DRIVERS LICENSE

UPDATES:

02/26/2008
1) New Procedures to be Finalized
While new legislation does make it legal for those on student/scholar visas to obtain Michigan driver's licenses, new application procedures are yet to be confirmed. Please be aware that at this time, you may not be able to finalize your driver's license application. We expect the new procedures to be implemented very soon. We will post this information on our website as soon as it is available.

2) East Lansing Branch Closed for Renovation
The East Lansing Branch of the Secretary of State will be closed for renovations from February 25th through February 29th. To locate other branches that are open this week, please visit http://services.sos.state.mi.us/servicelocator/branchofficelocator.aspx.

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02/14/2008
Driver's License Issue Resolved!

I write with good news. Following state legislation that passed today and the expected signature of the governor tomorrow, international students and scholars should be eligible to apply for State of Michigan driver's licenses and ID cards at the Secretary of State's Office beginning Tuesday, February 19.

The passed version of HB 4505 can be found here.

I wish to thank everyone for their patience during this unfortunate
period of time.

Best wishes,
Peter Briggs, Director

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All drivers are required by Michigan law to possess a valid Michigan driver’s license. Driving without a Michigan license or with a suspended license can result in revocation of all privileges to drive. The State of Michigan will allow you to drive for 6 months (after your arrival) using your national license accompanied by an English translation.

Please note that “international” driver’s licenses are not valid in Michigan. OISS recommends having your driver’s license translated into English prior to your arrival in the US. Please use our template.

Obtaining a State of Michigan Driver's License
Driver License Requirements - Age 18 or Older

Where do I apply for a driver license?
A driver license may be obtained at any Secretary of State branch office. The local office is located one block north of Grand River Ave, under the colorful parking structure on the ground level.

Branch Name #: East Lansing - 228
Address:
400 Albert Ave., Suite C
East Lansing, MI 48823-4407
Phone: 517-334-8305
Fax: 517-337-1426

Hours:
M,T,Th,F: 9am-5pm
Wednesday: 11am-7pm

What is required?
You must meet certain requirements before a Michigan driver license can be issued. If you are age 18 or older you must:

1. Present proof of identity.

2. Present proof of residence. Acceptable proof may be any of the following:
• Valid student ID from a Michigan school, college, or university displaying a Michigan address

• Michigan school, college, or university records containing the student’s name and Michigan address such as tuition invoices, receipts, class schedules, report cards, or transcripts

• Paycheck or pay stub with the name and address of the employer (please provide the phone number of the employer if it is not listed on the document)

• A gas, water, sewer, electricity, land-line phone, or cable television bill (NOTE: cell phone bills are not acceptable)

• Bank statement

• Life, home, auto, or health insurance policy (No insurance binders or registration certificates. Please provide the phone number of the insurance agent if it is not listed on the document.)

• Mortgage document or rental lease agreement (please provide the phone number of the leasing agency or landlord for rental lease agreements)

• Government documents issued by federal, state, or local units of government (such as tax assessments, tax receipts, professional licenses)

3. Provide your Social Security number. (A person who has never been issued a Social Security number must certify to that fact on an application obtained at a Secretary of State branch office.)

4. Pass a vision test and meet physical and mental standards set by the Secretary of State's office.

5. Pass a knowledge test if you have never had a driver's license or if your driver's license has been expired at least four years.

6. Pay the appropriate license fee. Drivers' licenses cost $25 for an operator and $35 for a chauffeur license. Secretary of State branch offices do not accept credit or debit cards. Payment must be by cash, check, or money order.

7. Complete a minimum 30 days of practice driving on a temporary instruction permit (TIP).

8. Pass a road skills test. The road skills test will be administered by an independent testing agency approved by the Secretary of State.

A person with a valid out-of-state driver's license may have the road skills test, knowledge test, and 30-day practice requirements waived. The Secretary of State will contact your previous home state to obtain your driver record, which then becomes part of your Michigan driver record.

Translating your driver's license
If you have a driver's license from another country (other than Canada), please make sure that it is translated into English. Having a translated driver’s license will speed up your application for a Michigan driver’s license. If you are already in the US and want to get your license translated, please use this template.

Note:
1. You cannot translate your own driver's license.
2. Michigan does not accept translations of international permits or licenses. Please make sure you have your national driver's license translated.