How To Get A Michigan Driver’s License

In this article, we will discuss the steps you need to take to get your Michigan driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, and motorcycle license.

Continue reading to learn how to get your Michigan driver’s license!

Types of Michigan Driver’s Licenses

There are different types of Michigan driver’s licenses. Here’s what you need to know about the types of Michigan driver’s licenses.

Currently, the Michigan Secretary of State (MI SOS) offers the following driver’s licenses:

Class O – Standard Michigan driver’s license
Moped License – Allows you to operate mopeds and scooters
Class CY – Motorcycle driver’s license (endorsement to your standard MI driver’s license)
Chauffeur’s license – allows you to operate a school bus, taxi, and other transportation that is designed to carry a large number of passengers
Commercial driver’s license – Class A, B, and C (CDLs)

Michigan Driver’s License Requirements

There are different requirements you must meet to be eligible for a Michigan driver’s license. To be eligible for an MI driver’s license, you must be:

A resident of Michigan
A legal resident of the U.S. (you must be a U.S. citizen if you want an enhanced MI driver’s license)
Legally allowed to operate a motor vehicle (the MI SOS will check your driving record for violations, suspensions, revocations, and any other penalties).

You are not required to obtain a Michigan driver’s license if:

You’re at least 18 years old, and visiting Michigan with an out-of-state driver’s license
You’re an active military member or dependent that is stationed in Michigan, as long as you have a valid out-of-state driver’s license, and you have not established residency in the state of Michigan
You operate farm vehicles off public highways
You only operate registered off-highway vehicles and snowmobiles without accessing public roads (other than crossing the road)

Applying for Your Michigan Driver’s License

To apply for your Michigan driver’s license, you must have the following:

Legal presence in the U.S.
Name change documentation (if applicable)
Social security number
Proof of identity
Michigan residency
Payment for all applicable MI fees

Legal Presence in the U.S.

You must provide one of the following legal presence documents:

Valid, unexpired U.S. passport or passport card
Certified birth certificate with stamp or raised seal issued by a U.S. government unit or U.S. territory government office
Consular Report of Birth Abroad that is issued by the U.S. State Department (Form FS-240, DS-1350 or FS-545)
Certificate of Citizenship (N-560 or N-561)
Certificate of Naturalization (N-550, N-570 or N-578)
Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card (I-551) or other evidence of permanent residency (1-551 visa/stamp in passport or on I-94)
Valid Employment Authorization Document (I-766)
Valid, unexpired foreign passport with U.S. vise and evidence of entry:
- F-visa holders: Form I-20
- J- visa holders: DS-2019

Documentation that is not accepted include B1 and B2 visas and WB, and WT visa stamps.

Other immigration documents that show legal presence and/or ability to work in the U.S., including Form I-94, State Department bio-date form, and supervision documents (other documentation may be accepted)
Expired immigration documents with a Form I-797 (Notice of Action) showing the new documents have been applied for

Be advised that the documents may need to be verified by the Federal Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) System.

Name Change Documentation (if applicable)

If your legal name differs from the name that appears on your birth certificate or legal presence document, you are required to present official proof of the name change with at least one of the following documents:

An original marriage certificate
A certified divorce decree issued in the U.S.
A court order

If you have changed your name multiple times, you must provide documentation for each legal name change.

You must provide one of the following documents:

Social security card
W-2 Form
SSA 1099 form or non-SSA 1099 form
Pay stub containing your name and social security number
SSA-L676 letter of ineligibility from the Social Security Administration issued within the last 60 days (this letter must be presented with USCIS documents that show non-work authorized status)

If you do not have one of the above-listed documents, you can provide an official document that provides your full name and social security number for the staff to review.

Keep in mind that you may be required to correct the information you provide with the Social Security Administration before you apply for a MI driver’s license.

Proof of Identity

You must provide one of the following documents to prove your identity:

Valid, unexpired U.S. passport or passport card
Out-of-state, U.S. territories, or Canadian driver’s license or ID card
Name change document issued in the U.S. (such as a marriage license, divorce decree, court-ordered name change)
Employee photo ID issued by a federal or Michigan government agency
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Trusted Traveler card
U.S. military ID with photo or U.S. military discharge or separation document
Photo ID from a federally recognized Native American tribe
Michigan Department of Corrections prisoner ID

You can provide two of the following documents:

Foreign passport
I-94
Employment Authorization card
Refugee Travel Document I-571
Expired immigration documents along with Form I-797 (Notice of action) that shows new documents have been applied for

Parents and legal guardians can present their valid, unexpired driver’s license or ID to sign for their minor child.

Michigan Residency

You must provide two of the following documents to prove your Michigan residency:

A utility of credit card bill that was issued within the last 90 days (electronic documentation is accepted)
An account statement from a bank or other financial institution issued within the last 90 days (electronic documentation is accepted)
Michigan high school, college, or university report cards or transcripts
Mortgage, lease, or rental agreement
Pay stub or earnings statement issued with the name and address of the employee
Life, health, auto, or home insurance policy
Federal, state, or local government documentation
Michigan vehicle title and vehicle registration with current address

If you do not have one of the following above-listed documents, you can provide an official document with your full name and address for the staff to review.

Payment for All Applicable MI Fees

During your Secretary of State office visit, be prepared to provide payment for your MI driver’s license or ID using a check, cash, credit or debit card, or money order. Keep in mind that additional fees may apply.

Michigan Driver’s Licenses, Permits, and Requirements

There are certain driver’s licenses in Michigan that are age specific. In this state, you can obtain an MI driver’s license before the age of 18 by getting a Graduated Driver’s License (GDL). There are different licensing levels when it comes to GDL permits. First, let’s discuss GDLs and the driver’s education requirements.

Michigan law states that you are required to complete and pass the following requirements to be issued an MI driver’s license before turning 18 years old. Classroom and driving instruction will be integrated and related, which means both should be completed at or around the same time.

Enroll in a Certified Driver’s Education Course

The Michigan law states you can enroll in Segment 1 of driver’s education once you are 14 years and 8 months old. There are multiple driver’s education providers in the state, so it’s best to choose the location that is the closest to you.

Segment 1 of Driver’s Education

You must complete all required classes, instruction hours, and pass the MI written knowledge test before you can graduate from this segment of the driver’s education course.

Apply for Your Level 1 Learner’s Permit

You need to gather the required documentation. Keep in mind that photocopies will not be accepted, and all documentation must be in English or include an English-translated document.

Complete the Required Practice Driving Time of at Least 30 Hours with at Least 2 Hours at Night

The level 1 MI driver’s license allows you to drive your parent or legal guardian, or a parent-designated licensed driver who is at least 21 years old. You must practice driving for at least 30 hours, including 2 hours of driving at night before you will be permitted to enroll in Segment 2 of the MI driver’s education course. The MI level 1 driver’s license will expire on your 18^th birthday.

Enroll in Segment 2

In segment 2, training can be completed with any certified provider and does not need to be the same one as in Segment 1. You must complete all required classes, instruction hours, and pass a written knowledge test before you can graduate from Segment 2.

Complete Additional Required Practice Driving Hours

Before you can take your on-road, also known as in-car driving skills test, you are required to complete a minimum of 50 hours of practice driving with a licensed adult. 10 of the driving hours must be completed at night, including the time accumulated during level 1.

Schedule and Pass the Michigan On-Road Driving Skills Test

Contact your driver education provider or a certified driver testing business to take your driving exam. If you pass the on-road driving skills test, your MI driver’s permit will be automatically upgraded to a Level 2 intermediate driver’s license when you turn 16.

Complete Level 2 Driver’s License Probationary Period

Once you receive your Level 2 MI driver’s license, you can drive without the supervision of a licensed adult. However, specific restrictions will apply. A probationary period will be in place for at least 3 years.

Meet the Requirements for a Level 3 Driver’s License

If you are at least 17 years old and have held a Level 2 driver’s license for at least 6 months and have not received a citation for violation of probation requirements for at least 1 year, your MI Level 2 driver’s license will be automatically upgraded to an MI Level 3 driver’s license with full driving privileges.

Complete GDL at 18

Once you meet all the GDL requirements by the time you turn 18, the Michigan Department of State will mail a standard Michigan operator’s driver’s license, which is the standard driver’s license and most common driver’s license in Michigan to you. If you haven’t completed the GDL by the time you turn 18 years old, you will age out and need to start the process at a Secretary of State Office.

In order to apply for a new Michigan driver’s license, you can’t have any kind of discrepancies, such as revocations, suspensions, cancelations, or other legal matters, that would prevent you from possessing a valid Michigan driver’s license.

To successfully apply for your standard Michigan’s driver’s license at age 18 or older, you must:

Complete and pass the MI written driver knowledge exam and a vision exam at a Secretary of State office
Present all required documentation and take a photo for your MI driver’s license
Practice driving with a licensed adult for at least 30 days, using the Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP) issued to you at your Secretary of State office visit
Schedule and pass an on-road skills test with a driver testing business

Once you pass the MI written and vision tests, you must present all required documentation at a Secretary of State Office, including:

Proof of legal presence
Proof of social security number
Proof of identity
2 proofs of Michigan residency

Once your documents have been reviewed and verified by Secretary of State staff, you will take a photo for your MI driver’s license.

In the state of Michigan, driving skills test services are provided entirely by a privatized driver testing program. This testing program utilizes a statewide network of approved public and private driver testing businesses that employ examiners that are authorized by the Department of State to conduct driver skills tests. These fees are charged by testing organizations and are not regulated by the department. The policies you need to follow and fees you must pay will vary.

Michigan Written Exam and Vision Screening

Written Exam

The Michigan written exam consists of 80 questions. You must answer at least 56 questions correctly to obtain a minimum passing score of 70%. The minimum age to apply to take the Michigan written exam is 14 ¾.

Vision Screening

The vision standards that are set by the Michigan Secretary of State is 20/40. You must also have a peripheral vision of 140 degrees or less for an unrestricted Michigan driver’s license.

If you do not meet these standard requirements, you must complete a Vision Specialist’s Statement of Examination and referred to a licensed vision specialist. The licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist will perform a full vision examination and determine whether your eyesight permits you to drive safely.

The vision specialist must complete the form and you need to take the Statement of Examination to your local MI SOS office. You may be prescribed glasses or a different type of vision correction. The MI SOS will need to retest your vision. Make sure you have the vision specialist’s recommendations before you return to the MI SOS. When you return, your vision report will be reviewed. If you pass the SOS vision test, your MI driver’s license will be granted with a corrective lens restriction, if required.

Acceptable Identification Documents in Michigan

In the state of Michigan, there are different types of acceptable identification documents you can use when you’re applying for your MI driver’s license. These documents can include:

Valid, unexpired U.S. passport or passport card
Out-of-state, U.S. territories, or Canadian driver’s license or ID card (cards that have been expired for less than 4 years are accepted).
Marriage license issued in the U.S.
Divorce decree issued in the U.S.
U.S. court order for a name change
Employee photo ID issued by a federal or Michigan government agency
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Trusted Traveler Card (Global Entry, SENTRI or NEXUS)
U.S. military ID with photo (DD-2, DD-1173 or CAC card)
U.S. military discharge or separation document, such as a DD-214
Photo ID from a federally recognized Native American tribe
Michigan Department of Corrections prisoner ID

Two of the following documents are also accepted:

Foreign passport
I-94
Employment Authorization Card
Refugee Travel Document I-571 or immigrant visa

Documents, including:

Immigration documents with or without an entry stamp (such as I-94 Arrival/Departure form
U.S. State Department bio-data form and court-ordered supervision documents
Michigan driver education certificate
Government-issued adoption record
U.S. school records (photo ID, transcripts, diplomas, yearbooks or attendance records

Parents or legal guardians may present their driver’s license or ID and sign for their minor child.

Examples of acceptable residency documentation include:

Utility bill or credit card bill (issued within the last 90 days) – electronic copies are accepted
Account statement from a bank or other financial institution (issued within the last 90 days) – electronic copies are accepted
Michigan high school, college or university report cards or transcripts
Mortgage, lease or rental agreement (lease and rental agreements must include the landlord’s telephone number)
Pay stub or earnings statement issued with the name and address of the employee
Life, health, auto or home insurance policy
Federal, state or local government documents (such as receipts, licenses or assessments
Michigan vehicle title and registration (registration must show current residential address

Other documents containing your name and address may be accepted with the manager’s approval. Keep in mind that documents that are used to show Michigan residency are required to include your name and home address. Michigan P.O. boxes are not accepted as a residential address.

Obtaining Your Driver’s License as a New Resident of Michigan

As a new resident of Michigan, you must apply for an MI driver’s license within 30 days of establishing residency in the state. You can prove your residency in Michigan by providing at least two of the documents listed above.

In addition to the proof of residency documents, you will need to provide:

Proof of legal presence
Proof of social security number
Proof of identity

Non-Commercial Class Driver’s Licenses in Michigan

In the state of Michigan, you can obtain non-commercial driver’s licenses, such as a chauffeur’s driver’s license or a moped license. An MI chauffeur’s driver’s license allows you to operate a taxi, school bus, and other transportation that is designed to carry a large number of passengers. A moped license allows you to operate mopeds and scooters in the state of Michigan.

Obtaining an MI Chauffeur’s Driver’s License

You must obtain a Michigan chauffeur’s driver’s license if any of the following conditions apply:

Are employed to operate a motor vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,000 pounds or more
Operate a motor vehicle as a carrier of passengers or as a common or contract carrier of property
Operate a bus or a school bus

Applying for a Michigan Chauffeur’s Driver’s License

To obtain an MI chauffeur’s driver’s license, you must:

Be at least 16 years of age, have completed segments 1 and 2 of driver’s education, and hold a Graduated Driver’s License level 2 or 3
Pass the written chauffeur license knowledge test (you will be required to pass a skills test if this is your first time with a driver’s license)
Pay the $35 driver’s license fee

Be advised that you may be required to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and a chauffeur license to operate specific commercial vehicles. If you are becoming a Transportation Network driver, you are not required to obtain a chauffeur’s license in the state of Michigan.

Who is Exempt from Needing a Chauffeur’s Driver’s License?

You are not required to obtain a Michigan Chauffeur’s driver’s license in the following situations:

A farmer or farmer’s employee operated a vehicle exclusively connected to the farming operation
All firefighter or members of fire departments that drives an ambulance
A firefighter or police officer that operated equipment used exclusively in connection with their employment
Utility companies hire employees to drive trucks transporting employees, materials, and tools
Service or repair personnel who operate vehicles carry their tools and transport parts or appliances only incidentally to their employment
Any emergency medical services personnel operating an ambulance
County road commission employees and other employees of local government units who don’t drive their vehicles and whose work consists of hauling road building materials and supplies for the road commission or other municipal purposes
Michigan DOT employee’s work consists of operating vehicles with a GVWR of 10,000 lbs. or more to transport highway and bridge maintenance materials and supplies for state trunkline maintenance
Anyone operating a motor vehicle for a volunteer program who only receives reimbursement for the cost of operating the vehicle
Anyone who operates a motor home for personal use
Parent or parent’s representatives transporting students to or from school and school-related events
Taxicab and limousine drivers, or transport drivers, such as Uber and Lyft drivers
A vehicle towing a trailer or other vehicle with a GVWR of 10,001 lbs. or more when the GCWR is 26,001 lbs.
Vehicles (including buses) that have 26,002 lbs. or more GVWR
A vehicle under 26,001 lbs. GVWR that:
- Carries 16 or more passengers (including the driver)
- Transports hazardous materials in amounts requiring unique warning labels

If you want to upgrade your Non-commercial Michigan driver’s license permit to a full license, you must:

Schedule an appointment with an MI CDL office
Take either the non-commercial vehicle with you
Complete and pass the pre-trip and safety inspections
Pass the MI skills and driving exams

Once you pass these exams, the MI SOS will give you an interim driver’s license until you receive your permanent MI driver’s license. You should receive your permit in 4 weeks.

Married, Divorced, or Name Change?

If you’ve gotten married or divorced, or changed your name for another reason, you may be required to provide name change documentation. If you’re applying for a new MI driver’s license or identification card, you may be required to submit a marriage license and other documents to be issued a REAL ID-compliant MI driver’s license or ID card in your true full name.

If the name that is provided on your identification document is different from the name you provided on your application, you must submit documentation that establishes your true full name. Examples of documents that establish your true full name can include any of the following:

A valid marriage certificate
Adoption documents that contain the legal names as a result of the adoption
A name change document that contains the legal name of both before and after the name change
A certificate declaration, or registration document that verifies the formation of a domestic partnership
A dissolution of marriage/domestic partnership documentation that contains the legal name as a result of the court action

Does the REAL ID Act Impact Residents of Michigan?

Starting May 3, 2023, residents of Michigan will be required to present REAL ID-compliant documentation to fly within the U.S. and enter certain federal facilities to comply with federal law. REAL ID requirements ensure the production and MI driver’s licenses, and identification cards are secure from copying or altering.

Deadlines and Requirements for REAL ID in Michigan

The REAL ID requirement begins May 3, 2023 for the entire state of Michigan. You will still be allowed to convert your MI driver’s license or ID to a REAL ID after the deadline at an MI Secretary of State (MI SOS) office.

You are not required to convert your MI driver’s license or ID to a REAL ID. However, starting May 2023, you must present REAL ID documentation when you:

Board a domestic flight in the U.S.
Enter a military base or nuclear power plant
Visit certain federal buildings and structures

If you obtain a valid, unexpired Michigan enhanced driver’s license or ID, U.S. passport or DHS Trusted Traveler’s card, you are already REAL ID-compliant.

Converting to a REAL ID

To convert to a REAL ID, you must visit an MI SOS office and provide the following documentation:

Current Michigan driver’s license or ID
Valid, unexpired U.S. passport, birth certificate, or other proof of legal presence document (click here for more information)
A certified legal name-change document (if your name is different from what is provided on your birth certificate)

There is no additional charge for converting to a REAL ID if you do so at the time of renewing or replacing your MI driver’s license or ID. Otherwise, there is a correction fee of $9 for the driver’s license and $10 for the ID to be converted to a REAL ID.

Is Obtaining a REAL ID Mandatory in Michigan?

No. The federal compliant REAL ID or REAL driver’s license in the state of Michigan is optional. If you obtain valid documents of the above-listed TSA documentation, you can use the same documents to pass TSA checkpoints at airport terminals nationwide and visit a secure federal building or military installation at any time.

If you will not be boarding a domestic flight or visiting a secure federal facility or military base, you are not required to obtain a REAL ID-compliant MI driver’s license or ID.

You are also not required to obtain a REAL ID-compliant MI driver’s license or identification card to perform any of the following actions:

Drive
Vote
Apply for or receive federal benefits (such as Social Security Administration (SSA), Veterans Affairs, etc.)
Enter a federal facility that does not require an ID (ex. Post office)
Visit a hospital or receive life-saving services

How Do You Prepare to Apply for a REAL ID?

There are different steps you are required to take to apply for a REAL ID in the state of Michigan. Although these types of ID cards are not required, they are good to have in many situations.

To successfully apply for a REAL ID card, you are required to take the following steps:

Provide proof of identity (certified birth certificate or passport)
Provide 2 Michigan residency documents
Present proof of your SSN (if eligible, you can request a replacement social security card online)

Applying for a Commercial Driver’s License in Michigan

If you’re interested in becoming a truck driver for hire, whether it’s as a career or short-term, you must obtain a Michigan commercial driver’s license (CDL). The state and federal requirements for operating a commercial vehicle are strict and require drivers to take specific steps to be eligible for a Michigan commercial driver’s license.

In the state of Michigan, there are Class A, B, and C CDLs. You must obtain a CDLs to legally operate a commercial vehicle in MI. You must pass a written and road exam to qualify for a MI CDL.

Minimum Requirements to Apply for a Michigan Commercial Driver’s License

There are minimum requirements you must complete to receive your Michigan commercial driver’s license:

You must be at least 21 years old to drive a commercial motor vehicle across state lines, also known as interstate. If you are between the ages of 18 and 21, you will receive a license with a K restriction that allows you to operate a commercial motor vehicle in Michigan ONLY.
The federal regulations and Michigan law requires all drivers who have a Commercial Driver’s License to provide proof of legal presence in the U.S.
To transport hazardous materials in a quantity that requires the vehicle to be marked or placarded, you must be at least 21 years or older. You must provide proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residence and present a Federal Security Threat Assessment
Meet SOS driver record requirements
Pass the required knowledge and vision tests. The MI knowledge test is required to obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP). The CLP permits you to practice driving the vehicle type that you wish to test for and is needed to take the skills test
Pay all applicable CDL fees
Schedule and pass the MI CDL skills test (there is a 14-day waiting period after you get your CLP to take the skills test and covert your CLP into CDL. The MI skills test must be scheduled at least two days in advance.
Unless you are exempt, you must comply with federal or state medical/physical requirements before receiving a CDL. Complete an application that includes a statement certifying that you meet medical and driver qualifications before taking the MI skills test.

Contact Information for Medical Requirements for Michigan Commercial Driver’s License

Intrastate medical requirements and state commercial vehicle contact:
Michigan Trucking Association
1131 Centennial Way
Lansing, MI 48917
(517) 321-1951
www.mitrucking.org

Interstate – across state lines, medical requirements and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations contact:
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
219 W. Allegan St.
Room 219
(517) 853-5990
www.fmcsa.dot.gov

School bus medical requirements contact:
Michigan Department of Education
Office of School Support Services
P.O. Box 30008
Lansing, Michigan 48909
(517) 373-6388
www.michigan.gov/mde

Different reasons you can be disqualified from obtaining a Michigan Commercial Driver’s license include:

Inability to obtain certifications on the CDL Certification Form, BFS- 103 (Appendix A of the Michigan Commercial Driver’s License Manual)
If you have a license in more than one state, you will not be eligible
A current suspension, revocation, denial, or cancellation of your license
Conviction of any 6-point violation in the 24 months immediately preceding application
A conviction for operating a motor vehicle while impaired in the 24 months immediately preceding application
A suspension or revocation in the 36 months immediately preceding application
Suspensions for Failure to Appear in Court (FAC), Failure to Comply with a Judgment (FCJ), failure to appear for re-examination, financial responsibility, non-sufficient funds checks, and a suspension or revocation for a temporary medical condition do not disqualify an applicant for a CDL

How Long Does it Take to Obtain a Michigan Commercial Driver’s License

Once the application process is complete, the MI SOS will issue a Temporary Operator’s Permit. The Michigan Commercial Driver’s License is valid for up to four years and arrives in the mail within two to three weeks.

Requirements to Get an Enhanced Michigan Commercial License

If you want to be able to enter Canada or Mexico, you must obtain the enhanced version of the Michigan Commercial Driver’s license.

Applying for a Michigan CDL Endorsement

ELDT Requirements

In February of 2022, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) established new minimum training standards for individuals who are applying for:

Class A or B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) for the first time
An upgrade or an existing CDL (ex. Class B CDL holder seeking a Class A CDL)
A Hazardous Materials (H), Passenger (P), or School Bus (S) endorsement on a CDL for the first time

These new minimum training standards in Michigan are referred to as Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT). MI drivers are required to complete the ELDT from a training provider registered with FMCSA before they can be scheduled for CDL skills or knowledge tests to obtain of the MI licenses or endorsement listed above.

Once implemented, the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR) will retain a record of the CDL applicants who have completed the new training and certification process that are outlined in the ELDT regulations.

Prior to ELDT being completed, a CLP may be issued. First-time hazardous applicants include those who are applying for Class A, B, or C CDL are required to complete the hazardous portion of the ELDT prior to a written knowledge test being administered and completed at an MI branch office. Individuals who received their Class A or B CLP prior to February 7, 2022, are exempt from these regulations until the CLP is expired.

License and Certification

To apply for a MI CDL endorsement, you must visit an SOS office and present your:

Valid, unexpired driver’s license
Completed and signed Commercial Driver’s License Certification form

Additional documentation is required for hazardous materials (hazmat), passenger, and school bus endorsements.

Testing

In the state of Michigan, to be issued a CDL endorsement, you need to pass the MI vision and knowledge test that pertains to the CDL endorsement for which you are applying.

HAZMAT Requirements

If you are applying for a hazardous materials (hazmat) endorsement, you need to visit an MI SOS office and provide the following:

Valid, unexpired license
CDL Certification form
A document proving your legal presence in the U.S.
A background check completed by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

Payment

During your SOS office visit, you must provide payment for the endorsement using check, cash, money order, or credit or debit card. Keep in mind that additional fees may apply.

Federal Self-Certification Requirements

You must be required to self-certify your type of vehicle operating with the MI DMV, meaning you are required to self-certify one of the following driving categories:

Non-excepted interstate
Excepted interstate
Non-excepted intrastate
Excepted Intrastate

Applying for a Michigan Motorcycle License

As of 2012, the state of Michigan no longer requires motorcycle riders to wear a helmet. To qualify, you must be at least 21 years of age and complete the MI motorcycle safety test within the last two years.

You also need to be sure that you meet Michigan’s minimum requirements, which are:

Be at least 16 years old
Hold at least a Level 2 Graduated license
Pass the vision and hearing screening through the MI DMV

Complete the MI Motorcycle Safety Course

The Michigan motorcycle safety course is offered by different private agencies in the state of Michigan, including local community colleges. This safety course combines classroom and range training for motorcycle riders of any experience level.

The motorcycle safety course also covers basic to advanced motorcycle driving skills. This safety course provides motorcycle riders with essential skills that are required to practice safe driving. The MI motorcycle safety skills test is required for riders who are under 18 years old and for riders who are over 18 years and have failed the MI motorcycle road test more than twice.

Enrolling in the Michigan Rider Education Program

You need to make sure you take the required equipment to participate in the course. You need to take:

Department of Transportation (DOT) – compliant or Snell-approved helmet
Eye protection (ex. Glasses goggles) – eye protection is required, even if your helmet has a face shield
Boots that have hard soles that cover your ankles (high-heels and high-top tennis shoes/sneakers are not allowed)
Long-sleeve jacket or heavy long-sleeve shirt
Heavy duty long pants
Full-fingered gloves
Rain and cold weather gear (as needed)
Pen or pencil

The MI Basic Rider Course (BRC) includes a training motorcycle (under 500CC) that is provided by the course sponsor. Other courses that are offered require you to provide your own road-worthy motorcycle that is properly registered and insured.

Michigan Written Motorcycle Test

You must complete and pass the Michigan written motorcycle test when you initially apply for your motorcycle license. The MI written motorcycle test is based on information found in the Michigan Motorcycle Manual.

During the written motorcycle test, you will be expected to know:

Laws regarding headgear and other safety equipment
Laws and other requirements regarding passenger safety
Defensive driving as a motorcyclist
How to handle emergency situations and more

Michigan Motorcycle Road Test

Passing the Michigan motorcycle road test is the last requirement for receiving your motorcycle license in the state of Michigan. The MI motorcycle road test is divided into two parts. Some of the driving will be performed on Michigan roads while other parts of this road test will be in different environments.

Before you are permitted to take the MI motorcycle road test, you must have:

Obtained your temporary permit and if required, attend a motorcycle safety course
Passed your MI written skills assessment given by the MI Department of Motor Vehicles
Successfully registered your motorcycle with the MI DMV

The MI motorcycle road test starts with a 5-minute inspection of your motorcycle to ensure it meets all MI safety laws and standards.

Michigan DMV Locations

There are different Michigan DMV locations where you can obtain an MI driver’s license, permit, CDL, or motorcycle permit or license. You can also renew your license or permit.

Michigan Department of Motor Vehicles – Chelsea Branch
1113 S Main St.
Chelsea, MI 48118
(888) 767-6424

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday (9 AM – 5 PM)
Wednesday (11 AM – 7 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)

Michigan Department of Motor Vehicles – Mason Branch
806 Hogsback Rd
Mason, MI 48854
(888) 767-6424