Michigan driver's licenses expire every four years, and you can renew yours online, by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State office.

The method you choose depends on how much time you have and whether your license has any restrictions or special circumstances. Most people renew online through the Michigan Secretary of State website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $25. If you cannot renew online, you can mail in your renewal process or visit an office in person — each route has different requirements and timelines.

Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes your renewal code, which you will need to renew online. If you do not receive a notice, you can still renew, but you will need to provide your driver's license number and other identifying information.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Michigan Secretary of State website is the fastest option and works if your license has no restrictions and you have not changed your name or address.
  • You will need your current driver's license number, renewal code (from your notice), and a valid payment method to renew online.
  • If you cannot renew online, you can mail Form DL 44 to the Secretary of State, but processing takes four to six weeks.
  • In-person renewal at a Secretary of State office takes about 30 minutes and is required if your license is suspended, revoked, or if you have changed your name.
  • Your new license will arrive by mail within 10 business days of approval if you renew online or in person.

Renewing Online Through the Secretary of State Website

Online renewal is available if your current license is not suspended or revoked, you have not changed your name, and your address on file is still correct. Go to the Michigan Secretary of State website, select "Renew Your Driver's License," and enter your driver's license number and renewal code. The system will pull up your current information and ask you to confirm it.

The fee is $25, paid by debit card or credit card. Once your payment processes, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

If the online system tells you that you cannot renew online, it means your license has a restriction, suspension, or other flag that requires in-person review. In that case, you will need to visit a Secretary of State office or mail in a paper process.

Renewing by Mail

To renew by mail, read Form DL 44 from the Michigan Secretary of State website or request one by phone at 1-888-SOS-MICH (1-888-767-6424). Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it to the address listed on the form along with a check or money order for $25. Do not send cash.

Processing by mail takes four to six weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives your process. Your new license will be mailed to you after approval. Mail renewal is slower than online or in-person renewal, so plan ahead if your license is expiring soon.

Mail renewal is useful if you prefer not to go online or if you are out of state and cannot visit an office. However, if your license is suspended, revoked, or if you have changed your name, you must renew in person — the mail route will not process your process.

Renewing in Person at a Secretary of State Office

Visit any Secretary of State office with your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and $25 in cash or card. If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot.

In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. Your new license will be mailed to you within 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

In-person renewal is required if your license is suspended or revoked, if you have changed your name, or if you need to update your address. It is also the fastest way to renew if you cannot use the online system. Secretary of State offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours; some locations have extended hours on certain days. You can find office locations and hours on the Michigan Secretary of State website.

What Happens If Your License Expires Before You Renew

If your license expires before your renewal is processed, you cannot legally drive. However, if you have already submitted your renewal process online or in person, you can print a temporary driving permit from the Secretary of State website or request one at an office. The temporary permit is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive while you wait for your new license to arrive.

If your license has already expired and you have not started the renewal process, you must renew before you drive. Driving on an expired license can result in a traffic citation and fine. If you are in this situation, renew online when ready if you can, or visit a Secretary of State office as soon as possible.

Renewing a License With Restrictions or Special Circumstances

If your license has restrictions — such as corrective lenses required, automatic transmission only, or daylight driving only — those restrictions will carry over to your renewed license automatically. You do not need to do anything special; the Secretary of State system will include them on your new license.

If you want to remove a restriction, you must visit a Secretary of State office in person. For example, if you had a corrective lens restriction and have had vision correction surgery, bring documentation from your eye doctor and request that the restriction be removed. The office will review your documentation and update your license if appropriate.

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the Secretary of State to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. This may involve paying fines, completing a driver improvement course, or meeting other requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have moved to a different address?

If you have moved within Michigan, you can renew online as long as you update your address first. If you have moved out of state, you must renew in person at a Secretary of State office and bring proof of your new address. If you have moved and do not update your address, your new license will be mailed to your old address.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You do not need the renewal notice to renew online or in person. You will need your driver's license number and other identifying information. If you are renewing by mail, you can read Form DL 44 from the Secretary of State website or call 1-888-SOS-MICH to request one.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?

Your new license will arrive by mail within 10 business days of approval. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If your current license expires before the new one arrives, you can print a temporary driving permit from the Secretary of State website.

Can I renew my license if it is suspended?

No, you cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the Secretary of State to find out why your license is suspended and what you need to do to restore it. Once your license is restored, you can then renew it.

What if I changed my name since my last license?

You must renew in person at a Secretary of State office and bring a certified copy of the document showing your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will update your name and issue a new license with your current name.