Who would ever have thought the office paper shredder really could shred your driver license? After all, it's plastic, right? Well, these things happen―along with having the dog use it as dental floss, your three-year-old flushing it down the toilet, and, well, you get the picture.

Should you fall victim to one of life's little tragedies, or even if you just misplace your driver license, it's a relatively easy process to get a new one.

How to Apply

Visit any Secretary of State branch office to apply for a duplicate. You'll need to bring some official identification―a photocopy won't do―and as of January 22, 2008 you must also prove you have a permanent legal presence in the United States.

Acceptable ID includes a certified birth certificate, a U.S. or Canadian passport, a marriage license, or a state-issued photo ID. Don't forget $9 for the fee.

Lost License While Out of State

Should you misplace or mutilate your license while traveling out of state or out of the country, getting a replacement is almost as easy. Simply contact the Secretary of State's Out-of-State Resident Services Unit at (517) 322-1473.

They'll ask you to verify that you are, in fact, a Michigan resident. Then they'll mail you a temporary replacement and send you Form BDVR-61A, the Out-of-State Resident Driver License Application. You'll need to supply a current mailing address, proof of residency in Michigan, your Social Security number, and $9 for the duplicate license.

You will have the replacement license in your hands in about two weeks.

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