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Moving to Michigan: transferring your license

The steps in plain English. Each one links to the Michigan Department of State (Secretary of State) page it came from. Last checked Nov 15, 2026.

  1. Once you have established Michigan residency, pre-apply online and schedule a Secretary of State office visit.

    Source: michigan.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

  2. Bring your valid out-of-state license plus proof of legal presence, Social Security number, identity and two proofs of Michigan residency.

    Source: michigan.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

  3. Pass a vision test; a license from another U.S. state, Canada, Germany or South Korea is converted with no written or road test.

    Source: michigan.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

  4. From another country, pass the written test (in office or online) and the driving skills test.

    Source: michigan.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

  5. Your old license is canceled, since Michigan allows only one valid license at a time.

    Source: michigan.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

  6. Print a temporary license from your online account; the card is mailed and can take up to 60 days.

    Source: michigan.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Check before you go: requirements and fees change, and some depend on your age or situation. The official page is the final word.

Related facts

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

More in the Michigan guide

Learner’s licenseSteps and official links →First licenseSteps and official links →RenewalSteps and official links →REAL IDSteps and official links →Lost or replacement licenseSteps and official links →

Official Michigan links

Agency home pagemichigan.gov ↗Driver handbookmichigan.gov ↗Driver handbook (PDF)michigan.gov ↗Driver handbook (Spanish)michigan.gov ↗Online renewalmichigan.gov ↗REAL IDmichigan.gov ↗Permit and first licensemichigan.gov ↗New residentsmichigan.gov ↗Replace a licensemichigan.gov ↗Feesmichigan.gov ↗

These links open official government websites. USA DMV is an independent study site and is not affiliated with any of them.

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Not a government website. USA DMV (usadmv.app) is an independent study resource. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or operated by any state DMV, the Texas Department of Public Safety or any other government agency. Practice questions are written to reflect official driver handbooks but are not the official test questions. Always confirm current requirements with your state’s licensing agency.