Applying for a license or an Michigan state ID card may seem like an intimidating task, but knowing what documents you need to present to your Secretary of State office can make the process much easier. In total, you will need to present five documents.
The first necessary document is proof of Social Security Number. You will need to present ONE of the following:
The second document you will need to bring with you is proof of legal presence. You will choose ONE of the following documents to bring with you:
The third document will be your proof of identity. You will need to choose ONE of the following documents to prove your identity:
The final two documents will prove your Michigan residency. Out of the following choices listed below, you will need to choose TWO types of documents to bring:
As stated before, you will bring a total of at least FIVE documents to your Secretary of State Office.
There are a couple of important notes to remember. All documents are subject to be reviewed and sometimes this review may take longer than one day for approval. When presenting your FIVE documents, they must be the original copies; faxes and photocopies won’t be accepted, AN EXCEPTION to this rule is that photocopies of a valid Social Security number WILL BE accepted.
In the case that your legal name is different than what is on your birth certificate OR legal presence document, you will need to show proof of the name change. Proofs of a name change include an original marriage certificate, a certified divorce decree or a court order.
In the case that you will be presenting foreign documents, they will need to be translated before presenting them.
Applying for a license or ID card? (SOS-428)
What to expect at the Secretary of State Office
Making an appointment for the Secretary of State office is another way to make this process easier. You can schedule an appointment by going to www.Michigan.gov/SOS, you can then scroll down and under “popular services” there will be an option to schedule an appointment.
Follow the instructions as prompted, and choose the service that fits your situation most appropriately. Continue as prompted, select the best office location and day/time that works for you. You will finalize your appointment by filling out your contact information and clicking “submit.” A confirmation email will be sent to the email address you use in the contact information.
Fees will vary depending on the services you require. Payment methods that are accepted at the Secretary of State office include, cash, check, money order, credit or debit cards, Apple pay, Google pay, Samsung pay. Checks and money orders should be made payable to “State of Michigan”. Accepted credit and debit cards include MasterCard, American Express, Visa and, Discover. A processing fee will be charged when using debit or credit.
At your appointment:
- Be prepared to present all required documents and take a photo.
- Those applying for a license must complete a vision exam.
- If you are 18 or older and applying for a first-time license, you’ll also take the driver knowledge exam during your visit.
How Do I Obtain A New Social Security Card?
Have you lost, stolen, or damaged your social security card? In most cases, simply knowing your social security number is enough, but in some instances, you will need a physical card, and it’s quite easy to apply. A physical card may be required for financial institutions, accepting a new job, or obtaining benefits from some U.S. agencies. You can apply online, at the social security office, or at your local courthouse.
To apply for a social security card online, the easiest way is to visit: www.ssa.gov/ssnumber, where you will answer a few brief questions to find out the best way to apply. Once completed, you can replace your card online and receive it in 14 days. You can also use this account to check the status of your request and manage other benefits.
Many times technology fails us, and it is not always as easy as it seems to navigate. Therefore, another option to apply for your social security card is to physically go to your local social security office. At your local Social Security office you must provide:
- Proof of citizenship in the form of U.S. birth certificate or U.S. passport
- Proof of age via birth certificate
- Proof of Identity via valid U.S. drivers license, state-issued identification, or U.S. passport
Once these documents are presented at the social security office, the staff will assist you in applying for your card and have it mailed to your residence.
How do I apply for a replacement Social Security number card online.
Office of the Public Defender 