What to Bring to the Michigan Secretary of State for a First License
Which documents do I need for my first Michigan license or ID?
Bring original documents in four groups: legal presence, Social Security number, proof of identity, and two proofs of Michigan residency. Add a name change document if your legal name differs from your birth certificate or legal presence document. Photocopies are not accepted. Teens also bring the Segment 1 certificate and a parent or guardian. A standard first-time license costs $25 and a state ID $10.
Where this list comes from
The Michigan Department of State (the Secretary of State) sets the document rules. This guide uses its first-time license or ID page, its FAQ for drivers under 18 and the driver handbook What Every Driver Must Know, plus the agency pages for new drivers (as of 2026). Confirm the rules with the Michigan Department of State (michigan.gov/sos) before you drive.
How a first-time visit works
- 1Gather original documents for legal presence, Social Security number, proof of identity and Michigan residency, plus a name change document if it applies.
- 2Pre-apply online and schedule your Secretary of State office visit.
- 3At the office, show your documents and have your photo taken. License applicants take a vision exam, and applicants 18 or older also take the driver knowledge exam.
- 4Pay the fee at the office.
Should I pre-apply online before my visit?
Yes. Pre-applying online is a step before the office visit. Adults who apply for a TIP and teens who apply for a Level 1 License pre-apply when they schedule the visit. It shortens your time at the office and shows which identity and residency documents you must submit.
The four document groups
You need one document for legal presence, one for your Social Security number, one or two for identity, and two for residency. The handbook says the first and last names and the date of birth on your legal presence and identity documents should match.
All documents must be in English or come with an English translation.
Legal presence: documents Michigan accepts
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| U.S. passport or passport card | Valid and unexpired. It also counts as proof of identity |
| Certified birth certificate | Issued by the vital records office of the state of birth, with a seal or stamp that shows it is a certified record |
| Consular Report of Birth Abroad | Issued by the U.S. State Department (FS-240, DS-1350 or FS-545) |
| Certificate of Citizenship | Form N-560 or N-561 |
| Certificate of Naturalization | Form N-550, N-570 or N-578 |
| Permanent Resident Card (green card) | Valid and unexpired (I-551), or other evidence of permanent residency, such as an I-551 stamp in your passport or on your I-94 |
| Employment Authorization Document | Valid (I-766) |
| Foreign passport with a U.S. visa and evidence of entry | Valid and unexpired. F-visa holders also show Form I-20, and J-visa holders show DS-2019 |
| Expired immigration documents | Only with Form I-797 (Notice of Action) that shows you applied for new documents |
What is SAVE, and why can it delay you?
SAVE is the federal Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements system. State and federal law require Michigan to verify immigration status through SAVE before it issues a license or ID. The agency says that in most situations, cases take about 40 days between intake and processing. In some cases, a congressional office can ask to speed up the review.
Social Security number, identity and residency: examples
| Group | What to bring | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security number | One document | Social Security card, W-2 form, 1099 form, or a pay stub with your name and Social Security number |
| Proof of identity | One document from the first list, or two from the second list | First list: valid U.S. passport, out-of-state or Canadian license or ID, U.S. military ID, Trusted Traveler Card. Second list: foreign passport, I-94, Employment Authorization Card |
| Michigan residency | Two documents | A utility or credit card bill, or a bank statement, issued within the last 90 days (electronic copies are accepted); a mortgage, lease or rental agreement; a pay stub; an insurance policy; a government document; a Michigan school report card or transcript |
Name change document
If your legal name differs from the name on your birth certificate or legal presence document, bring a marriage certificate, a divorce decree issued in the U.S., or a court order. If you changed your name more than once and the latest document does not link your current name to your birth name, you may need more than one document.
Documents Michigan does not accept
- Hospital birth certificates.
- Photocopies. The only exception is an electronic bill or bank statement from the last 90 days, used as proof of residency.
- B1 and B2 visas, and WB and WT visa stamps, as proof of legal presence.
- Documents in another language without an English translation.
What changes for teens, adults and newcomers
Teens: papers for a Level 1 Learner's License
After Segment 1 of driver education, the teen pre-applies and goes to a Secretary of State office with a parent or guardian. The teen shows the Segment 1 Certificate of Completion, proof of Social Security number, legal presence, identity, and at least two documents that show Michigan residency. The guide to the Level 1 Learner's License covers the rest.
A teen can show residency with documents in a parent's name, if other documents prove the family relationship. Document approval may not finish on the same day, so a second visit is possible. To check the age rule, try the Level 1 minimum age question.
Michigan license and ID fees
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard first-time license | $25 |
| Standard state ID | $10 (waived for applicants age 65 or older, or legally blind) |
| Enhanced driver's license | $45 |
| Level 1 Learner's License (teens) | $25 |
| Temporary Instruction Permit, adults | $25 |
How to pay at a Secretary of State office
- Cash.
- A check or money order payable to the State of Michigan.
- An American Express, Discover, MasterCard or Visa credit or debit card, or Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay. A service fee applies to card payments.
REAL ID on a first Michigan license
Since May 7, 2025, you need a REAL ID-compliant document to board a domestic flight, enter a military base or visit some federal buildings. A REAL ID-compliant card shows a white star in a gold circle in the upper right corner. An enhanced license or ID is compliant even without the star. An adult who gets a first Michigan license gets a REAL ID-compliant license unless they opt out.
Key takeaways
- Bring original documents for legal presence, Social Security number, identity and two Michigan residency proofs, plus a name change document if it applies.
- Photocopies are not accepted. Only electronic bills and bank statements from the last 90 days can be copies, and only for residency.
- A standard first-time license is $25, a state ID is $10 and an enhanced license is $45.
- Teens bring the Segment 1 Certificate of Completion and a parent or guardian.
- Next step: practice on the free Michigan operator practice test, which is in English only.
Michigan documents: common questions
Can I use an e-bill as proof of residency?
Yes. An electronic utility or credit card bill, or an electronic bank or financial account statement, counts if it was issued within the last 90 days. These are the only copies that Michigan accepts. Every other document must be original, and you still need two residency documents in total.
Can I use a P.O. Box as my address?
No. Your Michigan driver's license or state ID must show a street address, so the card itself never shows a P.O. Box. You may still use a P.O. Box as a mailing address.
Do I get my card at the office?
Not the permanent card. For an ID, staff take your photo and give you a temporary paper credential, and the card is printed off site and mailed to you. An adult who applies for a first license gets a TIP at the visit and no photo license until passing the driving skills test.
What if I have no Social Security card?
Bring a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub that shows your name and Social Security number. With none of these, staff can review another official document with your full name and number. If you have no number, bring an SSA-L676 letter of ineligibility from the last 60 days with your USCIS documents.
What if I do not have two residency documents?
If you lack a listed document, staff can review another official document with your full name and address. A teen can use documents in a parent's name, and the handbook allows documents in a family member's name, if other documents prove the family relationship. Two residency documents are still required.
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