Driver's License Renewal In Michigan State
Let's face it: no one enjoys jumping through bureaucratic hoops, even for something as simple as renewing their driver's license. But it doesn't have to be as difficult as you might think! Michigan provides some simple and user-friendly methods for renewing your license without hassle.
It does not have to be difficult to renew your Michigan driver's license! However, Michigan's renewal process is quite strict, and there are no grace periods for renewals. Fortunately, by following these steps, you can renew your Michigan driver's license quickly and easily.
When To Renew Your Driver's License
In Michigan, driver's licenses are typically valid for four years. If you are under 21, your driver's license will expire on your 21st birthday.
If necessary or desired, you can renew up to one year in advance. The Secretary of State will mail a renewal notice to the last address on file for you 45 days before your driver's license expires. Make sure you know when your license will expire and keep your address up to date—you don't want to be caught driving with an expired license in Michigan!
The Grace Period
There is no grace period in Michigan for renewing a driver's license. When your driver's license expires, it becomes invalid, and you may face legal consequences if caught driving with it.
For the first offense, you may be fined up to $500 and sentenced to up to 93 days in jail. This amount grows larger and larger each time you are apprehended. To avoid this, make sure to renew your license well in advance of its expiration date.
How To Renew Your Driver's License
If you live in Michigan, you have several options for renewing your driver's license. Although you can use whatever method is most convenient for you, you must renew in person at least every few years. You can only avoid renewing in person if you previously renewed in person.
Drivers in Michigan have three options for renewing their licenses:
However, if any of the following conditions apply, you must renew in person:
- You're getting a REAL ID or renewing your current one.
- The last time you renewed, you did so by mail or online.
- You did not renew in person four years ago.
- You do not have a Social Security Number on record.
- In the last month, you requested a duplicate license.
- In the last ten days, you've requested a change of address.
- You have a new health problem that could impair your driving ability.
In-Person Renewal
Renewing in person may be the most time-consuming option, but it's quite simple:
- Visit your Secretary of State's local branch office (SOS)
- Bring all necessary documentation.
- Bring it if you want to renew or upgrade your Real ID.
- Fill out the renewal form and double-check it for accuracy.
- Take the written and driving tests again (if your license expired 4 or more years ago)
- Take the necessary vision test.
- Pay the necessary fees (cash, card, check, or money order)
If your location does not print on-site, you will be issued a temporary paper license to use in the meantime. Your actual driver's license will arrive at your chosen address in approximately three weeks.
By Mail Renewal
Typically, a renewal notice arrives about a month and a half (45 days) before your license expires. You can use this method if it says you're eligible to renew by mail.
However, if your personal information, such as your name, has changed, you must disregard what the notice says and renew in person. To renew your Michigan driver's license by mail, follow these steps:
- Fill out and sign the form enclosed with your renewal notice.
- Update your address if it has already changed.
- Pay the necessary fees with a check or money order.
- Return the notice before your license expires.
Do not drive until your new license arrives. Driving without a license is illegal, even if you've already submitted your renewal paperwork.
Online Renewal
Only citizens of the United States who have previously renewed their Michigan driver's license in person are eligible to renew online. Drivers with visas cannot currently renew their licenses online.
Furthermore, if your driver's license is about to expire, you may receive a renewal notice outlining all of the renewal options available to you. If this describes you, follow these steps:
- Visit the website of the Michigan Department of State.
- Under "Driver's Licenses and ID," select "Log in to renew your Michigan driver's license or ID."
- Enter your User ID and password or
- Make an account
- Provide identification (social security number, driver's license number, date of birth, and eye color).
- Complete the following steps as outlined on the page.
- Use a valid debit or credit card to pay the fees.
You must wait approximately three weeks to obtain your driver's license. If your license has already expired, do not drive during this period, or you will face legal consequences.
The Waiting Time
It takes about three weeks to process a driver's license renewal in Michigan, so plan, especially if you're renewing by mail or online. If you renew in person or at a self-service kiosk, a temporary license will be printed for you once the process is completed.
If your license expires and you haven't received the new one yet, don't drive! There is no grace period for expired licenses in Michigan, and the penalties are steep.
