The Michigan state ID renewal and the ID card replacement are procedures that can be completed through the Department of the Secretary of State (SOS) by holders of official ID cards. Renewing ID card credentials is a process that must be finalized on a regular basis, since the SOS issues ID cards with a four-year validity.

The procedure to replace ID card credentials, on the other hand, is generally completed in the event of damaged, stolen or lost ID card documents. Learn more about the MI DMV ID renewal and replacement transactions by reading the following sections.

How to Renew Your ID Card in Michigan

To complete the Michigan ID card renewal procedure, nondrivers may be able to utilize one of several methods. The option to renew ID card online is currently the fastest way to extend the validity of your credential. However, renewing ID cards via the internet is a transaction that can only be completed after meeting certain eligibility requirements.

Applicants who do not qualify for the online state ID renewal can complete the procedure by mail or in person. Note that, the methods available to renew your state-issued ID card may also vary depending on whether you hold the standard or the enhanced version.

In order to inform state residents of their upcoming DMV identification card renewal in MI, the SOS mails out renewal notices 45 days prior to the card’s expiration date. However, you may also submit your renewal request up to six months before the ID card’s expiration date at a nearby SOS office.

When completing the procedure to renew ID card credentials, applicants with standard ID cards also have the option of obtaining a REAL ID, which complies with the regulations of the federal REAL ID Act. Initial REAL ID credentials can only be obtained by renewing in person.

Note: The enhanced version of the Michigan state ID is currently REAL ID-compliant.

How to Renew ID Cards in Michigan Online

Prior to utilizing the choice to renew ID card online in Michigan, applicants must ensure they meet the requirements to complete the procedure through ExpressSOS, which is the department’s online services website. Nondrivers can successfully complete the process of renewing identification cards via the internet only if they:

  • Are U.S. citizens with a verifiable Social Security Number.
  • Are not renewing an enhanced ID card or upgrading to a REAL ID credential.
  • Have not requested a duplicate ID card via the internet in the preceding four weeks.
  • Have not requested an address change within the last 10 days.
  • Are not updating their name and/or birth date information.

To initiate an online state ID renewal in MI, nondrivers will be asked to enter their full name, birth date, eye color, ID card number and Social Security Number. After providing your payment with a valid debit or credit card, the system will process your request and generate a transaction record. The renewed document will be mailed to your address on file within 14 to 21 days.

How to Renew ID Cards in Michigan by Mail

Renewing ID cards in Michigan by mail is a procedure that can be completed by filling out and mailing the ID card renewal notice to the address displayed on the form. Applicants who are submitting their MI DMV ID renewal request by mail also have the option of updating their address by writing their new address in the provided section of the notice.

When completing a mail-in application to renew ID cards, nondrivers must ensure they provide the correct payment amount in the form of a check, money order or credit card information.

Note: Mail your request for the MI state ID renewal at least three weeks prior to the credential’s expiration date in order to ensure you receive the renewed document on time.

How to Renew ID Cards in Michigan in Person

If you are unable to complete the Michigan identification card renewal via the internet or by mail, or you choose to do it in person, then you can always apply at a local SOS office. The in-person DMV ID renewal option is also the only available method for applicants upgrading a regular ID card to a REAL ID credential, and for those who must update the information on their document.

To renew ID cards in MI by mail, nondrivers will generally be required to present their current state-issued ID card, proof of enrollment or exemption from the Social Security program and the fee payment. However, if you are obtaining a REAL ID credential at the time of your state ID renewal, you will also be required to submit additional identification and legal U.S. presence documentation. Contact the department for more information regarding the acceptable REAL ID documentation.

How to Replace Your ID Card in Michigan

State residents with a lost, damaged or stolen ID card in Michigan can complete the DMV ID replacement in person or via the internet through the ExpressSOS portal.

In order to utilize the option to replace ID card online in MI, however, customers will be required to meet the same eligibility requirements that apply for the online ID card renewal. The Secretary of State also offers a mail-in option to replace ID cards to nondrivers who are currently outside of the state.

The available application methods will also vary based on the type of ID card you are replacing. Nondrivers who are requesting a duplicate ID card for purposes of updating their name, birth date and/or Social Security Number information can only complete the procedure in person.

How to Replace ID Cards in Michigan Online

The process of replacing ID cards in Michigan via the ExpressSOS services follows similar steps to those that apply for the online DMV ID renewal procedure, outlined above.

Customers will first be required to access the online application to replace ID cards by providing their date of birth, eye color, full name, Social Security Number and ID number. Then, after providing the fee payment with a valid credit or debit card, your request for an MI duplicate ID card will be processed.

How to Replace ID Cards in Michigan by Mail

Obtaining a Michigan copy of ID card by mail is a transaction that is reserved for nondrivers who are currently outside of the state. You can obtain a mail-in application package for an ID card copy by contacting the SOS Special Services Branch.

After filling out the application form with the necessary information, such as your ID card number, birth date, full name and out-of-state mailing address, include the fee payment and mail your request to the Special Services Branch in Lansing. The state SOS will issue you an MI replacement ID card once it reviews the submitted application and confirms the payment of applicable fee.

If you are applying for a duplicate of an enhanced ID card while outside of the United States, you will be required to contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Customs and Border Patrol.

How to Replace ID Cards in Michigan in Person

Requesting a Michigan ID card replacement in person is a procedure that is always available to applicants who are ineligible to do so via the internet or by mail. However, nondrivers are able to obtain a duplicate ID card through a nearby SOS location regardless of whether or not they qualify to do so via other methods.

Note that replacing ID cards in person is also the only available method for applicants who must replace an enhanced ID card. To finalize the in-person DMV ID replacement in MI, you will be required to complete the following steps:

  • Present the necessary identification documents (may vary based on whether you are applying for the standard or the enhanced version).
  • Submit a verifiable Social Security Number or proof of ineligibility for one.
  • Prove you legal presence in the U.S. (if required).
  • Have your photograph taken.
  • Pay the applicable fee for a standard or enhanced copy of ID card.

Contact the state SOS for more information regarding the acceptable identification documents for standard and enhanced identification cards.

Michigan ID Card Renewal and Replacement Fees

An important step in the Michigan DMV ID renewal and replacement procedures is submitting payment for the applicable SOS fees.

The cost for both renewed and duplicate ID cards varies based on factors such as the type of card you are requesting and whether or not you are eligible for reduced fees. For example, while the MI ID card renewal for standard ID cards can be completed for $10, applicants older than 65 years of age and blind individuals can finalize the procedure free of charge.

The price of an ID card copy of a standard credential is also set at $10. Renewing or replacing enhanced ID cards, on the other hand, are procedures that cost $30. However, the same groups of applicants eligible for free-of-charge ID cards, outlined above, can complete the renewal and replacement transactions of enhanced cards at the reduced fee of $20.

Note: When renewing or ordering a replacement ID card in MI via the ExpressSOS portal, you will also be required to pay an additional processing fee.

Last updated on Wednesday, March 4 2020.