Obtaining a Michigan Driver’s License
Step 1: Read and study "What Every Driver Must Know" and "Driving Skills Test Study Guide"
Step 2: Present required documents at Secretary of State (SOS)*
- Social Security Number, or ineligibility for one**
- Valid, unexpired foreign passport and US visa
- Stamped I-94
- I-20 or DS-2019
- 2 Documents showing proof of MI residency (examples include utility bill, credit card bill, or bank statement issued within last 90 days, lease or rental agreement, insurance policy, pay stub from MI employer
Step 3: Knowledge, Road Signs, & Vision Tests.
Pass vision test, road signs test, knowledge test, and physical standards, given at local SOS.
Pay $25 fee** for TIP (can be paid with cash, check or money order)
- Valid for 180 days
- Required to take driving skills test
Step 4: Practice
- Must have a TIP to practice driving
- Must be with a licensed adult or driver education instructor
- Must practice for at least 30 days if you do not have a valid license*** from your home country
Step 5: Driving Skills Test, given by third-party testing organization (fees and hours vary)
Test has two parts:
1. Basic control skills
2. On-the-road driving requirements
Step 6: Take skills test certificate, TIP, and identification to SOS for license issuance
* Secretary of State (SOS) – the nearest office is at 2720 Washtenaw, Ypsilanti MI 48197, 1-888-767-6424
** If you are not eligible for a social security card, you can request a “Letter of Ineligibility” from the OIS to take to the Social Security Administration (SSA) as proof to present at the SOS. You will receive the letter during your visit to SSA.
***The foreign license must be translated into English unless the parts of the license that list the name, date of birth, country of issue, issue date, type of license, and expiration date are in English.
State of Michigan Personal Identification Card
If you do not need a driver’s license, but would like a Michigan Personal Identification card, you can apply at any SOS office. There is a fee of $10. The identification requirements are the same as for a driver’s license.
Please be aware, the SOS will not issue you an ID card if you have a Michigan driver’s license, a driver’s license from another state, or a driver’s license from another country.
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