To apply for a Michigan driver's license you must:

• Provide documentation of a valid Social Security number
• Provide documentation of U.S. citizenship or legal presence if not a U.S. citizen, identity along with at least two documents establishing Michigan residency 
• Pass a vision test and certify that you meet certain physical and mental standards
• Pass a written knowledge and driving skills test if you have never been licensed or your license has been expired for more than four years. A Temporary Instruction Permit will be required to take the driving skills test.

If you have a valid license from another state, the written and driving skills tests may be waived. The Secretary of State will contact your previous home state to obtain your driving record, which then becomes part of your Michigan driving record.

A driver's license may be obtained at any Secretary of State office. An original operator's license costs $25 and a chauffeur's license is $35. Additional fees and testing may be required for special licenses, group designations and endorsements, such as a Commercial Driver License or motorcycle endorsement.

Note: Your situation may differ. Please check with the Department of State Information Center toll free at (888) SOS-MICH (767-6424) to make sure you have all the correct paperwork before going to a Secretary of State office.

All documentation is subject to Department of State approval.  In some cases, document approval.  In some cases, document approval may not occur in the same day and may require an addtional visit.

> More Driving FAQs
> Additional Driver's License and State ID Related Information