Michigan driver license and state ID — guide for immigrants

Michigan requires proof of identity, legal presence, Michigan residency, and a Social Security number for a driver license or state ID card, and it has no program for undocumented residents. But lawfully-present non-citizens can get a Michigan license or state ID through the Secretary of State (SOS). The key is which immigration documents Michigan accepts — and several common visa stamps are not on the list.

Quick answer

  • Undocumented DL access: NO — SSN (or proof of SSN-ineligibility) + legal presence required
  • Lawfully-present non-citizens: YES — with accepted legal-presence documents
  • Not accepted: B1/B2 visitor visas and visa-waiver (WB/WT) stamps
  • State ID fee: $10 · Driver license fee: $25 (standard, first-time)
  • Enhanced credentials: $45 (Enhanced DL) / $30 (Enhanced State ID)
  • REAL ID compliant by default: yes (standard cards meet REAL ID; Enhanced cards add border/federal use)
  • Agency: Michigan Secretary of State
  • Website: michigan.gov/sos
  • Phone: (888) 767-6424

Which immigration documents Michigan accepts

For a first license or state ID, a non-citizen must present a valid, unexpired foreign passport with a US visa and evidence of entry, plus the status-specific document:

  • F-1 students: Form I-20
  • J-1 exchange visitors: Form DS-2019
  • Permanent residents: Permanent Resident Card (I-551), or an I-551 stamp in the passport or on the I-94
  • Other statuses: I-94, State Department bio-data form, or USCIS supervision documents showing legal presence and/or work authorization

Not accepted as legal presence: B1 and B2 visitor visas, and WB/WT visa-waiver stamps. All documents must be in English or include an English translation.

The Social Security number rule

Michigan requires proof of a valid Social Security number. If you are ineligible for an SSN, you must present a letter from the Social Security Administration documenting the reason — the letter cannot be more than 1 year old. If you have never been issued an SSN, you can apply for one for free at a local Social Security office using Form SS-5. Without a valid SSN or proof of ineligibility, the SOS cannot process the application.

What is REAL ID?

REAL ID is a federal standard for state-issued IDs. A REAL ID-compliant card (gold star) can be used to board domestic flights (enforced since May 7, 2025), enter federal buildings, and access secure federal facilities. Michigan’s standard license and ID already meet REAL ID when you provide the required documents; the Enhanced credential additionally works for land/sea border crossings from Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

How to apply in Michigan

  1. Confirm your documents qualify — passport + US visa + evidence of entry, plus your status document (I-20, DS-2019, I-551, I-94, etc.). B1/B2 and visa-waiver stamps do not qualify.
  2. Make an appointment at a Secretary of State branch office at michigan.gov/sos.
  3. Bring originals (no photocopies) — identity + legal presence + SSN (or SSA ineligibility letter) + proof of Michigan residency, with English translations where needed.
  4. Pass the vision test (and knowledge/road tests for a first driver license).
  5. Pay the fee and receive your temporary credential; the permanent card arrives by mail.

If you are undocumented or cannot get an SSN

Michigan has no driver-privilege card for undocumented residents. Practical alternatives:

  • Use your foreign passport as primary ID for banking, employment (with an EAD), and federal flights.
  • Get a matrícula consular from your home-country consulate (see Consulates in Michigan).
  • Use an International Driving Permit (IDP) obtained in your home country before travel.
  • Open an ITIN-friendly bank account to bank without an SSN.
  • Consider an AB60-equivalent state if you must drive regularly (CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, HI, IL, MD, MA, MN, NV, NJ, NM, NY, OR, RI, UT, VA, VT, WA).

Last verified: 2026-06-28. Source: Michigan SOS — License and ID document requirements.

General procedural information. SOS policies, fees, and document requirements change frequently — verify with the Michigan Secretary of State before visiting. Not legal or immigration advice. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney.