REAL ID

Beginning May 7, 2025, what will I show at an airport if I do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or ID?

A valid U.S. passport or passport card, DHS Trusted Traveler card, and U.S. Military ID are just a few of the documents that will be accepted if you don't have a REAL ID-compliant license or ID card. The federal Transportation Security Administration lists acceptable alternatives to a state-issued REAL ID-compliant license or ID card.

Can I change the address on my REAL ID online?

A change of address for a standard operator’s license or state ID card that is REAL ID-compliant can often be done at online services, in addition to being completed at a Secretary of State branch office or by mail. If you have an enhanced driver’s license or enhanced ID card, a change of address must be done at a Secretary of State branch office or by mail.

Can I still obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID if it's too early for me to renew?

Please bring a certified U.S. birth certificate with a stamp or raised seal; a valid, unexpired U.S. passport or passport card; or other approved citizenship or legal presence document to a Secretary of State office. If your name is different from what’s on your birth certificate, you’ll need to bring in a certified name-change document, such as your marriage license or court order. Multiple documents may be needed if your name has changed more than once. Name-change documents must show both the changed name and the previous name. Divorce decrees may be used if they are certified (copies are not accepted) and if they show the changed name and the previous name. The normal correction or duplicate card fee will apply: $9 for operator license; $18 for chauffeur license; $10 for identification card. Enhanced licenses and enhanced ID cards, which are also REAL ID compliant, are another option – fees will vary.

If you are a legal permanent resident or a temporary legal resident and want to obtain a REAL-compliant driver’s license or ID card before your current card expires:

Please go to a Secretary of State Branch office and provide proof of legal presence documentation as outlined in the form, Applying for a License or ID? (SOS-428) Standard correction or duplicate card fee will apply: $9 for operator license; $18 for chauffeur license; $10 for identification card.

If you have any questions about the documents required to obtain a driver’s license or state ID card, please call the Department of State Information Center at 888-SOS-MICH (888-767-6424).

Can military spouses and dependents residing on a base use their military ID as a form of REAL ID? U.S. Department of Defense IDs issued to spouses and dependents are an acceptable form of REAL ID.

Can non-US citizens apply for a REAL ID? For instance, is a permanent resident eligible for a REAL ID? Are non-permanent residents eligible for REAL ID?

Permanent resident card
Foreign government-issued passport
Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)

Do all individuals, including non-civilians, need a REAL ID to enter a military base?

The REAL ID Act affects access to military bases and other federal property. Beginning May 7, 2025, all individuals entering a military base, civilians and non-civilians, will be required to have a REAL ID document for entrance. An individual should verify with the military base to ensure this information has not changed or a particular military base has any special ID requirements.

Do children and teens need REAL ID?

Transportation Security Administration does not require children under age 18 to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the United States. The companion will need acceptable identification.

Do I have to apply for a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card when I renew my driver's license or state ID card?

No. Michigan will continue to issue standard driver's licenses and state ID cards that are not REAL ID compliant. However, as of May 7, 2025, if you plan to fly domestically or enter certain federal facilities, military bases and nuclear power plants, you will need to bring documentation that meets the REAL ID requirements.

Do I need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID to vote? Will my standard license or ID be accepted at my polling place?

All state-issued identification will be accepted when voters are asked to show valid ID when voting. Regardless of whether a voter has a standard, enhanced or REAL ID-compliant driver's license or ID card, the voter's card will be accepted as valid identification. Voters who do not have valid state-issued identification or another accepted identity document may sign an Affidavit of Identity.

How does a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID differ from one that is not REAL ID compliant?

Your REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card (standard and Enhanced) will have a star in a gold circle printed on it. Enhanced licenses and state ID cards that do not have a star on them are REAL ID compliant and will be printed with a star when renewed or replaced. Standard licenses and state IDs that do not meet the federal REAL ID requirements will have “Not for Federal Identification” printed on them.

How does REAL ID affect me?

Do not fly and you do not plan to enter certain federal facilities, such as military bases and nuclear power plants.
Have an acceptable alternative to a state-issued REAL ID-compliant driver's license or ID card, such as a valid U.S. passport.

Note: Standard and Enhanced driver's licenses and state ID cards are printed with the REAL ID star to show they are REAL ID compliant.

How do I apply for a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card?

If your renewal notice states that your card is REAL ID compliant, your new license or ID (standard and Enhanced) will have a star printed on it. If you are renewing an enhanced license or ID, it will have the American flag printed on it to show that it conforms to the federal REAL ID requirements.
If your renewal notice states that your license or ID is not REAL ID compliant and you want to apply for a REAL ID-compliant card, you must visit a Secretary of State office. Please read the insert included with your renewal notice carefully to find out what documentation you must provide.

If your name is different from what’s on your birth certificate, you’ll need to bring in a certified name-change document, such as your marriage license or court order. Multiple documents may be needed if your name has changed more than once. Name-change documents must show both the changed name and the previous name. Divorce decrees may be used if they are certified (copies are not accepted) and if they show the changed name and the previous name.

How much does a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card cost?

Normal driver’s license and ID card fees apply. There is no additional cost for a REAL ID-compliant license or ID card when a person renews normally. A correction fee may be charged when people apply for a compliant license outside of their normal renewal cycle.

Is a military ID a form of REAL ID?

Yes, a U.S. Department of Defense ID is an acceptable form of REAL ID. This includes military IDs for active duty or retired military along with DoD civilians.

Is my enhanced driver's license or enhanced ID a REAL ID?

If you have an enhanced driver’s license or enhanced state ID card, you already have a REAL ID-compliant card.

What does a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or ID card look like?

A REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID card will have a star in a gold circle printed in the upper right corner of the card. Enhanced licenses and state ID cards that do not have a star on them are still REAL ID compliant and will be printed with a star when renewed or replaced. Enhanced Driver License

What happens if I don't get a REAL ID-compliant license or ID?

Beginning May 7, 2025, you will need to show a REAL ID-compliant document to board a plane for domestic travel or to enter certain federal facilities, military bases and nuclear power plants. If your driver's license or state ID card is not REAL ID compliant, you may show another form of acceptable documentation, such as a valid U.S. passport or passport card. The Transportation Security Administration has published a list of accepted documents. Standard Michigan driver's licenses or ID cards: After May 7, 2025, your standard Michigan driver's license remains valid for driving, and a standard license and state ID continue to be legal identification for cashing checks, renting vehicles, purchasing alcohol and tobacco, or entering casinos. A standard license or ID card will have "Not for Federal Identification" printed on it.

What happens to my standard driver's license or ID card after May 7, 2025 if I do not obtain a REAL ID-compliant card?