Michigan residents should ensure that they have a star on their driver’s license or state ID by May of this year.
Beginning May 7, 2025, Michigan residents will be required to have a REAL ID-compliant document when flying within the United States or entering certain federal facilities.
Am I already REAL ID-compliant?
REAL ID-compliant licenses feature a star in the upper right corner.
Michigan’s old license and ID design, which will be phased out in January 2029, features a star in a gold circle. The new license design features a star in the silhouette of Michigan.
Valid enhanced licenses and IDs, whether or not they contain the star, are automatically REAL ID-compliant. Valid US passports and DHS Trusted Traveler cards are already REAL ID compliant.
To learn more about the REAL ID in Michigan, go to michigan.gov/sos/license-id/real-id
What do I need to upgrade my license?
To convert to a REAL ID, you must 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 additional charge for converting to REAL ID when renewing or replacing your license or ID. If you want to convert to REAL ID later, there is a correction fee ($9 for license, $10 for ID).
You can make an appointment with the Secretary of State online at dsvsesvc.sos.state.mi.us/TAP.
After May 7, 2025, you will still be able to change your license to a REAL ID-compliant license.
What do you need a REAL ID for after May 7, 2025?
To board a domestic flight or enter certain federal facilities, military bases, and nuclear power plants, you must show a REAL ID-compliant document.
After May 7, 2025, a valid and unexpired standard license or ID may be used to cash checks, rent vehicles, purchase alcohol and tobacco, and enter casinos.
To learn more about the REAL ID in Michigan, go to michigan.gov/sos/license-id/real-id.
What do I need at a TSA checkpoint?
Anyone over the age of 18 must show identification at the airport checkpoint before they can travel. After May 7, 2025, that identification must comply with REAL ID standards.
The TSA considers the following documents 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. To learn more, go to dhs.gov/real-id and use the REAL ID ready tool.]
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 to vote. ID is accepted if it is a standard, enhanced, or REA-ID-compliant driver’s licence or ID card. Voters without a 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-US citizens, including permanent and non-permanent residents, can apply for a REAL ID driver’s license or ID card. They will need to make an appointment with the Michigan Secretary of State and bring the necessary documents.
When the law takes effect on May 7, 2024, certain documents will qualify as REAL ID and can be used for domestic flights. These documents include: Permanent Resident Card Foreign government-issued passport. Canadian provincial driver’s licence or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card. Employment Authorization Card (I-766) from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Will a REAL ID be required for jury duty?
No. Jury duty will not require a REAL ID, even if it takes place in a federal building.
