Drivers’ licenses and state identification cards in Michigan will undergo substantial upgrades. These modifications were made by the Michigan Secretary of State’s Office with the intention of improving security and updating the appearance of these crucial records.
IDs and driver’s licenses for Michigan have been updated!
The new IDs and driver’s licenses from Michigan with increased security measures are currently in use. When a resident applies for their first card or renews or replaces their existing card, they will receive the updated license or ID design.
All legitimate features, designations, and endorsements on an existing license or ID will transfer to the new card, and there is no additional charge. The Mackinac Bridge-themed vintage Michigan credit card design is still in use until it expires and will be phased out over the following five years.
You must visit the office and provide additional documentation in order to obtain your first-ever REAL ID-compliant license or ID.
What is the REAL ID?
In order to comply with federal law, Michigan residents will be required to present a REAL ID-compliant document in order to fly within the United States and attend certain government institutions as of May 7, 2025. In order to prevent duplicating or changing, REAL ID regulations guarantee the safe production and issue of licenses and IDs.
A star within a gold circle denotes REAL ID compliance on Michigan’s previous license and ID designs, which will be phased out by January 2029. The state’s new license design showcases a star within a Michigan shape.
Standard license or ID (Key Difference between old & New)
- Old: The upper right corner of standard REAL ID-compliant licenses and IDs will have a star enclosed in a gold circle.
- New: The upper right corner of standard REAL ID-compliant licenses and IDs will have a star within a silhouette of Michigan.
Improved identification or licensing
Enhanced licenses and IDs, whether or whether they display this star, are immediately comply with REAL ID standards.
You can Schedule Your office Visit Here.
Dates and Details
Commencing on May 7, 2025, is the REAL ID requirement. If the deadline passes, you can still convert your license or ID to REAL ID at a Secretary of State office.
For your ID to be compliant with REAL ID, you are not obliged to convert it. That being said, starting in May 2025, you will have to show a REAL ID document whenever you:
- In the United States, board a domestic flight.
- Enter a nuclear power facility or military installation.
- See specific federal structures.
You are currently REAL ID compliant if you possess a current, valid Michigan upgraded license or ID, a valid U.S. passport, or a DHS Trusted Traveler’s card.
You May Also Read:
- Seniors in Michigan: Your Essential Guide to Driver’s License Renewal
- License Renewal for Seniors in Michigan: What You Need to Know
- Major DMV Update: California Drivers to Face Key Changes Starting October 2024
Changing to a Real ID
Visit a Secretary of State office and present the required paperwork to convert to REAL ID:
- Your valid driver’s license or ID from Michigan.
- A birth certificate, valid U.S. passport, or other document proving legal presence
- If the name on your birth certificate differs from what you have chosen, you will need a documented legal name-change document.
If you convert to REAL ID when renewing or replacing your license or ID, there is no additional cost. If not, there is a $10 correction cost for ID and a $9 licensing fee to change to REAL ID.
Source: michigan.gov
