Driver's license in Michigan
What Michigan Secretary of State publishes about getting a license, checked August 27, 2026.
- Fees
- A standard first-time licence costs $25. A standard state ID card costs $10.
- Source: Michigan SOS - First-time license or ID · Checked August 27, 2026
- Michigan requires legal presence
- You must provide one legal presence document. Expired immigration documents are still accepted if you bring Form I-797 (Notice of Action) showing new ones have been applied for. Form I-94 and a State Department bio-data form are on the accepted list too.
- Source: Michigan SOS - First-time license or ID · Checked August 27, 2026
- Originals only, and in English
- Photocopies are not accepted, and every document must be in English or come with an English translation. A Vietnamese birth certificate or similar paperwork needs translating before you go.
- Source: Michigan SOS - First-time license or ID · Checked August 27, 2026
- If you are not eligible for an SSN
- Prove your Social Security number with the card, a pay stub carrying your name and number, or an SSA-L676 letter of ineligibility issued by the Social Security Administration within the last 60 days. That letter must be presented alongside USCIS documents showing non-work-authorised status.
- Source: Michigan SOS - First-time license or ID · Checked August 27, 2026
- Adults must practise for 30 days
- Applicants 18 and older take the knowledge exam during that first office visit, and after passing must practise with a licensed adult for at least 30 days before taking the driving skills test. The visit also includes a vision exam and your photo.
- Source: Michigan SOS - First-time license or ID · Checked August 27, 2026
- Pre-apply online, then book
- Michigan wants you to pre-apply online and only then schedule a Secretary of State office visit. Done in that order, the visit averages about 20 minutes.
- Source: Michigan SOS - First-time license or ID · Checked August 27, 2026
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The oldest line on this page was checked August 27, 2026