Michigan licenses need to be REAL ID-compliant in 2025

Michigan Real ID Drivers LicenseAccording to the Department of Homeland Security, REAL Id extended to May 7, 2025, due to the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the slower-than-expected rollout. All Michigan residents will need a REAL ID license to fly within the United States and enter certain federal facilities under federal law.  You can tell if your license is compliant by looking at your driver’s license or state identification card.  REAL ID will have a star in a gold circle printed in the upper right-hand corner.  Enhanced licenses and IDs are compliant and do not have to be updated.  

How to apply for the REAL ID

To apply for a compliant driver’s license or state identification card, you’ll need to bring your valid U.S. passport or certified birth certificate with a raised seal or stamp to any Secretary of State office. You can also use another document to verify your identity from the Michigan Secretary of State’s official documents list

How Much Does a REAL ID cost?

You can schedule an appointment to convert to Real ID Michigan Secretary of State Office Visit. When renewing or replacing your license, there’s no added charge for converting to REAL ID if you do so. Otherwise, there is a correction fee ($9 for a license; $10 for an ID) to convert to a REAL ID.

If your license renews after May 7, 2025, and you elect not to get a REAL ID, it will still be valid. You can always use it as valid identification for cashing checks, purchasing alcohol, or entering casinos. But, you will have to have an approved, compliant document when you fly on an airplane or enter federal buildings because your standard license will not be accepted.

What Happens if you do not get a REAL ID

If your driver’s license or state ID card is not REAL ID compliant, you must show another form of acceptable documentation, such as a valid U.S. passport or passport card. The Transportation Security Administration has published a list of accepted documents. After May 7, 2025, the requirement is to board a plane for domestic travel and to enter certain federal facilities or military bases.

What identification do you need for Minors In Michigan?

Finally, children under age 18 will not need to provide identification when traveling with an adult within the United States. The adult will need to provide acceptable identification.  You can learn more about Child IDs at Michigan State ID for Children.