Michigan's new driver's licenses and IDs with higher security features are now in circulation. Residents will receive the new license or ID design if applying for their first card or when renewing/replacing their current card. There is no additional cost for the new card and all valid features, designations, and endorsements on a current license or ID will transfer to the new one. Michigan's old card design featuring the Mackinac Bridge is valid until expiration and will phase out over the next five years.
To receive your first-time REAL ID-compliant license or ID, an office visit and further documentation are required.
Beginning May 7, 2025, Michigan residents will need to present a REAL ID-compliant document to fly within the United States and enter certain federal facilities to comply with federal law. REAL ID requirements ensure the secure production and issuance of licenses and IDs to prevent copying or altering.
Michigan’s old license and ID design, which is being phased out by January 2029, features a star in a gold circle to indicate REAL ID compliance. The state’s new license design features a star in a silhouette of Michigan.
Old: Standard REAL ID-compliant licenses and IDs will display a star in a gold circle in the upper right corner.
New: Standard REAL ID-compliant licenses and IDs will display a star in a silhouette of Michigan in the upper right corner.
Old and new Michigan enhanced driver's licenseEnhanced licenses and IDs are automatically REAL ID-compliant, regardless of whether they display this star.
The REAL ID requirement takes effect May 7, 2025. You can still convert your license or ID to REAL ID after the deadline at a Secretary of State office.
You aren’t required to convert your license or ID to become REAL ID-compliant. However, beginning May 2025, you will need to present a REAL ID document when you:
If you have a valid, unexpired Michigan enhanced license or ID, U.S. passport, or DHS Trusted Traveler’s card, you are already REAL ID-compliant.
To convert to REAL ID, visit a Secretary of State office and provide the following documents:
There’s no added charge for converting to REAL ID if you do so at the time of renewing or replacing your license or ID. Otherwise, there is a correction fee ($9 for license; $10 for ID) to convert to REAL ID.
Beginning May 7, 2025, you will need to show a REAL ID-compliant document to board a plane for domestic travel or to enter certain federal facilities, military bases and nuclear power plants. If your driver's license or state ID card is not REAL ID compliant, you may show another form of acceptable documentation, such as a valid U.S. passport or passport card. The Transportation Security Administration has published a list of accepted documents. Standard Michigan driver's licenses or ID cards: After May 7, 2025, your standard Michigan driver's license remains valid for driving, and a standard license and state ID continue to be legal identification for cashing checks, renting vehicles, purchasing alcohol and tobacco, or entering casinos. A standard license or ID card will have "Not for Federal Identification" printed on it.
After May 7, 2025, will I need a REAL ID to enter a federal building for jury duty? No, a REAL ID will not required for jury duty, even if it's in a federal building.Do I need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID to vote? Will my standard license or ID be accepted at my polling place?
All state-issued identification will be accepted when voters are asked to show valid ID when voting. Regardless of whether a voter has a standard, enhanced or REAL ID-compliant driver's license or ID card, the voter's card will be accepted as valid identification. Voters who do not have valid state-issued identification or another accepted identity document may sign an Affidavit of Identity.
Can non-US citizens apply for a REAL ID? For instance, is a permanent resident eligible for a REAL ID? Are non-permanent residents eligible for REAL ID?