There are now 1.2 million drivers in Michigan who are 65 or older and by 2025, an estimated one in five drivers will be 65 or older-the fastest growing population of drivers in the state. The myriad rules and regulations enforced by the Michigan apply to drivers of all ages and stages—and the state claims to impose no special requirements on drivers based solely on age. In the interest of keeping drivers and roadways safe, however, the SOS accepts requests from any citizen who is concerned about the possibility that an individual is driving unsafely. License Renewal Rules for Older Drivers No special rules apply to drivers based on age. Time limits: Drivers of all ages must renew every four years.
Vision test: Required at renewal. SOS personnel will conduct a test free. If the SOS requires it, the driver must have an additional eye test performed by an outside ophthalmologist or optometrist, who must complete a and conduct the exam within six months of the renewal request. Written test: Not required at renewal. Road test: Required only if the SOS receives indications of driver impairment. Possible License Restrictions The SOS can place restrictions or conditions on a person’s driver license after administering a driving test and discussing possible restrictions with him or her. The most common restriction for older drivers is to require glasses or corrective contact lenses.
In Michigan, other common requirements the SOS may impose on older drivers include:. no freeway driving. an additional right side mirror on a vehicle. no nighttime driving. time of day restrictions—for example, no driving during rush hour traffic. supports to ensure a proper driving position.
geographic area restrictions, and. wearing bioptic telescopic lens when driving. How to Request an Unsafe Driver Investigation in Michigan The Michigan SOS will accept requests for driver reexaminations from medical professionals, law enforcement, family members and friends, or concerned citizens. All information provided remains confidential to the extent permitted by law.
Anonymous tips cannot be accepted. There are two ways to request that the SOS review driving qualifications:. Write and sign a letter including the name, birthdate and address or driver’s license number of the driver who is causing the concern, giving specific reasons for making the report.
Complete a. Letters or completed forms should be mailed to: Michigan Department of State Traffic Safety Division P.O. Box 30810 Lansing, MI 48909 They can also be emailed to [email protected]. How to Get a License Reinstated For information on how to get back a license that has been suspended or revoked in Michigan, see “.” How to Get Parking Placards or License Plates for a Disabled Driver Disabled person parking placards and license plates can be issued to drivers with impaired mobility if a licensed medical practitioner certifies the condition. The placards and plates are available for those who are blind or have any condition that significantly limits the ability to walk or who need a wheelchair, walker, crutch or other assistive device to get around. Steps required to obtain a license plate in cases of a permanent disability are:. Complete and sign an.
Have a licensed physician, nurse practitioner, chiropractor, physician’s assistant or podiatrist complete Part 2 of the application. Mail the completed form to the SOS office indicated on it. Learn More About Michigan Driving Rules for Seniors The has a wealth of information for Michigan drivers, including explanations for licensing drivers and registering vehicles. Of special interest is the downloadable booklet, “,” which includes safe driving tips, self-assessment tests for seniors and guidance for family members who have concerns about a driver’s safety behind the wheel. Where to Find a Lawyer for Help You can use to find a local lawyer experienced in representing older people who need help with or in Michigan.
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Renew Your Driver's License in Michigan Before your Michigan driver's license expires, you need to renew it with the Secretary of State (SOS) so you can continue to legally drive in the state. On this page, you'll find information on how to renew your MI driver's license online, by mail, and in person. If you need to renew your MI commercial driver's license (CDL), please see our page.
If you need to renew your ID card, please see our page. If you've already renewed your license, you can by contacting the MI SOS. When to Renew Your MI Driver's License Your Michigan driver's license expires on your birthday every 4 years.
If you are under 21 years old, your MI driver's license will expire on your 21st birthday. The MI Secretary of State (SOS) will mail you a renewal notice about 45 days before it expires. It will notify you whether you can renew:.
Online. Once every 8 years, you must renew your MI driver license in person at a MI DMV office. Renewal requirements may vary based on the status of your driver's license, and whether it is currently:. Valid.
Lost, damaged, or destroyed. NOTE: If you have an enhanced driver's license, you cannot renew online.
Valid Driver's License If you hold a valid MI driver's license, you can renew it up to 12 months before the expiration date. Expired Driver's License If your Michigan driver license is expired, you'll need to pay a $7 late fee when you renew. If your MI license has been expired for 4 years or more, you must pass a:. Written driving knowledge test. Driving skills test.
Suspended Driver's License If your MI drivers license is suspended, you'll need to reinstate your driving privileges before you can renew it. For more information, please see our page on.
Online Driver's License Renewal You are eligible to renew online if:. You have a standard noncommercial driver's license.
Your last renewal was completed in person. You have not requested a replacement license in the last 4 weeks. You have not changed your address in the last 10 days. Your health condition has not changed. Your Social Security number is on file with the MI DMV. Your driver license has been renewed in the past 4 years.
Note that the MI ExpressSOS has regularly scheduled maintenance outages. You can so as to make your transaction smoother.
To renew your standard Michigan driver's license online, and provide:. The last 4 digits of your Social Security number. Your driver license number.
Your birth date. Your eye color. Payment for the renewal fee. (See the “ Fees to Renew Your MI Driver's License' section below.) By-Mail Driver's License Renewal You can renew your MI driver license by mail if:.
You are renewing a non-commercial driver's license. Your last renewal was done in person.
The Michigan SOS has verified your Social Security number (SSN). You have not changed your legal name since you last renewed. To renew by mail, you'll need to:. Complete and sign your renewal notice.
Provide payment for the renewal fee. (See the “ Fees to Renew Your Driver's License' section below.) Mail the above to: Michigan Department of State 7064 Crowner Drive Lansing, MI 48980 In-Person Driver's License Renewal You must renew in person at your local Michigan DMV office if:. You haven't completed a renewal in person in the last 4 years.
Your last renewal was completed online or by mail. The MI SOS has not verified your Social Security number.
Your health conditions have changed. To renew your license in person, visit your local Michigan Secretary of State. You'll need to:. Bring your current MI drivers license or an acceptable identity document, such as your:. U.S.
Replacing/Correcting
Government employee ID. Pass a vision exam.
Your First License Over 18
Provide your Social Security number. Have your photo taken. Pay the renewal fee. (See the “ Fees to Renew Your MI Driver's License' section below.) NOTE: If your medical condition has changed, the MI SOS recommends renewing your MI driver license at least 3 weeks before the expiration date. Your doctor may need to complete additional forms. Military & Out-of-State Michigan Residents Military Members. Notice for Military Members Stationed in Germany If you are currently stationed in Germany, please be aware that some states require you to have a valid U.S.
Driver's license in addition to your USAREUR license. For more information. If you are an active duty military member, your expired MI driver's license will remain valid for:. 30 days after any leave of absence. OR. 30 days after being discharged. When driving with an expired driver license in Michigan, make sure to carry your military documents with you.
Renewing
Military members, spouses, and dependents can renew in person, online, or by mail through the MI Special Services Branch (see below). Out-of-State Renewals If your Michigan drivers license expires while you are out of state, you can either:.
Renew online or by mail. OR. Request a temporary driver license extension.
If you will be out of state for more than 180 days after the expire date, you must contact the MI SOS Special Services Branch to check if you can still renew your MI driver's license. Mail: Michigan Department of State Special Services Branch 7064 Crowner Drive Lansing, MI 48918. Phone: (517) 322-1473. Fax: (517) 322-5438. If you are eligible to renew by mail, you'll need to provide:. Proof of your Social Security number.
Proof of your MI residency. A vision statement from an eye doctor. NOTE: Out-of-state renewals can take up to 6 weeks to process.
To renew your MI driver's license online, see the “ Online Driver's License Renewal' section above. You can also contact the Michigan SOS to request a free temporary permit valid for up to 180 days, depending upon your particular circumstances. Once you return to MI, the permit will expire after 2 weeks OR once you've reached 180 days, whichever date occurs first. Fees to Renew Your MI Driver's License Your Michigan driver's license is valid for 4 years and will cost you the following to renew:. Standard: $18. Enhanced: $38. Accepted Forms of Payment For renewals made online and by mail, the Michigan Secretary of State (SOS) accepts payment by:.
Check. Money order. Credit/debit cards. NOTE: Online transactions completed with a credit/debit card will be charged an additional processing fee. For renewals at a in person, you can pay with:. Cash. Money order.
Credit/debit card.