Applying for a Michigan State ID

If your student does not have a State ID Card, they can apply for one at any Secretary of State office. They have a choice of either a Standard State ID Card or an Enhanced State ID Card.  NOTE: Part of the application process for an Enhanced State ID is for the applicant to answer several questions during an interview conducted at the time of application. The applicant must answer these questions either verbally or in writing without assistance from parents, guardians, interpreters or aides. Any assistance given during the interview process will immediately disqualify them from the process. This should be taken into consideration when deciding which State ID card your student should apply for.

Waiting in line at the Secretary of State can be a lengthy process.  If your student has difficulty waiting, there are several options available to make the wait time shorter or more bearable. If you click HERE, you will be taken to the MI-Time Line website where you can schedule an appointment at your convenience, reserve your spot in line before you arrive, or get in line when you arrive by entering your cell phone number at the red kiosk and they will text you with updates as you near the front of the line.  Another option is to check in at Window 1 and request a handicap pass. This will not eliminate waiting, but it can cut it down considerably.

One of the most confusing aspects of the application process is knowing which documents your student will need to have with them when applying for a State ID Card. Click on the Applying for a license or ID link below for a complete listing of acceptable documents.

Following is a brief description of the application process for each.

Applying for a Standard State ID Card
Complete the following steps to obtain a standard state ID card.

  1. Visit a Secretary of State office.
  2. Present proof of a valid Social Security number or a letter of ineligibility from the Social Security Administration.
  3. Present proof of identity, U.S. citizenship or legal presence and residency.
  4. Have a photograph taken.
  5. Pay the standard state ID card fee if not exempt. The standard state ID card fee is $10. MDOS will waive the $10 PID fee for individuals who provide documentary evidence specified by MDOS demonstrating that the applicant is currently receiving benefits from one of the following programs:
    • Michigan Department of Human Services Family Independence Program (FIP)
    • Michigan Department of Human Services State Disability Assistance (SDA)
    • Social Security Administration Social Security Disability Insurance Program (SSDI)
    • Social Security Administration Supplemental Security Income Program (SSI)

Applying for an Enhanced State ID card
Complete the following steps if you wish to upgrade your standard state ID card to an enhanced version or to apply for an enhanced ID as your first ID.

Eligibility:  You must be a U.S. citizen and a Michigan resident

Please note:  When applying for an enhanced state ID card, your first and last name and date of birth on your identity and citizenship documents should match.

To apply:

  1. Visit any Secretary of State office. Make sure you bring documentation of:
    1. A valid Social Security number (for example, a Social Security card)
    2. U.S. citizenship (for example, a certified copy of your birth certificate with a raised seal, must be issued by a governmental unit in the U.S. or U.S. territory)
    3. Identity (for example, a current Michigan photo license or ID card.) If you do not have a license or state ID card, or if the applicant is a minor, there are other forms of ID that can be accepted as proof of identity. Please refer to the Documents Required for an Enhanced License or ID form or complete details.
    4. Residency (for example, a current Michigan photo license or ID card.) If you do not have a license or state ID card, or if the applicant is a minor, there are other types of documents that can be accepted as proof of residency. Please refer to the Documents Required for an Enhanced License or ID form for complete details.
  2. Complete brief verbal or written interview.
  3. Have a photograph taken.
  4. Pay the enhanced state ID card fee. The fee is $30. Enhanced state ID cards are offered for a reduced fee only to residents age 65 or older and to those who are legally blind.

All documentation is subject to Department of State approval. In some cases, document approval may not occur in the same day and may require an additional visit.

Your standard or enhanced state ID card is valid for up to four years and should arrive in the mail within two to three weeks.

Click HERE to visit the official State of Michigan website for additional information.