What You Need to Do to Change Your Address in Michigan
To change the address on your Michigan driver's license, you must visit a Secretary of State office in person with proof of your new address. Michigan does not allow address changes by mail, phone, or online. You will need to bring your current driver's license and one document that shows your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement typically work. The process takes about 15 minutes, and there is no fee for an address-only change.
If your license is expiring within the next 30 days, the Secretary of State will usually require you to renew it at the same time rather than just update the address. In that case, you will pay the renewal fee (which varies by license type) instead of doing a free address change. If your license is valid for more than 30 days, you can change the address alone without renewing.
Key Takeaways
- You must go to a Secretary of State office in person — there is no online, mail, or phone option for address changes in Michigan.
- Bring your current driver's license and one document showing your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement.
- Address-only changes are free and take about 15 minutes if your license is valid for more than 30 days.
- If your license expires within 30 days, you will be required to renew it at the same time and will pay the renewal fee instead.
- The Secretary of State will issue you a new physical license with your updated address on the spot or mail it to you within 7 to 10 business days.
Documents You Need to Bring
You must bring your current Michigan driver's license. The Secretary of State will not process an address change without it. If your license has been lost or stolen, you will need to report it and obtain a replacement before you can update the address.
You also need one document that proves your new address. The document must show your full name and current address, and it must be dated within the last 30 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a property tax bill, an insurance policy, or a government-issued document like a voter registration card. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. Post office change-of-address forms do not count as proof of address.
If you do not have a document in your name at your new address yet, you can use a document from a household member (spouse, parent, or adult child) that shows your name and the shared address, along with a signed statement from that person confirming you live there. Some offices accept this; others do not, so call ahead if you think you will need to use this option.
Where to Go and What to Expect
Michigan has 131 Secretary of State branch offices across the state. You can find the one nearest you on the Michigan Secretary of State website by entering your city or ZIP code. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours or Saturday appointments. A few offices are open only part-time, so check the hours before you go.
Walk-in service is available at all offices, but wait times vary. During peak hours (lunch time and late afternoon on weekdays), you may wait 30 minutes to an hour. If you want to avoid the wait, you can make an appointment online through the Secretary of State website. Appointments are free and can usually be scheduled within a few days.
When you arrive, tell the staff member you are there for an address change. Hand over your license and your proof-of-address document. The staff member will verify the information, take a new photo if required (usually only if your current photo is damaged or very old), and process the change. You will be asked to sign the back of your new license. Some offices will give you a temporary paper license to use when ready while your permanent card is mailed. Others will mail the new license to your address within 7 to 10 business days.
If Your License Is Expiring Soon
Michigan's Secretary of State considers a license "expiring soon" if it will expire within 30 days of your visit. If this applies to you, the office will not process an address-only change. Instead, you must renew your license at the same time. You will pay the renewal fee, which is $25 for a standard four-year license or $35 for an enhanced license (which allows entry into federal facilities and some border crossings).
The documents you need are the same — your current license and proof of your new address. You will also need to provide proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or other state ID) and proof of Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). If you have moved out of state and back to Michigan, you may need to provide proof of Michigan residency as well. Ask the staff member when you call to confirm what you need to bring.
What Happens If You Move Out of State
If you have moved to another state, you cannot update your address on your Michigan license. You must obtain a driver's license in your new state instead. Michigan will not mail you a new license with an out-of-state address, and the Secretary of State will not process an address change to an address outside Michigan.
You do not have to surrender your Michigan license when you move, but it will no longer be valid for driving once you are no longer a resident of the state. Most states require you to obtain a license within 30 to 60 days of establishing residency. Check your new state's DMV website for the timeline and documents required.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common mistake is bringing a document that is too old. Your proof-of-address document must be dated within the last 30 days. A utility bill from three months ago will not work, even if it shows your current address. If you have just moved and do not have a recent bill in your name yet, ask your landlord or mortgage lender for a letter on their letterhead confirming your address, or use a household member's recent bill with a signed statement.
Another mistake is not bringing your current license. The Secretary of State cannot process an address change without it. If you have lost your license, you must report it and get a replacement first. This requires a separate trip and costs $10 for a replacement card.
Do not assume you can do this by mail or phone. Michigan requires in-person visits for address changes. Some people call the Secretary of State thinking they can update their address over the phone, or they mail in documents hoping the office will process them. Neither works. You must visit an office in person.
If your license is expiring within 30 days, do not go in expecting just an address change. Bring all the documents needed for a renewal (proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency if applicable) so you are prepared to renew at the same time. If you show up with only your license and proof of address, you will have to come back another day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my address online or by mail in Michigan?
No. Michigan requires all address changes to be done in person at a Secretary of State office. You cannot do it online, by phone, or by mail. You must visit an office with your current license and proof of your new address.
How long does it take to get my new license after an address change?
Some offices give you a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid when ready. Others mail your new license within 7 to 10 business days. Ask the staff member which option applies at your office when you visit.
What if I do not have a utility bill or lease in my name yet?
You can use a document from a household member (spouse, parent, or adult child) that shows your shared address, along with a signed letter from that person confirming you live there. Some offices accept this; call ahead to confirm your office does before you go.
Do I have to renew my license if I only want to change my address?
Only if your license is expiring within 30 days. If your license is valid for more than 30 days, you can change the address alone for free. If it is expiring soon, you must renew at the same time and will pay the renewal fee.
What if I moved to another state?
You cannot update your Michigan license with an out-of-state address. You must obtain a driver's license in your new state instead. Check your new state's DMV website for the documents and timeline required.