Michigan REAL ID
REAL ID went into effect in Michigan on May 7, 2025. Michigan residents will now need to present a REAL ID-compliant document to fly within the United States and enter certain federal facilities to comply with federal law. REAL ID requirements ensure the secure production and issuance of licenses and IDs to prevent copying or altering.
Update: US Homeland Security Chief Kristi Noem announced on May, 6 2025, that travelers without REAL ID will be allowed to fly. “If it’s (the traveler’s identification) not compliant, they may be diverted to a different line, have an extra step, but people will be allowed to fly,” Noem said. The Transportation Security Administration said in early April that passengers 18 or older without passports or the enhanced ID “can expect to face delays, additional screening and the possibility of not being permitted into the security checkpoint.”
What is REAL ID?
REAL ID is any of the following documents:
- Your driver’s license or ID card but only if it includes the REAL ID star in a gold circle or as part of an image of Michigan. Standard REAL ID-compliant licenses and IDs will display a star in a silhouette of Michigan in the upper right corner.
- Your enhanced driver’s license or enhanced ID card. Enhanced licenses and IDs are automatically REAL ID-compliant, regardless of whether they display the star.
- A valid U.S. passport, passport card, or other document listed at TSA.gov.
What is the Difference Between a Standard Driver's License and REAL ID?
A standard driver’s license can be used for identification, age verification, check cashing, and to operate a vehicle on public roads. Because of security, standard driver’s licenses have limitations. REAL ID meets federal requirements which allow for accessing federal facilities and domestic air travel. REAL ID includes enhanced security features and requires stricter federal standards to obtain. REAL IDs are distinguished from standard licenses with visual indicators like a gold star or state specific item.
The older Michigan license and ID design will be phased out by January 2029.
How Does REAL ID Affect You
To board domestic flights and enter certain federal facilities, nuclear power plants and United States military bases you must have a REAL ID-compliant document. To re-enter the United States by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean an Enhanced license / ID is required (outside of a valid United States Passport, United States Passport Card, or other document listed at TSA.gov). The TSA warns that travelers without a Real ID face “delays, additional screening and the possibility of not being permitted into the security checkpoint,” according to the TSA.
You can still convert your license or ID to REAL ID after the deadline at a Secretary of State office.
If you do not have a REAL ID compliant document, a non-Real ID license can still be used how it normally would be. This includes as identification, to cash checks, as a drivers license, jury duty (even in federal buildings), and to rent vehicle
How to Apply for a REAL ID Driver's License or ID Card
Schedule a visit at a Secretary of State office at Michigan.gov/SOS or by calling 888-SOS-MICH / (888) 767-6424. Bring the following to your office appointment:
1. Your driver’s license or ID card.
2. Your certified birth certificate with a raised seal or stamp issued by a governmental agency; your valid, unexpired U.S. passport; or an approved citizenship or legal presence document. Faxes and photocopies will not be accepted.
3. If your name differs from what is on your birth certificate, bring certified documents for every time your name has changed, such as marriage licenses or court orders.
4. There is no additional fee for a standard REAL ID if you apply when renewing your license or ID card. If you apply for REAL ID at any other time, a duplicate card fee will be due.
5. There is an additional fee for an enhanced license or ID.
Is There a Cost to Convert Identification or Driver's License to REAL ID?
According to the Michigan Secretary of State there is no added charge for converting to REAL ID if you do so at the time of renewing or replacing your license or ID. Otherwise, there is a correction fee ($9 for license; $10 for ID) to convert to REAL ID.
To convert to REAL ID, visit a Secretary of State office and provide the following documents:
- 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.
Resources
For further questions please refer to the following Michigan resources:
Michigan Department of State REAL ID Deadline Website
Michigan Drivers License and ID Information Website
Transportation Security Administration: Acceptable Identification at TSA Checkpoints
US Homeland Security Chief Says Travelers Without REAL ID Will Be Allowed to Fly
Disclaimer
This page does not constitute legal advice or providing legal services. This page is merely a general announcement of a new regulation regarding Michigan REAL ID. Nothing contained within this page constitutes a lawyer client relationship between Kemp Klein Law Firm and the reader.
Make sure to check out the Legislative Updates section of kkue.com for Important Information and insight on major new legal developments.