Secretary of State services (2024)

Secretary of State services

• Do I need to call to confirm my office visit if I scheduled online?

  You don't need to call to confirm your office visit if you scheduled online. We appreciate you saving that call for residents who need assistance with other issues.

  At the time of scheduling your visit, we will send an email to the address you provide that will confirm the date, time, and location of your visit, as well as the transaction you need to complete. We strongly encourage you to add your visit to your calendar and this email includes an option to automatically do so.

  Unless you unsubscribe from our emails, closer to your visit you will receive an additional email reminder confirming the details of your visit. If you can't locate your email reminder in your inbox, we recommend checking the spam or junk folders of your email account. Whether or not you get a reminder, you should still plan come to the branch at the time of your appointment for service.

  Last updated Aug. 5, 2021

• Do I need to wear a mask when I visit a Secretary of State office?

  Masks at Secretary of State offices are welcomed but not required as of March 3, 2022. To help ensure the continued well-being of staff and visitors, social distancing and cleaning and sanitation protocols that have been in place in the department’s offices throughout the pandemic will still be utilized.

  Last updated Mar. 3, 2021

  See Also

  Scheduling an office visitSecretary of State offices

• How do I confirm, cancel, or reschedule an office visit?

  When scheduling your visit online, you must select the green “Submit” button after entering in your information. Once the visit has been confirmed, a message will display on the next page and a confirmation email will automatically be sent to the email address used to book your visit.

  The confirmation email also includes the option to cancel or reschedule the visit. To cancel or reschedule, select the link at the bottom of the email.

  Visits are canceled if they are made with an invalid email address, or if the same person has made duplicate reservations.

  You will also have the option to cancel or reschedule through a reminder text message.

  If you cannot locate your confirmation email, it is recommended that you search your inbox for an email from Noreply-CARS@Michigan.gov. Be sure to also check the junk or spam folders of your email account. If you still cannot locate your confirmation email, you can use the Find Visit form to manage your appointment online.

• How can I schedule an office visit?

  We recommend scheduling a visit, so you can be served on time and be back on your way in about 20 minutes. When you schedule a visit, the system will walk you through everything you need to bring with you for your transaction, helping you to avoid having to make a return visit.

  Visits may be scheduled up to six months in advance. To schedule your visit, visitOnline Services or call 888-SOS-MICH (888-767-6424).

  If you’re unable to schedule a visit, you can stop by an office and staff will serve you if there is availability, invite you to wait or return for the next opening the same day, or assist you in scheduling a visit convenient for you, often for the next day.

  TIP: Scheduling your visit is the best way to minimize your time in the office.

  Schedule an office visit

• How do I set up an account to access Secretary of State services online?

  Many Secretary of State transactions can now be completed online. Once your customer account is set up, you can go online to renew or replace your driver's license, state ID, or vehicle registration, request a duplicate title, track credentials you have ordered by mail, and more.

  Follow these steps to set up your customer account:

  1. Visit our website and select Online Services. Then, select the transaction you need to complete.
  2. You will be redirected to a new page to set up your MiLogin account.
  3. Select the sign-up button and follow the prompts to set up your account. You will need to provide a unique and verifiable email address during the sign-up process.
  4. Your email address will be confirmed by sending a "one-time password" (OTP) to the provided address. You will have to enter the OTP during the sign-up process, so make sure you have a unique and valid email address.
  5. Enter your OTP and follow the prompts to finish setting up your account.

  If you already have a MiLogin account, visit our website and select Online Services to access your Secretary of State account online.

• What do I need to do before I leave Michigan?

  If you’re traveling or temporarily moving out of state:

  • Renew your vehicle registration and tab up to six months in advance online or at a self-service station before you leave.
  • Update your mailing address through Online Services prior to your departure.
  • If your license or ID will expire within one year of the date you are traveling and you are required to visit a Secretary of State office to renew it in person, visit an office before your departure and provide your travel itinerary and current Michigan license or ID to renew early.
  • If your license, ID, or registration is lost or stolen while you’re out of state, request a replacement through Online Services. Call 888-SOS-MICH (888-767-6424) if you are unable to complete the transaction online or need a credential faster for return travel.
  • If you will be out of state during an election, request an absentee ballot online or by mail up to 40 days before an election. It’s recommended that you mail your absentee ballot to your local clerk no fewer than 14 days before an election to ensure your ballot is received and can be tabulated by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

  If you’re establishing residency outside Michigan:

  • Before you leave, be sure you have a copy of your Michigan vehicle title(s). You can request a duplicate copy through your online Secretary of State account.
  • Remove your Michigan license plate from your vehicle if you are selling your vehicle. You will need to retain a copy of the completed and signed title for at least 18 months after the sale. After you sell your vehicle, remember to cancel your Michigan No-Fault vehicle insurance.
  • Keep your valid Michigan license or ID until you convert and are issued a license or ID by the new state/territory.
  • If you are a registered Michigan voter, contact your local clerk in writing to cancel your voter registration. Your request should include your full name, date of birth, Michigan address, contact information, and written signature.

  Go to Online Services

• What hours are Secretary of State offices open?

  All Secretary of State offices are open from:

  • 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time (8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Central Time) on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.
  • 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time (10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central Time) on Wednesdays.

  Some offices may close for lunch or may only be open on certain weekdays. All offices are closed onstate holidays. For more information about offices, schedule an office visit.

  Last updated: Aug. 8, 2022

• What is the deadline for converting a license or ID to REAL ID?

  Beginning May 7, 2025, all Michigan residents will need to present a REAL ID-compliant document to fly domestically in the U.S. and to enter certain federal facilities and military bases.

  Residents may upgrade their standard driver's license or ID to REAL ID at a Secretary of State office by presenting a birth certificate, valid and unexpired US passport, or another legal presence document along with their current driver's license or state ID.

  Enhanced driver's licenses and IDs are already REAL ID-compliant.

  To learn more about REAL ID requirements, visit Michigan.gov/REALID.

  Last updated Dec. 5, 2022

• What should I do if I cannot access my online account?

  If you can't log into your online account through MiLogin, check to ensure your username and password have been entered correctly. After entering your password incorrectly three or more times, your account will be locked for 30 minutes. Additionally, your account will automatically be disabled if you have not logged in for 18 months.

  If your account doesn't unlock after 30 minutes or you aren't able to log into your account for another reason, call 888-SOS-MICH (888-767-6424) for assistance.

  Last updated Aug. 5, 2021

• What should I do if I cannot renew my license, ID, permit, or tabs before they expire?

  Most driver's licenses, state IDs, and vehicle registration tabs can be renewed online, at 160 self-service stations, or by mail. Vehicle registration tabs can be renewed and printed instantly at any self-service station.

  Additionally, in accordance with a recent change in state law, expirations have been extended for vehicle registrations, driver's licenses, state IDs, and permits expiring between March 31 and Aug. 1, 2021. Residents whose credentials expired during this time have fourmonths (120 days) from the original expiration date (usually their birthday) to renew. Late fees will be waived upon renewal and can be refunded retroactively upon request to those who paid them.

  Last updated: Mar. 28, 2022

• What should I do if my license or ID has not yet arrived the mail?

  We advise that you allow 30 days after your transaction for the U.S. Postal Service to deliver your license or ID. If you have not received your license or ID within this time, create or log into your online Secretary of State account to confirm your address and check whether it was returned as undeliverable by the U.S. Postal Service.

  If your card was undeliverable, update your address online or by mail and order a replacement. Please note that your address must exactly match U.S. Postal Service records.

  If your address is correct, contact our department for assistance.

  Go to Online Services.

  Last updated: June 13, 2024

• Who should I contact if I have a question about a transaction and am out of state?

  Michigan Department of State
  Internal Services Section
  888-767-6424
  517-636-5872
  MDOS-SpecialServices@Michigan.gov

• Will I be charged a late fee if I don’t renew my credential before the expiration?

  Per state law, our department is required to charge a fee for renewing a standard or enhanced driver’s license or vehicle registration after its expiration or if transferring a vehicle title more than 15 days following its sale.

  Last updated: Mar. 28, 2022