Driver’s License Eligibility
Who is eligible for a Michigan Driver’s License (DL) or State Identification Document (ID)?
Currently, you must live in Michigan and have a legal presence in the United States to obtain a Michigan DL or State ID. This can include many individuals, including many visa holders, such as H-2A or H-2B.
To obtain a Michigan DL, you must show that:
- You live in Michigan, and you do not plan to leave the state.
- This means that Michigan is where you usually sleep and keep your belongings, or you have a permanent home in the state.
- To show that you live in Michigan, you need at least two (2) documents with your name and address, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, and/or a pay stub with your employer’s name and address.
- You have legal presence in the United States.
- You must provide proof of your immigration status or citizenship. You must also provide a social security number (SSN). If you are not eligible for a SSN, you can use documentation that shows that you are not eligible for one. H-2A visa holders are eligible for both a social security number and a Michigan driver’s license. If you have trouble with the Secretary of State accepting proof of your immigration status or application, ask to speak to the branch manager or ask for the “exceptions process” and request the reason for any denial in writing.
Foreign Driver’s Licenses
Can I drive with a license from my home country or another state?
If you are a Michigan resident, which means you reside in Michigan and are legally present, you need a valid Michigan license to drive in Michigan.
If you do not live in Michigan, you can use a valid driver’s license from another state or country to drive in Michigan. If you have a foreign license that is not in English, you must also carry an English translation with your photo attached to it:
- If your license is from a “treaty country,” (such as Mexico or Guatemala), you do not need proof of immigration status. If your license is from a “non-treaty” country, you do need to carry proof of your legal immigration status.
- Please visit the State of Michigan Foreign DLs from Treaty Countries for a full list of countries.
- Only licenses issued by a state or foreign government are valid. However, an “international driver’s permit” may be used as a translation.
- If you are not a lawful permanent resident and plan to leave the country to obtain or renew your foreign driver’s license, consult with an immigration attorney before leaving.
- Not all police officers receive training to recognize foreign licenses. If an officer does not accept your foreign license, it is important to cooperate with them. However, if there are any issues, individuals can report police misconduct to the Michigan ACLU Police Misconduct Hotline: 313-208-7048.
Driving without a valid license in Michigan can lead to being charged with a misdemeanor and you may be required to pay fines, face jail time, and even incur additional licensure penalties.
Additional Driving Certifications
What additional certifications do I need?
Farm Labor Contractor Certificates are required if you are driving or transporting other farmworkers.
- The Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act (AWPA) applies to any person or business who transports migrant or seasonal agricultural workers, in addition to recruiting, soliciting, hiring, or employing these workers. The AWPA refers to these activities as farm labor contracting activities.
- Before performing any “farm labor contracting activities,” farm labor contractors are required to apply to the U.S. Department of Labor for a Certificate of Registration authorizing the applicant to engage in “farm labor contracting activities, such as transporting workers”.
- Individuals who are employed by farm labor contractors to drive or transport other farmworkers are also required to register with the department by filling out form WH-535.
Commercial Driver’s License (CDLs) are required if you are operating a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, is designed to transport 16 or more people, is towing a trailer, or is carrying hazardous materials.
Common Questions - Rules of the Road
Do I need to register my car in Michigan?
- If you operate your car in Michigan for more than 90 consecutive days, you must register your car in Michigan. Otherwise, you must register it in your home state or country.
Do I need Michigan no-fault insurance?
- Yes. If you operate a car or truck or are in Michigan for more than 30 days total in a year, you must purchase Michigan No-Fault insurance, even if you registered your vehicle in another state or country. It is against the law to drive, or let your vehicle be driven, without auto insurance in Michigan. If you are convicted of driving an uninsured vehicle, whether the vehicle belongs to you or not, you may face fines and/or jail time. The court may also order your license suspended for 30 days or until you provide proof of valid insurance.
Can I talk on the phone while driving?
- It is illegal in Michigan to text or do anything on a phone or other device that requires the driver to hold the device with their hands, arms or shoulders while driving or stopped. A police officer can stop and ticket you if you are holding a phone while driving.
- Penalties include fines and community service. If a traffic crash occurs and the at-fault driver was holding a phone while operating the vehicle, any civil fines will be doubled.
- There are exceptions if you are talking through a hands-free program or calling an emergency services provider.
What if I am stopped by law enforcement?
- When you are driving, an officer has the right to ask to see your driver’s license, proof of car insurance, and proof of car registration. An officer does not have the right to ask to see proof of your immigration status or ask about it, unless you are driving with a foreign license from a “non-treaty” country.
- If you receive a ticket, the ticket should state why you received it and provide instructions on how to pay for it or appear in court.
- Do not miss a court appearance, or you may have a warrant for your arrest issued and/or your license suspended.
- If an officer cites you for a misdemeanor, they may arrest you. They may also give you the option to provide a “guaranteed appearance certificate.”
- Since 2019, officers issuing civil traffic citations are no longer taking away a driver’s license or require a bond unless a noncitizen is arrested without a warrant. It is still important to follow instructions on the citation.
- Individuals can call the ACLU of MI Immigrant Police Misconduct Hotline 313-208-7048 to report misconduct or harassment by police.
What Is a REAL ID
Do I need to get a REAL ID?
Beginning May 7, 2025, all U.S. residents, including those in Michigan, will need a REAL ID or their valid passport to board an airplane or to enter certain federal buildings. Standard driver’s licenses and state IDs will not be accepted by Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at airports. A Michigan ID or DL that is “REAL-ID” complaint will have a white star in either a gold circle or in a gold outline of the state of Michigan.
County IDs in Michigan
Some counties offer residents a County ID. These IDs have certain requirements, such as proof of residency in the county and providing identity credentials. They can have useful benefits, such as offer discounts at local restaurants and may be useful for individuals to identify themselves to law enforcement, or allow for pickup of prescriptions at a pharmacy. Note that these county IDs are not driver's licenses and are not REAL-ID compliant! Visit the website for the country where you lives for more information on eligibility and benefits.