How to Obtain a Drivers License in Michigan
To get behind the wheel of a car in the state of Michigan, like any state in the United States, you will need to get a valid driver's license. Obtaining a driver's license involves proper education and training, several forms of identification and proof of residency.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
The State of Michigan Get copies of the driver's training manuals and study for the written exam. The Michigan Department of State provides booklets containing all required information, which can be downloaded online or obtained from any Secretary of State branch office.
-
2
Forms of ID Get proof of your Social Security number (SSN) in the form of a Social Security card, a W-2 or 1099 form, pay stubs featuring a SSN and the individual's name, a military ID card with a photograph or a letter of ineligibility that is not over 30-days old.
-
-
3
Acquire proof of legal presence in the United States, which can be in the form of a passport, state ID card, birth certificate, certificate of citizenship or naturalization, social security card, or a consular report of birth abroad. Foreign nationals can present their passport (containing a United States visa) with an English-language translation, a valid Employment Authorization Card, a permanent resident card or a valid Refugee Travel Document.
-
4
Passport Obtain identity verification, which can come in many forms. The following are acceptable: a passport, a Canadian or out-of-state driver's license (either valid, or expired for less than one year), a U.S. marriage license of divorce decree, a federal U.S. identification card, a U.S. court order for a legal name change, a military ID card with a photograph, military separation papers, a tribal ID card from an American Indian tribe with federal recognition, a Michigan prisoner ID (which requires verification), and for applicants 18 and under, a Michigan driver-education certificate.
-
5
Paperwork Provide proof of your Michigan residency via a bank statement, utility bill or credit card bill issued within the past 90 days; Michigan high school or college transcripts that are less than two-years old; a lease, mortgage, or rental agreement with landlord's phone number; a pay stub or earnings statement with the employer's contact info; or a health, auto, life, or home insurance policy. State, federal, or local government documents, such as assessments, licenses, or receipts are also acceptable. Finally, a Michigan registration with current name and address will work.
-
6
Apply for a Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP) after gathering all of the required documents stated in steps 2 through 5. Applicants are required to pass the vision, road signs and written knowledge tests and pay $25 to have a TIP issued. The TIP allows drivers to practice when accompanied by a certified driver-education instructor or licensed adult. Once a TIP is acquired, new drivers need to practice for at least 30 days before applying for a license, though the requirement may be waived for those with a license from another state or an expired Michigan license.
-
7
Car Keys Take the eye test, written test and driving skills road test, which are offered by third-party examiners throughout Michigan at varying costs.
-
8
Licensed to Drive After passing the test, bring the certificate awarded for successful completion, the TIP and required forms of ID (proof of residency, identification, and your SSN) to a Secretary of State office to receive your driver's license.
-
1
References
Resources
- Photo Credit man driving car image by palms from Fotolia.com michigan map image by Vladislav Gajic from Fotolia.com id form image by Alexey Klementiev from Fotolia.com us passport image by Albert Lozano from Fotolia.com work information image by Kimberly Reinick from Fotolia.com car image by Muhammad Umair Tahir from Fotolia.com holding car key image by Photosani from Fotolia.com woman coming out of her car image by jeancliclac from Fotolia.com
