It’s time to get REAL
A message from Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson
Your Michigan driver’s license or identification card may not get you through airport security
later this year.
Oct. 1 is when the federal government will fully enforce the post-9/11 REAL ID Act, and
standard state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards will no longer be accepted to
board domestic flights within the United States, or when entering certain federal facilities, such
as military bases or nuclear power plants.
Many people already have a REAL ID document, such as a valid U.S. passport, a DHS Trusted
Traveler Card or an Enhanced Driver’s License. A full list of acceptable REAL ID documents is
available at TSA.gov. Those who don’t can make their Michigan license or identification REAL
ID-compliant by visiting a Secretary of State branch office and presenting the required
documents. And, if you make an appointment, you’ll be in and out in 30 minutes or less.
Here’s what you need to do to get a REAL ID:
To schedule an appointment at one of our branch offices visit
Michigan.gov/SOSAppointments or calling 888-SOS-MICH. You can make your
appointment at any branch in the state, and you don’t need to have a renewal mailer to
do so. Some branches fill up fast, so book your appointment a few weeks in advance of
when plan to travel. Your REAL ID license or state ID card will be mailed to you.
Bring your driver’s license or state identification card.
Bring your certified birth certificate, with a raised seal or stamp issued by a governmental
agency; your valid, unexpired U.S. passport; or an approved citizenship or legal
presence document. (Faxes and photocopies won’t be accepted.)
If your name differs from what is on your birth certificate, bring certified documents for
every time your name has changed, such as marriage licenses or court orders.
There’s no additional fee to turn a license or state ID card into a standard REAL ID if it’s done
during your normal renewal time; otherwise a duplicate card fee of $9 or $10 will be charged.
For more information, visit Michigan.gov/RealID.