Michigan's New Driver's License/ID Card

Selena Stagnolia, CPRM, CISR
Aug 28, 2018
2 min read

Updated: Jul 31

Three Versions

You will have the option to obtain a REAL ID-Compliant driver’s license, an enhanced ID (EDL) or a Standard DL-ID. Here are the differences between them:

REAL ID-Compliant Card	Meets national travel security requirements - a federally compliant form of identification will be required to fly commercially or to access federal facilities or military bases. Obtaining a REAL ID-Compliant card requires more identity documents than the Standard Card. You will need to provide the following:* Birth certificate with raised seal social security card passport current driver’s license current utility bill, bank statement or credit card statement. See a full list of acceptable documents*.
ENHANCED Card	An enhanced card allows you to re-enter the US when traveling by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. To upgrade your license to an enhanced version, you must have no violations or suspensions on your driving record. The same proof of identity is required as the REAL ID. There is a $45 fee for the enhanced license.
STANDARD Card	Does not meet national travel security requirements - a Standard card will need to be used in conjunction with a passport or other acceptable documents approved by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), in order to fly commercially or to access a federal facility or military base. www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification. The Standard card does not require additional identity documents, unless the REAL-ID is being issued for the first time.

Source: https://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,4670,7-127-1627---,00.html

Receive in the mail in ~ 20 days.

You will no longer leave the Secretary of State’s office with your new license. The new card will be mailed to you in a plain white envelope. In the interim, you will receive a temporary card. This card is not a form of identification, so plan carefully! If you are traveling by air around the time your card is due to expire, allow yourself three weeks to obtain your new card.

Check your expiration date

Your current license, regardless of its expiration date, will not be accepted after October 1, 2020. Beat the rush and renew your license to the federally compliant version well in advance.