Michigan driver's license renewal through the Secretary of State
You can renew your Michigan driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State office. Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is not expired and you have not had a name change, address change, or medical condition that affects your driving. If any of those explore, you will need to visit an office in person or call the Secretary of State to find out what documents to bring.
Your license is valid for eight years from the date it was issued. The Secretary of State will mail you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for that notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your expiration date.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $25 if your license is not expired and nothing about your identity or health has changed.
- You will need your current Michigan driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method to renew online.
- In-person renewal at a Secretary of State office is required if your license is expired, you have changed your name or address, or you have a medical condition that affects your driving.
- The Secretary of State office will mail your new license to you within 7 to 10 business days after approval, whether you renew online or in person.
- If your license expired more than four years ago, you must take a written test and vision test at an office, not just renew by mail or online.
Online renewal through the Secretary of State website
Go to michigan.gov/sos and select the driver's license renewal option. You will enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and show you the renewal fee, which is $25 for a standard eight-year license.
After you pay by debit card or credit card, the Secretary of State will process your renewal and mail your new license to the address on file. You do not need to visit an office, and you can keep driving on your current license while you wait for the new one to arrive.
Online renewal is not an option if your current license is expired, if you have changed your name since your last license was issued, if you have changed your address and did not update it with the Secretary of State, or if you have a medical condition that requires you to report it to the state. In any of those cases, you must renew in person.
In-person renewal at a Secretary of State office
Visit any Secretary of State office with your current Michigan driver's license, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or card. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days. If you have changed your name, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.
You can walk in to most offices, but some locations accept appointments through the Secretary of State website. Appointment slots often fill up weeks in advance, so check availability before you go. If you do not have an appointment and the office is busy, you may wait one to two hours.
The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and collect the $25 renewal fee. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Renewing an expired license
If your license expired less than four years ago, you can renew it in person at a Secretary of State office or by mail. For mail renewal, send your expired license, a completed process for Operator License or Chauffeur License (Form DL 44), proof of your current address, and a check or money order for $25 to the address listed on the form. You can read the form from michigan.gov/sos.
If your license expired more than four years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit a Secretary of State office in person, take a written test and vision test, and pay the renewal fee. Bring your expired license, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or card.
Medical conditions and license restrictions
If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely—such as a seizure disorder, vision loss, or a condition that causes loss of consciousness—you must report it to the Secretary of State when you renew. You cannot do this online. Visit a Secretary of State office and tell the staff member about your condition. They will give you a form to have your doctor complete and return to the state.
The Secretary of State may place restrictions on your license, such as requiring you to wear corrective lenses, use hand controls, or drive only during daylight hours. These restrictions will appear on your new license. If the state determines you are not safe to drive, your license may be denied or suspended.
Address and name changes between renewals
If you move or change your name before your license expires, you should update your information with the Secretary of State. You can change your address online at michigan.gov/sos without renewing your license. You will need your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
Name changes must be done in person at a Secretary of State office. Bring your current license, a court order or vital record showing the name change, and proof of your current address. There is no fee to update your name or address between renewals.
What to do if your license is lost or stolen
If your license is lost or stolen, you can request a replacement at a Secretary of State office or by mail. For a replacement, you will pay $25 and receive a new license with the same number as your old one. The process is the same as renewal: you will get a new photo and your license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
If you suspect your license was stolen and used fraudulently, contact the Secretary of State's office directly to report it. You can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus to protect yourself from identity theft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if it is already expired?
No. If your license is expired, you must renew in person at a Secretary of State office or by mail. If it expired more than four years ago, you must go in person and take a written test and vision test.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
The Secretary of State mails new licenses within 7 to 10 business days after your renewal is approved. Delivery by mail usually takes another 3 to 5 business days, so expect to receive it within two to three weeks total.
Do I need an appointment to renew my license in person?
Some Secretary of State offices accept appointments and some do not. Check the office location on michigan.gov/sos to see if appointments are available. Walk-ins are accepted at all offices, but you may wait longer during busy times.
What if my address changed since my last license was issued?
You can update your address online before you renew, or you can bring proof of your new address when you renew in person. If you renew online without updating your address first, your new license will be mailed to your old address.
Is there a fee to renew my Michigan driver's license?
Yes. The renewal fee is $25 for a standard eight-year license. This fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. There is no additional fee if you need to take a test.