for a one-time re-verification.

A standard or enhanced ID card is usually valid for 4 years. Before it expires, the Michigan SOS will send you a renewal notice. You can renew your ID card either:

  • Online.*
  • By mail.*
  • In person.

*Upgrades from a non-compliant to a REAL ID-compliant card must be made in person.

Renew Online

If you are a resident of Michigan and have a valid Social Security card, you may renew your ID card online via the ExpressSOS system. This option is for a standard ID only. You cannot renew your enhanced ID card online.

Renew by Mail

To renew your ID card by mail, fill out and sign the notice you receive from the MI SOS, then send it to the address provided on the form.

Renew in Person

In-person renewals must be completed at a Michigan Secretary of State office. Bring your:

  • Renewal notice.
  • ID card.
  • Proof of your Social Security number.
  • Payment for the fee.
    • If you're upgrading to a REAL ID-compliant identification card, bring your proofs of identity, citizenship/legal presence, and residency as well.

Replace a Michigan ID Card

You can order a replacement ID card either:

  • Online: Via the ExpressSOS system.
  • By mail: Contact the Department of State Special Services Branch at (517) 636-5872 for an application. Fill out the form and mail it to the address listed with payment for the replacement.
  • In person: Visit your local MI Secretary of State office.

See above to check how much your replacement card will cost.

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