Starting on May 7, 2025, the entire state of Michigan will be requiring a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID for airplane travel.

A REAL ID has a star in a Michigan silhouette (on new design) or a gold circle in the top right-hand corner (on old design). Enhanced licenses and IDs, which have an American flag and allow border crossings to Canada and Mexico, are automatically compliant as a REAL ID. 

As of Apr. 18, an estimated 74% of state licenses and IDs are REAL ID-compliant. 

To obtain a REAL ID, residents can visit their local Secretary of State (SOS) office in person (appointment recommended) with:

• Current Michigan license or ID
• Proof of identity (such as a U.S. passport or certified birth certificate)
• Proof of Social Security Number (such as a Social Security card or W-2. form)
• Two proofs of Michigan residency (such as a utility bill and a bank statement)
• Name change documents (if applicable, includes a marriage license)

No extra fee is required if it’s obtained during regular renewal replacement of a license or ID. Otherwise, costs are $9 for a driver’s license or $10 for an ID correction fee. A U.S. passport, Trusted Traveler card, or military ID can substitute for REAL ID purposes.

Children under the age of 18 do not need a REAL ID for air travel, if they are with an adult. A REAL ID is not required for voting, driving, or jury duty.

For details or to schedule a SOS appointment, visit michigan.gov/sos/license-id/real-id or call (888) 767-6424.