A Michigan state ID is a special type of identification document that residents may present as proof of age, identity and signature. This type of credential is available to all residents, regardless of age. However, residents cannot use an ID card as proof of eligibility to operate any type of motor vehicle in the state. If Michigan residents wish to operate motor vehicles in the state, they must obtain a driver’s license, instead of an ID credential.

While an identification card does not permit for the operation of a motor vehicle, Michigan residents may use this type of credential as proof of ID. However, several types of cards are available for purchase, including the standard, enhanced and REAL ID credentials. While REAL ID and enhanced credentials meet the requirements of the REAL ID Act, standard cards do not. Additional information about obtaining each type of identification credential is available in the sections below.

Michigan DMV ID Requirements

Customers must meet Michigan DMV state ID requirements if they wish to obtain a standard, enhanced or REAL identification credential through the Secretary of State (SOS). To obtain a standard credential, for instance, all applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a U.S. citizen
• Reside in Michigan
• Be able to present proof of eligibility
• Not hold a valid driver’s license during the time of application

To obtain a DMV state ID, there are no minimum age requirements. However, additional eligibility requirements pertain to children and seniors. For instance:

• Children and infants may only obtain identification cards with the consent of a parent or legal guardian. In addition, a parent or legal guardian must sign the minor’s application, and the identification credential will indicate that the cardholder is younger than 21 years of age.
• Seniors may obtain identification credentials if they are 65 years of age or older and/or can no longer drive motor vehicles due to physical, mental or visual impairments. However, Michigan residents cannot hold active an driver’s license and an identification credential at the same time.

To learn more about these ID card requirements, customers may contact the SOS at 888-767-6424.

What do you need to get an ID in Michigan?

“What do you need to get a state ID in Michigan?” is a common question that residents may ask when applying for identification credentials. When applying for an ID, Michigan residents must submit:

• One proof of Social Security Number (SSN). This may include a Social Security card, a W-2 or 1099 form, a military ID or a paystub. Alternately, customers may present a letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA) that indicates their ineligibility for an SSN.
• One proof of legal presence. This type of document may include a valid U.S. passport or passport card, a certified copy of a birth certificate, an enhanced driver’s license or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad.
• At least one proof of identity. As proof of identity, customers may present an original driver’s license, a divorce decree, a court order, a marriage license, a driver education certificate or a school record. In some cases, however, applicants must present two documents to verify their identity.
• Two proofs of Michigan residency. Additional documents needed for state ID credentials include two proofs of state residency, such as a recent utility bill, a bank statement, a school transcript, a paystub, a home insurance policy or a vehicle title or car registration
• Payment for the applicable fee. When paying the DMV ID card fee, customers may pay by cash, check, money order or Visa, MasterCard and Discover credit cards. However, customers must make checks and money orders payable to: The State of Michigan.

Moreover, the above documents required for state ID applications are not necessary if seniors voluntarily surrender their driver’s licenses due to a physical, mental or visual impairment. In this case, seniors may present their current driver’s licenses as proof of identification.

If purchasing a child ID card for a minor, however, a parent or guardian may verify the child’s state residency by submitting a document in the parent’s name. Additionally, a parent or guardian must sign the application on behalf of the child.

How to Get an ID in Michigan

Knowing where to get state ID credentials helps customers save time during the application process. In Michigan, for instance, residents must visit an SOS office to complete the application process in person, as other methods are not available in the state. When applying for a credential at an SOS office, applicants must complete the following steps:

1. Present proof of an SSN or a letter of ineligibility from the SSA
2. Present evidence of identity, state residency and U.S. citizenship or legal presence
3. Provide payment for the applicable fee (unless exempt from doing so)

To find a local SOS office, customers may use the Branch Office Locator under the SOS website. However, applicants cannot apply to get ID online in Michigan, nor can they purchase a credential by mail or via phone.

Michigan Enhanced ID Cards

An enhanced ID card in Michigan is another type of identification credential that provides state residents with additional benefits, such as proof of eligibility to re-enter the United States by land or sea. For instance, Michigan residents may present an enhanced credential whenever they need to enter the U.S. from Mexico, Canada, Bermuda or the Caribbean. While both types of cards remain valid for four years, Michigan residents cannot hold a standard and enhanced credential at the same time.

Moreover, customers must present the following documents when applying for an enhanced card:

• Proof of an SSN
• Evidence of U.S. citizenship
• Proof of identity
• Proof of state residency

If residents hold an enhanced state ID or driver’s license, their identification credentials will be compliant with the federal security standards under the REAL ID Act. Therefore, Michigan residents may also use their enhanced credentials to fly domestically or enter federal facilities.

REAL ID Cards in Michigan

A standard or enhanced Michigan REAL ID card is available to qualifying state residents who wish to use their identification credentials to enter federal facilities, nuclear power plants and military bases, or to fly within the U.S. As another option, customers may purchase REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses if they wish to operate motor vehicles.

Unlike a non-compliant MI identification card, a REAL ID credential displays a star in the upper-right corner, as proof of its compliance with federal security standards. However, an enhanced card may display an American flag as proof of its compliance. When Michigan residents renew or replace their enhanced cards, the new credential will display a star, rather than an American flag.

Beginning on October 1, 2020, all Michigan residents will need to present an identification credential that complies with the requirements of the REAL ID Act before they may enter certain federal facilities or fly within the U.S. While REAL ID cards are not necessary if residents hold valid U.S. passports, passport cards or trusted traveler cards, they may choose to obtain this type of credential if they can provide the SOS with all necessary documents.

To apply for REAL ID credentials such as enhanced or standard identification documents, customers must visit a local SOS office to present the following:

• A certified copy of a birth certificate, valid passport or passport card, or an approved lawful presence or citizenship document
• Proof of a name change, if the current name differs from the information on any of their identification documents (such as a court order, a marriage certificate or a divorce decree)

In addition to these documents required for REAL ID applications, customers must submit for a new photograph and pay any applicable fees.

How to Renew or Replace a State ID in Michigan

To replace a damaged or lost ID card in Michigan, customers may do so online, through the state’s ExpressSOS system, or in person, at an SOS office. If Michigan residents are outside of the state at the time of the loss, however, they may request a replacement by contacting the Department of State at 517-322-1473. Then, they will need to mail an application to the following address:

Michigan Department of State
The Special Services Branch
7064 Crowner Dr.
Lansing, MI 48918

To obtain a replacement ID card and to correct the information on an existing credential, customers must visit an SOS office if they need to change the name, SSN or birthdate on their identification documents. To change the address on a standard card, they may complete the process online, or by mailing a Michigan Change of Address/Voter Registration (ED-109W) to the following address:

Michigan Department of State
P.O. Box 30764
Lansing, MI 48909-8264

In addition to obtaining a DMV replacement ID, customers may renew their identification credentials online, in person, at an SOS office, or by mail. As a reminder to renew their identification credentials, Michigan residents receive a renewal notice at least 45 days before their cards are set to expire.

Note: To add a veteran designation to an ID credential, Michigan residents must complete an Application to Add Veteran Designation to State ID Card or Driver’s License.

DMV ID Costs in Michigan

When determining, “How much does an ID cost in Michigan?” it is important to note that fees vary by credential type, the nature of the request, and the age of the applicant. For instance:

• The cost of purchasing or renewing a standard or REAL ID credential is $10, if applicants are younger than 65 years of age.
• There is no fee to purchase or renew a standard or REAL ID credential if residents are older than 65 years of age, legally blind, have lost their driving privileges due to a physical or mental disability, or can present evidence of good cause.
• The DMV ID cost of purchasing or renewing an enhanced credential is $30, if applicants are younger than 65 years of age.
• The cost of purchasing or renewing an enhanced credential is $20, if applicants are older than 65 years of age or legally blind.

How much is it to get a new ID if my original credential is lost, stolen, or needs to be replaced?  In Michigan, replacement costs are as follows:

• The cost of replacing or correcting a standard identification credential is $10
• The cost of replacing or correcting an enhanced credential is $30 if applicants are younger than 65 years of age
• The DMV ID price of replacing or correcting an enhanced credential is $20 if applicants are legally blind or older than 65 years of age

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