This article explains what you need to renew or replace your Michigan ID card, or to get an ID for the first time.
If you are getting a Michigan ID card for the first time, you will need to visit a Secretary of State (SOS) office. The SOS is in charge of issuing standard Michigan ID cards. Once there, you will need to prove four factors:
You will need to prove the four factors with different documents. The SOS only accepts original documents. Faxed and photocopied documents are not accepted. Some documents may be used to prove multiple factors. All documents are subject to the approval of SOS managers. Certain documents may take more than one day to be approved.
You will need to pay a $10 fee for your standard ID card. If you are 65 or older or if you are legally blind, you will not have to pay the $10 fee. The SOS can also waive the fee for “good cause.” Anyone who can show they get assistance from one of the following programs has good cause:
To learn more about good cause waivers read Common Problems Getting Michigan ID Cards.
After you pay the fee, you will be issued a temporary, paper ID while you wait for your card. It takes between two to three weeks for your ID card to arrive in the mail.
If you have temporary legal presence in the U.S., you may be issued a limited-term ID card. A limited term ID card is valid for only as long as you are authorized to be in the country.
You may need to present more than one document to prove your identity. Some acceptable documents include:
If you were recently released from prison, you can use your Michigan Department of Corrections prisoner ID card to prove your identity. However, this form of ID requires verification, which may take more than one day.
If you do not have a copy of your legal documents, such as marriage licenses, divorce decrees, or name changes, you can request certified copies from the county clerk’s office where the legal action occurred.
If you are under the age of 18 and you do not have any form of ID, one of your parents or guardians must go to the SOS office with you. They will need to present their ID and sign on your behalf.
If you are not currently a U.S. citizen, you must submit two of the following documents to prove identity:
You must prove that you are either a U.S. citizen or that you are authorized to be in this country. You can prove you are a U.S. citizen with a U.S. passport or birth certificate. Some examples of other acceptable documents are:
If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must use your immigration documents to show you are authorized to be in Michigan. Examples of these documents are:
You must prove you are a Michigan resident. This can be done using two documents that list your name and physical address in Michigan. Post Office Box (PO Box) addresses will not be accepted. Examples of acceptable documents are:
Other documents listing your name and Michigan address may be acceptable, with a SOS manager’s approval.
If you do not have a permanent Michigan address because you are homeless, you still might be able to prove you are a Michigan resident. If you are staying with a family member, you can use a document that has that family member’s name if you can prove your relationship. To learn more about this, read Common Problems Getting Michigan ID Cards.
Finally, you need to prove you have a Social Security number (SSN) or that you are not eligible for one. Take your Social Security Card or another document from the Social Security Administration (SSA) that has your name and SSN on it with you to the SOS office.
If you don’t have either of those documents you can take:
If you do not have SSN because of your religion, you must contact the SSA so they can provide you with the document you need to get your Michigan ID.
To see all the documents the SOS will accept, visit the SOS Document List.
You can renew your state ID card online, at a self-service station, by mail, or in person. If you renewed your ID card online, by mail, or at a self-service station for your last two renewals, you will need to go in person to an SOS office. To renew your ID online or at a self-service station, you must be a U.S. citizen and have a valid Social Security card. For more information, visit the SOS's website State ID Renewing.
You need to pay a $10 fee to renew your standard ID card. If you are 65 or older or if you are legally blind, you will not have to pay the $10 fee. Your renewed ID card is valid for up to four years. It should arrive in the mail within two to three weeks.
If your ID card was lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement ID. You may be able to replace your ID card online, at a self-service station, or in person. To replace your ID online or at a self-service station, you must be a U.S. citizen and have a valid Social Security card. For more information, visit the SOS’s website State ID Replacing.
You will need to pay a $10 fee to replace your standard ID card. If you are 65 or older or if you are legally blind, you will not have to pay the $10 fee. Your replacement ID will be mailed to you.