How to Change Your Address on a Michigan Driver License

How to change your Michigan address

You can change your address on a Michigan driver license or ID card in person at a Secretary of State office, by mail, or online through the state's MITIME system. The online option is fastest and costs nothing if you only need an address change — you do not receive a new card, but your record updates when ready. If you want a new physical card with your updated address printed on it, you must go in person or mail a form, and you will pay a fee.

Michigan requires you to report an address change within 10 days of moving. The state does not automatically penalize you for missing this window, but an outdated address can cause problems with vehicle registration renewal notices, court documents, and law enforcement contact. If you move and do not update, your license remains valid — it just shows the old address.

Key Takeaways

The online MITIME system updates your address record for free and takes minutes, but does not print a new card.
In-person visits at a Secretary of State office take 15 to 30 minutes and cost $10 to $15 for a replacement card with your new address.
Mail-in address changes require the DL 44 form, a proof of residency document, and your current license; processing takes 2 to 3 weeks.
You must report your new address within 10 days of moving, though the state does not automatically fine you for delays.
An outdated address can delay vehicle registration renewals and cause mail from the Secretary of State to go to your old home.

Online address change through MITIME

The MITIME portal is the Secretary of State's online system for driver license and vehicle registration transactions. To change your address online, you log in with your driver license number, name, and date of birth, then update your address in your profile. The change takes effect when ready in the state's system.

The online method is free and does not require you to visit an office or mail anything. However, your physical license card will still show your old address. If you need a card with your new address printed on it, you must choose the in-person or mail route instead. Many people use MITIME for the address update and keep their old card, since the record in the system is what matters for registration renewals and law enforcement checks.

To use MITIME, you need your driver license number, Social Security number, and date of birth. You also need an email address to set up or access your account. The system is available 24 hours a day, and you receive a confirmation email once your address is updated.

In-person address change at a Secretary of State office

Walking into a Secretary of State office with your current license and proof of your new address is the most direct way to get a replacement card printed with your updated information. Bring your valid Michigan driver license or ID card and one document that shows your name and new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. Processing takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is.

The fee for a replacement license card is $10 if your license is not expiring within the next year, or $15 if it is expiring soon (the new card will be valid until your normal expiration date). You walk out with your new card the same day. If you also need to renew your license because it has expired or is about to expire, the cost is higher and the process takes longer — ask the staff member when you arrive.

Secretary of State offices are open Monday through Friday, with some locations open Saturday mornings. Wait times vary by location and time of day; visiting early in the week or early in the morning usually means shorter lines. You can find your nearest office and check current wait times on the Michigan Secretary of State website.

Mail-in address change

If you cannot visit an office, you can mail your address change to the Secretary of State. You will need the DL 44 form (process for Michigan Driver License or ID Card), your current driver license or ID card, and one proof-of-residency document. Acceptable residency documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and new address.

Mail your packet to the address listed on the DL 44 form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the Secretary of State receives your envelope. You will receive a new card by mail at your updated address. The fee is $10 for a replacement card if your license is not expiring within the next year.

Keep a copy of everything you mail, and consider using certified mail or a tracked service so you know when it arrives. If your packet gets lost, you will not know for several weeks. The DL 44 form is available on the Michigan Secretary of State website as a PDF you can print and fill out by hand, or you can pick one up at any Secretary of State office.

What counts as proof of residency

Michigan accepts several types of documents to prove you live at your new address. The document must show your name and your new street address. Acceptable documents include a current utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a government-issued document like a tax return or W-2, or mail from a government agency.

The document does not have to be recent, but it should clearly show your current address. If you just moved and have not received any mail at your new address yet, a lease or rental agreement works well because it is dated and shows your name and address together. A utility bill in your name is also strong proof, even if it is a few weeks old.

Do not use a PO box address as your proof of residency. Michigan requires a street address. If you live in a rural area without a street address, bring whatever official mail you have received at your location and explain the situation to the staff member.

Address changes for vehicle registration

Changing your driver license address does not automatically update your vehicle registration address. You must report your new address to the Secretary of State for your vehicle registration separately. You can do this online through MITIME, by mail using the REG 13 form, or in person at a Secretary of State office.

It is important to update your vehicle registration address because the state mails renewal notices to the address on file. If you move and do not update your registration, your renewal notice will go to your old address and you may miss the important date. You have 10 days from your move to report the new address, the same as for your driver license.

If you update both your driver license and vehicle registration at the same time in person, you can do both in one visit. Bring your license, vehicle registration, and proof of residency. The staff member will handle both transactions together.

What happens if you do not update your address

Michigan does not automatically fine you or suspend your license if you do not report your address change within 10 days. However, keeping an outdated address creates practical problems. Vehicle registration renewal notices will arrive at your old address, and you may miss the important date without realizing it. If you miss a renewal important date, your registration lapses and you cannot legally drive the vehicle.

An outdated address can also delay or prevent you from receiving important mail from the Secretary of State, the court system, or law enforcement. If you are pulled over, the officer will see your old address on your license, which can raise questions. For these reasons, updating your address promptly is worth the few minutes it takes.

If you have already moved and your address is outdated, you can update it at any time — there is no penalty for updating late. The 10-day window is a requirement, but enforcement is not automatic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address online if my license is expired?

No. The MITIME online system only works if your license is currently valid. If your license has expired, you must renew it in person or by mail at the same time you change your address. Renewal and address change together cost more than an address change alone.

Do I need to change my address if I move within Michigan?

Yes. Any move to a new street address requires you to report the change within 10 days, whether you stay in the same city or move across the state. The requirement is the same for all moves.

What if I do not have a proof-of-residency document yet?

If you just moved and have not received mail at your new address, a signed lease or rental agreement works as proof. You can also use a mortgage statement or a utility bill in your name. If you have none of these, contact your local Secretary of State office to ask what documents they can accept in your situation.

How long does it take to get a new card in the mail?

Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the Secretary of State receives your mailed form. Delivery time after that depends on the postal service, usually another 3 to 5 business days. Plan for 3 to 4 weeks total from the time you mail your packet.

Can I use my old license while I wait for the new one?

Yes. Your old license remains valid even after you report an address change. You can use it to drive and for identification until your new card arrives. The address on it will be outdated, but it is still a legal form of ID.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.