Michigan driver license guide

Teen licensing system

Michigan uses Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) for drivers under 18: two driver education segments (Segment 1 and Segment 2) and three license levels. GDL ends at 18.Source: michigan.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Minimum age for a learner's license

Teens: 14 years 8 months to start Segment 1 driver education; 14 years 9 months for the GDL Level 1 Learner's License. Adults 18 and older get a Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP) instead.Source: michigan.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Level 1 Learner's License fee

$25, paid at the Secretary of State office.Source: michigan.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Parent or guardian at the office

A parent or guardian must go with the teen to the Secretary of State office to apply for the Level 1 license.Source: michigan.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Level 1 driving rules

Level 1 drivers may drive only with a licensed parent, guardian, or a designated adult 21 or older. Kelsey's Law bans cell phone use except in emergencies.Source: michigan.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

How long to hold Level 1

At least 6 consecutive months before the driving skills test (and at least 3 months before starting Segment 2).Source: michigan.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Practice period on a TIP (18+)

Adults must practice at least 30 days with a TIP, supervised by a licensed adult, before the driving skills test.Source: michigan.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

TIP validity (18+)

A Temporary Instruction Permit is valid 180 days; if you don't pass the skills test in time, you must reapply. (A Level 1 license expires at 18.)Source: michigan.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Supervised driving (teens)

At least 50 logged hours, including 10 at night, before the driving skills test; 30 hours (2 at night) are needed before Segment 2.Source: michigan.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Written knowledge test (18+)

Multiple choice, with two parts that must both be passed: an Operator section (about 45 minutes) and a road Signs section (about 15 minutes). Teens instead pass the Segment 1 state exam (70% needed).Source: michigan.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Failing the knowledge test

Failing ends the test session; you must reschedule and retake it on a different day. A passed test stays valid for one year.Source: michigan.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Test languages

English and several other languages, in both audio and written formats (the handbook says over 15 languages).Source: michigan.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Vision test

Every license applicant takes a vision exam at the Secretary of State office.Source: michigan.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Documents for a first license

Proof of legal presence, Social Security number, identity, two proofs of Michigan residency, and a name-change document if your name changed. Originals only, in English or translated.Source: michigan.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Office visit and pre-application

A first-time license can only be done at a Secretary of State office (not online or by mail). You pre-apply online when you schedule the visit.Source: michigan.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Failing the driving skills test

Skills tests are given by independent driver testing businesses. If you fail, book a new appointment and start over; only one test is allowed per 24 hours.Source: michigan.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Getting the Level 2 Intermediate License

Pass Segment 2 and the skills test, be 16, hold Level 1 for 6 months, and stay violation- and crash-free 90 days; Level 2 is issued automatically. Level 2 bans driving 10 p.m.-5 a.m. and limits passengers, with exceptions.Source: michigan.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

First license fee

Standard first-time license: $25. Enhanced license: $45.Source: michigan.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

How long a license lasts

A Michigan license expires every 4 years on your birthday. New drivers are on probation for at least 3 years.Source: michigan.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

When you can renew

Up to 1 year before the expiration date; late renewal is possible up to 4 years after expiration, with late fees.Source: michigan.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Online renewal

Yes, if eligible: renew online, by mail, or at a self-service station ($4.25 station fee). Most drivers only need an office visit every 12 years for a new photo and vision test.Source: michigan.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Renewal fee

Standard license $18 ($25 late); enhanced license $38 ($45 late).Source: michigan.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Standard, REAL ID and enhanced

A REAL ID-compliant card (marked with a star) is needed to fly domestically and enter some federal facilities. Enhanced licenses are automatically REAL ID-compliant and also work for land/sea re-entry from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean. Converting requires an office visit.Source: michigan.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

REAL ID cost

Free if you convert when renewing or replacing your license; otherwise a $9 correction fee for a license ($10 for an ID).Source: michigan.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Tests for new residents

Drivers with a valid license from another U.S. state, Canada, Germany or South Korea take only a vision test; drivers from other countries must pass the written and driving skills tests.Source: michigan.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Replacement (duplicate) fee

$9 for a standard license, ID or permit; $24 for enhanced.Source: michigan.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

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