Roadwise States Michigan Driving lessons Renewing, updating your license, and state IDs Michigan driving lesson · Your Driver's License
Renewing, updating your license, and state IDs 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.
Read time 3 minutes
Course unit Your Driver's License
Checkpoint questions 6
Source pages 23, 24, 34 Your license must always show your correct name and home address, and it has to be renewed on schedule. If you stop driving, a state ID card takes its place.
Know the rule
To change your name, first change it with the Social Security Administration. Allow at least three business days for the SSA to update, then bring your license and proof of the name change to a Secretary of State office. A fee applies.
Handbook p. 23 ↗ Know the rule
Your license address must match your residence and your voter ID card. Change it online, in person or by mail at no charge; an online change also updates your voter registration.
Handbook p. 23 ↗ Know the rule
Your license may be suspended or revoked if you fail to change your address with the Secretary of State.
Handbook p. 24 ↗ 4 years Usual license validity; it expires on your birthday in the year shown
Handbook p. 24 ↗ Know the rule
If you're under 21, your license expires on your 21st birthday.
Handbook p. 24 ↗ Know the rule
Renewing after expiration costs a late fee on top of the renewal fee. A suspended, revoked or denied license won't be renewed, and renewal may be denied without a valid SSN (or letter) and proof of legal presence.
Handbook p. 24 ↗ Know the rule
If you aren't required to visit an office, you may renew by mail, online at Michigan.gov/SOS or at a self-service station.
Handbook p. 24 ↗ Every 12 years Renew in person at a Secretary of State office — vision screening and new photo
Handbook p. 24 ↗ Know the rule
When you decide to stop driving, return your license to a Secretary of State office and apply for a state ID card.
Handbook p. 24 ↗ Free state ID cards go to: People who are legally blind Drivers 65 or older who voluntarily give up their license Drivers whose privilege is suspended, revoked or denied due to a physical or mental disability Handbook p. 24 ↗ Know the rule
A state ID is as valid as a license for identification and can go to any eligible resident of any age. You can't hold both a state ID and a license unless your license is restricted, suspended or revoked.
Handbook p. 34 ↗ Know the rule
A state ID expires four years from your last birthday (sooner with temporary legal presence documents) and must be renewed in person every 12 years for a new photo.
Handbook p. 34 ↗ Know the rule
Minors under 18 do not need a REAL ID-compliant document when flying in the U.S. with a companion.
Handbook p. 34 ↗ Put it into practice
You're 19 when your license is issued. It won't run four full years — licenses for drivers under 21 expire on the 21st birthday.
A useful reminder Name change order: Social Security first, wait three business days, then the Secretary of State.
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.
How many years is a standard Michigan driver's license typically valid? 6 years 4 years 2 years 8 years Answer: 4 years
A Michigan driver's license is usually valid for four years and expires on your birthday in the year shown.
Handbook p. 24 ↗ A driver is 19 years old when they get their license. When does it expire? Four years from issue, on their birthday Two years from issue On their 21st birthday On their 25th birthday Answer: On their 21st birthday
If you're under age 21, your driver's license expires on your 21st birthday rather than the usual four-year cycle.
Handbook p. 24 ↗ What happens if you renew your license after it has already expired? You must retake the driving skills test You pay a late fee on top of renewal Your license is permanently suspended You lose your license for 30 days Answer: You pay a late fee on top of renewal
Renewing after the expiration date requires paying a late fee on top of the regular renewal fee.
Handbook p. 24 ↗ How often must you renew your Michigan driver's license in person at a Secretary of State office? Every 4 years Every 12 years Every 16 years Every 8 years Answer: Every 12 years
You must renew your driver's license every 12 years at a Secretary of State office, where a new photo is taken.
Handbook p. 24 ↗ Before you can change the name on your Michigan license, what must you do first? Get a court order specifically for the SOS Wait one year after the legal name change Update your voter registration Change it with Social Security first Answer: Change it with Social Security first
You must first change your name with the SSA and allow at least three business days before visiting a Secretary of State office.
Handbook p. 23 ↗ What must your driver's license address match? Your parents' address Your employer's address Your voter ID card address Your out-of-state license address Answer: Your voter ID card address
Michigan law requires your driver's license address to correspond to your residence and match your voter identification card.
Handbook p. 23 ↗ Previous lesson Motorcycle TIP, skills test, health and probation Next lesson Your driving record and how points work More in Your Driver's License About the source Roadwise’s Michigan course uses the driver handbook edition supplied with this study pack. This lesson cites source pages 23, 24, 34. The linked PDF is a third-party mirror of the handbook, rather than a government-hosted page.
Open the handbook source PDF · View the source edition
For current application requirements, fees, appointments, and the format that applies to your age or license type, check Michigan’s SOS. Roadwise provides study material and does not issue permits or licenses.