A 3-minute lesson from the Michigan course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Every applicant proves four things: Social Security number, legal presence, identity and residency. Only original documents count, and some documents have age limits. Then come the vision and knowledge tests.
Know the rule
The Secretary of State must collect Social Security numbers to verify citizenship or legal presence and help with child support collection. With no SSN, you must present a letter of ineligibility from the Social Security Administration.
Names and birth dates on your documents should match. If your legal name changed, show legal proof — such as an original marriage license, divorce decree or court order — for each change.
Identity: only original documents are accepted — no photocopies or faxes — and more than one may be required. Out-of-state and Canadian licenses expired less than four years are accepted as proof of identity.
Staff ask general health questions. If there's a question about your physical ability to drive safely, your application may be denied pending a reexamination.
If you need glasses or contacts to pass the vision test, your license will say you must wear them to drive. If you fail, an eye-care specialist must complete a vision statement; limits like "daylight driving only" may apply.
Foreign language interpreters may be used on all written tests except CDL knowledge tests. Knowledge tests come in many languages; call 888-SOS-MICH (767-6424) for interpreter lists.
You bring a faxed copy of your passport and one utility bill from last month. Neither is enough: only original documents are accepted, and residency needs at least two documents.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
At least how many documents proving Michigan residency must you present when applying for a license?
One
Two
Three
Four
Answer: Two
Before your application can be processed you must present at least two documents proving Michigan residency.