Michigan Enhanced Drivers License Requirements:

Michigan Enhanced Driver License

You need a Michigan Enhanced Drivers License to cross the border from Michigan to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, or the Caribbean. This document has federal approval and helps identify you and meet your border-crossing needs. To qualify, you must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen and a Michigan resident
  • Have no violations, suspensions, revocations, or denials on your driving record to prevent you from legally operating a motor vehicle.

How long does it take to get a Michigan Enhanced Drivers License

Your Enhanced license or enhanced state ID card should arrive two to three weeks after submitting your application but allow 30 days.  If you don’t receive your ID within 30 days of applying, contact the Department of State Information Center at [email protected] or call 888-SOS-MICH (767-6424).

After you complete the enhanced license application process, the Secretary of State will issue you a Temporary Operator’s Permit to drive. The operator’s permit is not a secure document for border-crossing purposes. Your enhanced license is valid for up to four years and should arrive in the mail within two to three weeks.

Michigan Enhanced License requirements

Make sure you bring documentation of the following:

  • A valid Social Security number (for example, a Social Security card)
  • Proof of U.S. citizenship (a certified copy of your birth certificate with a raised seal must be issued by a governmental unit in the U.S. or U.S. territory or Passport)
  • Identity (a current Michigan photo license or ID card)
  • Residency (a current Michigan photo license or ID card)

Click the link for a complete list of the Documents Required for the license.

Documentation is subject to the Department of State’s approval. Document approval may occur on the same day. Otherwise, you will need to come back. When applying for a new driver’s license, your first and last name, the date of birth on your identity, and proof of citizenship documents should match. If they differ, you must submit legal documents showing evidence of a legal name change.

How much does a Michigan Enhanced Driver’s license Cost.

The cost of a Michigan Enhanced Driver’s License is $45. Additional charges and requirements apply if you want an enhanced chauffeur or commercial license endorsement. All SOS offices offer enhanced driver’s licenses and state ID cards. You can schedule an appointment at any SOS office or visit www.michigan.gov/sosappointments to learn more.

Other types of Enhanced licenses are available

  • Graduated enhanced driver’s license (for teens under 18),
  • chauffeur enhanced driver’s license.
  • Commercial enhanced driver’s license.

All Michigan driver’s licenses must be Real Id compliant by May 7, 2025.  Click the link to view the updated Michigan Real ID driver’s license.