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michigan drivers permit - MI

Graduated Driver License (GDL) Under 18

Graduated Driver License 
The Department of State offers the Graduated Driver License in a standard and enhanced version. The enhanced GDL is an attractive alternative to the standard license because it allows you to re-enter the U.S. by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean without the need to show additional identity or citizenship documents at the border.

Applying for a Standard Graduated Driver License
Level 1 Learner's License Eligibility 
To be eligible for a Level 1 Learner's License, applicants must:

Level 2 Intermediate License Eligibility 
To be eligible to apply for a Level 2 Intermediate License, applicants must:

  • Present a Level 1 Learner's License and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal presence.
  • Be at least 16 years old
  • Pass a vision test
  • Meet physical and mental standards as prescribed by the Secretary of State
  • Have possessed a Level 1 Learner's License for not less than 6 months
  • Must have successfully completed Segment 2 of an approved driver education program and present a Segment 2 Certificate of Completion
  • Pass a driving skills test and present a Driving Skills Test Certificate
  • Have no convictions or civil infractions, license suspensions, or at-fault crashes for the 90-day period immediately prior to applying for a Level 2 Intermediate License
  • Have a parent, legal guardian, or responsible adult sign the application to certify the 50 hours behind-the-wheel experience

Level 3 Full License Eligibility 
To be eligible for a Level 3 Full License, applicants must:

  • Be at least 17 years old
  • Complete at least six months at Level 2
  • Complete 12 consecutive months without a moving violation, an accident in which a moving violation resulted, an accident, a license suspension, or a violation of the graduated license restrictions (may be six months at Level 1 and six months at Level 2, if consecutive)

A new Level 3 license is created and mailed from Lansing using the electronic image on file (obtained at Level 2). This license is issued at no-fee to the applicant. A teen will automatically advance to a Level 3 License provided he or she is age 17, has met all driving requirements, and has parental authorization. This authorization is granted when the parent or legal guardian signs for the teen's Level 2 License.

Applying for an Enhanced Graduated Driver License

In addition to the requirements above, you may apply for an enhanced GDL at Level 2 with parental approval if:

Eligibility:

  1. You are a U.S. citizen and a Michigan resident
  2. You have no violations, suspensions, revocations or denials on your driving record that would prevent you from legally operating a motor vehicle

To apply:

  1. Visit any Secretary of State office. Make sure you bring documentation of:
    1. A valid Social Security number (for example, a Social Security card)
    2. U.S. citizenship (for example, a certified copy of your birth certificate with a raised seal, must be issued by a governmental unit in the U.S. or U.S. territory)
    3. Identity (for example, a photo ID. If the young driver does not have acceptable photo ID, a parent or guardian must present their driver's license or ID and sign for their child.)
    4. Residency (for example, high school records or transcripts. Residency documents in a family member's name may be used if the family relationship can be established by other forms of documented proof.)
      Please refer to the Documents Required for an Enhanced License or ID form for a complete list of acceptable documentation.
  2. Have a new photograph taken
  3. Pay $45 for the standard enhanced license. There are additional fees for a chauffeur license, Commercial Driver License designations and endorsements or motorcycle endorsement.

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

Once you complete the enhanced license application process, you will be issued a Temporary Operator's Permit to drive. The operator's permit does not qualify as a secure document for border-crossing purposes. Your enhanced license is valid for up to four years and should arrive in the mail within two to three weeks.

 

Applying for a Driver's License (Over 18, Never Been Licensed)

Step 1:

  • What Every Driver Must Know will help you prepare for the written knowledge test you'll be required to take at a Secretary of State office. Pay special attention to chapters 1 and 6-10.
  • The Driving Skills Test Study Guide provides you with all the information you'll need to schedule and pass a driving skills test.

If you have a valid driver's license from another state or Canada and have moved to Michigan, visit a Secretary of State office and:

(A written test is required for anyone converting an out-of-state license with a hazardous materials endorsement.)

Individuals with a valid out-of-state operator's license applying for a Michigan chauffeur's license, Commercial Driver License or a motorcycle endorsement, or whose license has been expired for at least four years, must pass the required written or driving skills tests before a license can be issued.

Only U.S. citizens and residents with temporary or permanent legal presence may apply for a Michigan driver's license.

Step 2:

Visit your local Secretary of State Office and present the required documentation

You'll need to present documentation of a valid Social Security number or letter of ineligibility (See Below), U.S. citizenship or legal presence if not a U.S. citizen, identity and Michigan residency (See Below).

If you have lost your Social Security card (See Below) and need a replacement, visit your local Social Security office to apply for one.

Step 3:

Take the written knowledge, road signs and vision tests

You must pass the vision, road signs and written knowledge tests and pay $25 before a Temporary Instruction Permit, or TIP, can be issued. A TIP allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult or a certified driver education instructor.

Step 4:

Practice Driving

Practice the basic control and on-the-road driving skills described in the Driving Skills Test Study Guide. A licensed adult must be with you at all times. You must practice for at least 30 days before taking your driving skills test. If you have a valid foreign driver's license, a license from another state or were previously licensed in Michigan, the 30-day practice period may be waived. Although driver education is not required for anyone over 18, it is highly recommended. You will find driver education providers in the phone book's yellow pages under 'driving instruction.' Costs and hours will vary. Not all providers offer driver education for adults, so make sure to ask.

Step 5:

Take your driving skills test

Driving skills testing is provided by third-party testing organizations across the state. Testing sites are also listed in the phone book. Cost and hours will vary

Step 6:

After passing your skills test, return to your local Secretary of State office

Congratulations! You have successfully met all the requirements for obtaining a Michigan driver's license. The last step is to visit a Secretary of State office and bring your skills test certificate, TIP and appropriate identification documents, such as your certified birth certificate. If this is your first license, you will be on probation for three years. Some medical conditions could mean restrictions on your license.

Summary of Steps:

Step 1:   Arrow
Study		 Step 2:   Arrow
Present appropriate documentation		 Step 3:   Arrow
Knowledge, Road Signs and Vision Tests		 Step 4:  Arrow
Practice		 Step 5:   Arrow
Driving Skills Test		 Step 6:
Return to aSecretary of State Office

Note: Only U.S. citizens and residents with temporary or permanent legal presence may apply for a Michigan driver's license.

Read:

  • "What Every Driver Must Know"
  • "Driving Skills Test Study Guide"

Present documentation of the following:

 

  • Social Security number or letter of ineligibility
  • U.S. citizenship or legal presence
  • Identity
  • Michigan residency

Pass vision test, road signs test and physical standards

Pass knowledge test - given at a Secretary of State office, required to get a TIP

Pay $25 fee for TIP:

  • Valid for 180 days
  • Required to take driving skills test

Must have a TIP to practice driving

Must be with a licensed adult or driver education instructor

Must practice for at least 30 days

Given by third-party testing organization

Fees and hours vary

Test consists of two parts:

  • Basic control skills
  • On-the-road driving requirements

After passing skills test, take skills test certificate, TIP and identification to Secretary of State office

License will be issued

No fee

Restrictions may apply for medical conditions

First license - three-year probation

 

 

Applying for an Enhanced Driver's License (Over 18, Already Licensed)

The enhanced driver's license is a cost-effective and convenient document that meets driving, identification and border-crossing needs. It is a federally approved document that allows you to re-enter the U.S. when traveling by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean. While not required, the enhanced license is an excellent alternative to a standard license because it is especially handy for business travel, vacations or quick trips. Several states, in addition to Michigan, offer an enhanced license.

Applying for an Enhanced Driver's License 
To upgrade your valid Michigan or out-of-state license to an enhanced Michigan license, follow these steps.

Eligibility:

  1. You must be a U.S. citizen and a Michigan resident
  2. You must have no violations, suspensions, revocations or denials on your driving record that would prevent you from legally operating a motor vehicle

Please note: When applying for an enhanced driver's license, your first and last name and date of birth on your identity and citizenship documents should match. If your current legal name is different from what is shown on your citizenship document, you must present lawful proof of the name change, such as an original marriage license, divorce decree or court order.

To apply:

  1. Visit any Secretary of State office. Make sure you bring documentation of:
    1. A valid Social Security number (for example, a Social Security card)
    2. U.S. citizenship (for example, a certified copy of your birth certificate with a raised seal, must be issued by a governmental unit in the U.S. or U.S. territory)
    3. Identity (for example, a current Michigan photo license or ID card)
    4. Residency (for example, a current Michigan photo license or ID card)
      Please refer to the Documents Required for an Enhanced License or ID form for a complete list of acceptable documentation.
  2. Have a new photograph taken
  3. Pay $45 for the standard enhanced license. There are additional fees for an enhanced chauffeur license and Commercial Driver License designations and endorsements.

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

Once you complete the enhanced license application process, you will be issued a Temporary Operator's Permit to drive. The operator's permit does not qualify as a secure document for border-crossing purposes. Your enhanced license is valid for up to four years and should arrive in the mail within two to three weeks.

Michigan also issues an enhanced Graduated Driver License (for teens under 18), chauffeur license andCommercial Driver License. If you are over 18 and have never had a driver's license, you must successfully complete the written knowledge, vision, road signs and driving skills tests before a license can be issued.

 

Applying for an Enhanced Driver's License (Over 18, Never Been Licensed)

The enhanced driver's license is an attractive alternative to the standard license because it allows you to re-enter the U.S. by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean without the need to show additional identity or citizenship documents at the border.

Because you have never been licensed, you must successfully complete the written knowledge and driving skills tests before a license can be issued. Although driver education is not required for individuals 18 and older, it is highly recommended.

To obtain an enhanced Michigan license, follow these steps.

Eligibility:

  1. You must be a U.S. citizen and a Michigan resident
  2. You must have no violations, suspensions, revocations or denials on your driving record that would prevent you from legally operating a motor vehicle

Please note: When applying for an enhanced driver's license, your first and last name and date of birth on your identity and citizenship documents should match. If your current legal name is different from what is shown on your citizenship document, you must present lawful proof of the name change, such as an original marriage license, divorce decree or court order.

To apply:

  1. Visit any Secretary of State office. Make sure you bring documentation of:
    1. A valid Social Security number (for example, a Social Security card)
    2. U.S. citizenship (for example, a certified copy of your birth certificate with a raised seal, must be issued by a governmental unit in the U.S. or U.S. territory)
    3. Identity (for example, a current Michigan personal identification card) If you do not have a state-issued ID card, there are other forms of ID that can be accepted as proof of identity. Please refer to the Documents Required for an Enhanced License or ID form for complete details.
    4. Residency (for example, a current Michigan personal identification card) If you do not have a state-issued ID card, there are other types of documents that can be accepted as proof of residency. Please refer to the Documents Required for an Enhanced License or ID form for complete details.
  2. You must pass the vision, road signs and written knowledge tests and pay $25 before aTemporary Instruction Permit, or TIP, can be issued. A TIP allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult or a certified driver education instructor.
  3. Practice the basic control and on-the-road driving skills described in the Driving Skills Test Study Guide. A licensed adult must be with you at all times. You must practice for at least 30 days before taking your driving skills test.
  4. Successfully pass a driving skills test. Driving skills testing is provided by third-party testing organizations across the state. Cost and hours will vary.
  5. Return to a Secretary of State office authorized to issue an enhanced license. Have your photograph taken.
  6. Pay the $20 remainder due for the standard enhanced license. There are additional fees for an enhanced chauffeur license and Commercial Driver License designations and endorsements.

Once you complete the enhanced license application process, you will be issued a Temporary Operator's Permit to drive. The operator's permit does not qualify as a secure document for border-crossing purposes. Your enhanced license is valid for up to four years and should arrive in the mail within two to three weeks.

 

Legal Presence

Present at least ONE of any of the documents from this column.

  • Certified birth certificate with a raised seal issued by a U.S. or U.S. territory government 
  • Valid, unexpired U.S. passport or passport card.
  • Certificate of Citizenship (N-560 or N-561).
  • Certificate of Naturalization (N-550, N-570 or N-578).
  • Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by the U.S. Department of State (FS-240, DS-1350 or FS-545).

The following documents are subject to verification using the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements System (SAVE). Approval may take longer than one day.

  • Valid unexpired foreign passport in your name with English subtitles or translation, with a stamped, valid I-94 and a U.S. visa.
    • B1 and B2 visas are not accepted.
    • WB and WT visa stamps are not accepted.
    • F-visa holders must present an I-20 form. I
    • J-visa holders must present a DS-2019.
  • Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card (I-551).
  • Valid, unexpired Employment Authorization Card (I-688, I-688A, I-688B or I-766).
  • Valid, unexpired Refugee Travel Document (I-571) with a stamped, valid I-94.
  • Approved U.S. Department of Labor certification with a valid, unexpired foreign passport in your name with English subtitles or translation, a stamped, valid I-94 and a U.S. visa.
  • Valid, unexpired foreign passport in your name with English subtitles or translation, a U.S. immigrant visa with temporary I-551 language, or a U.S. immigrant visa with valid temporary I-551 stamp in the passport.
  • USCIS documents expired less than one year may be presented if accompanied by an I-797 receipt indicating approval of an adjustment of status or extension of stay. A valid, unexpired foreign passport must also be submitted.

Identity Verification

Present original documents to establish identity. MORE THAN ONE document may be required.

  • Out-of-state or Canadian driver's license or ID card. (Licenses or ID cards expired for less than one year will be accepted.)
  • Marriage license issued in the U.S.
  • Divorce decree issued in the U.S.
  • U.S. court order for a name change.
  • Photo ID card issued by a federal or Michigan government agency.
  • U.S. military ID card with photo (DD-2, DD-1173 or CAC card).
  • U.S. military discharge or separation documents, such as a DD-214.
  • Tribal photo ID card from a federally recognized Native American tribe.
  • Michigan Department of Corrections prisoner ID card. (This document requires verification, which may take more than one day.)
  • Michigan driver education certificate. (For applicants age 18 and younger.)
  • Michigan adoption record.
  • U.S. school records, such as school ID cards with name and photo, diplomas, transcripts or yearbooks.
  • If the applicant is below age 18 and does not have one of the above, a parent or guardian must present their driver's license or ID and sign for the teen.
  • A second document from group #2 may also be accepted.
  • The identity requirement may also be met if two of the following documents are presented: foreign passport, I-94, Employment Authorization Card, Refugee Travel Document or U.S. visa.

Proof of Michigan Residency

Present at least TWO documents with your name and Michigan residence address.

  • Utility bill or credit card bill issued within the last 90 days. (Electronic copies are acceptable.)
  • Account statement from a bank or other financial institution issued within the last 90 days. (Electronic copies are acceptable.) 
  • Michigan high school, college or university report cards or transcripts.
  • Mortgage, lease or rental agreement. (Lease and rental agreements must include the landlord's telephone number.)
  • Pay stub or earnings statement issued with the name and address of the employer.
  • Life, health, auto or home insurance policy.
  • Federal, state or local government documents, such as receipts, licenses or assessments.
  • Michigan title and registration. (The registration must show current residential address.)
  • Other documents containing your name and address may be accepted with manager approval.

Note: Residency documents in a family member's name may be used if the family relationship can be established.

Michigan P.0. boxes are not an acceptable residence address.

Social Security Requirements

Why is a Social Security number needed to apply for a driver's license or state identification card?

Michigan law requires the Department of State to collect and verify Social Security numbers before issuing a driver's license or state identification card.
(Michigan Vehicle Code, 1949 PA 300, as amended by 1998 PA 330; and State Identification Card Act, 1972 PA 222, as amended by 2008 PA 31.)

Social Security numbers are used for child support collection and to assist in establishing identity.

What do I have to bring to a Secretary of State office to prove I have a valid Social Security number?

The following documents will be accepted:

  • Your Social Security card.
  • W-2 or 1099 form.
  • Pay stub containing your name and Social Security number.
  • Valid U.S. military ID card with photo (DD-2 or CAC card).  (Documents expired less than one year will also be accepted.)
  • If you are ineligible for a Social Security number, you must have a letter of ineligibility from the Social Security Administration attesting to that fact. Letters that are more than 30 days old will not be accepted.

All Social Security information will be verified. If you fail to provide a valid Social Security number or provide proof demonstrating your ineligibility, your driver's license or state ID application cannot be processed.

Who will see my Social Security number?

Concerted effort and planning has taken place to ensure this information is protected. It is important for the public to know that the Social Security numbers are not displayed or encoded on the driver's license or ID card. This information is limited to select individuals in government agencies as allowed by law. Michigan has worked hard to ensure the proper safeguards were in place to protect the personal privacy of state residents.

How do I apply for a Social Security number?

If you have never been issued a Social Security card, you may apply for one at no cost at a local Social Security office. You will need to:

  • Bring a completed Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card) and,
  • Provide at least two documents to confirm your age, identity and citizenship or legal presence.

Acceptable documents include but are not limited to an original birth certificate, a U.S. hospital record of your birth, valid U.S. driver's license, state-issued identification card or U.S. passport. Only originals or copies certified by the agency that issued the document will be accepted. Individuals who are not U.S. citizens must provide a current U.S. immigration document and foreign passport with biographical information or photograph.

You should receive your new Social Security card in about two weeks.

My Social Security card was lost or stolen. How do I get a replacement?

You should apply for a new card at your local Social Security office. There is no cost. You will need to bring a valid U.S. driver's license, state identification card or U.S. passport to verify your identity. You will also need to complete a Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card). If you were born outside of the U.S., you will need to show proof of your U.S. citizenship or current lawful, work-authorized immigration status.

My name has changed since I got my Social Security card. Will it be accepted when I apply for my driver's license or state ID card?

You should first visit your local Social Security office to apply for a card in your new name before heading to a Secretary of State office.  The Social Security Administration requires you to provide proof of your identity, U.S. citizenship or legal presence and name change.  Additional proof may be requested.

If you do not inform the Social Security Administration of your name change, the Department of State cannot process your driver's license or state ID card application.  The department verifies all names and Social Security numbers before issuing a license or ID card.  If your name and date of birth do not match with what is on file at the Social Security Administration, your application will be denied.

After changing your name with the Social Security Administration, please wait three business days before visiting a Secretary of State office to apply for your license or ID card to ensure your records with the Social Security Administration have been updated.

Where can I get more information about applying for a Social Security card?

Contact the Social Security Administration at  (800) 772-1213 or visit its Web site at www.ssa.gov.

 

 

 

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http://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,4670,7-127-1627_8669---,00.html