Michigan residents will want to make sure they have a star on their driver’s license or state ID before May of next year.
Beginning May 7, 2025, Michigan residents will need to have a REAL ID-compliant document to fly within the United States or enter certain federal facilities.
---> Michigan begins issuing new-look driver’s licenses, IDs: What to know
Am I already REAL ID-compliant?
REAL ID-compliant licenses have a star in the upper right corner.
Michigan’s old license and ID design, which will be phased out by January 2029, has a star in a gold circle. The new license design has a star in a silhouette of Michigan.
Valid enhanced licenses and IDs are automatically REAL ID-compliant if they have the star or not. Valid U.S. passports and DHS Trusted Traveler’s cards are also already REAL ID-compliant.
You can learn more about the REAL ID in Michigan by visiting michigan.gov/sos/license-id/real-id.
What do I need to upgrade my license?
To convert to a REAL ID, you will have to visit the Secretary of State and bring the following documents with you:
- Your current Michigan driver’s license or ID.
- A valid, unexpired U.S. passport, birth certificate, or other proof of legal presence document
- A certified legal name-change document, if your name is different from what is on your birth certificate.
There is no added charge for converting to REAL ID if you do it when you’re renewing or replacing your license or ID. If you’re converting at another time, there is a correction fee ($9 for license; $10 for ID) to convert to REAL ID.
You can schedule an appointment with the Secretary of State online at dsvsesvc.sos.state.mi.us/TAP.
You will still be able to change your license to make it REAL ID-compliant license after May 7, 2025.
What do you need a REAL ID for after May 7, 2025?
You will need to show a REAL ID-compliant document to board a plane for domestic travel or to enter certain federal facilities, military bases, and nuclear power plants.
Valid and unexpired standard license or ID can be used after May 7, 2025, for cashing checks, renting vehicles, purchasing alcohol and tobacco, and entering casinos.
You can learn more about the REAL ID in Michigan by visiting michigan.gov/sos/license-id/real-id.
What do I need at a TSA checkpoint?
Anyone 18 and older is required to show identification at the airport checkpoint to travel. That identification will need to be REAL ID-compliant after May 7, 2025.
According to the TSA, the following documents are acceptable:
- Driver’s licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent).
- State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License.
- U.S. passport.
- U.S. passport card.
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST).
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents.
- Permanent resident card.
- Border crossing card.
- An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized, Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe.
- HSPD-12 PIV card.
- Foreign government-issued passport.
- Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card.
- Transportation worker identification credential.
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766).
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential.
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC).
Learn more about tsa.gov. You can visit dhs.gov/real-id and use their REAL ID ready tool to learn more.
Will you need REAL ID to vote after May 2025?
No. All state-issued identification will be accepted when voters are asked to show a valid ID when voting. ID will be accepted if it’s standard, enhanced, or REA-ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card. Voters who do not have valid state-issued ID will be asked to sign an Affidavit of Identity.
Can permanent residents apply for a REAL ID?
Yes. Lawfully present non-U.S. citizens, including permanent and non-permanent residents are eligible to apply for a REAL ID driver’s license or ID card. They will need to schedule an appointment with the Michigan Secretary of State office and bring required documents.
Some documents qualify as REAL ID and can be used for domestic flights when the law goes into effect on May 7, 2024. Those documents include: Permanent resident card Foreign government-issued passport Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766).
Will a REAL ID be required for jury duty?
No. A REAL ID will not be required for jury duty, even if it’s in a federal building.