An early heads-up

Secretary of State offices now issuing REAL ID-compliant licenses, ID cards

Michigan residents now have the option, as of Aug. 28, of applying for a driver’s license or ID card that will allow them to board flights and enter federal facilities to comply with a federal mandate, Secretary of State Ruth Johnson announced.

“Without a card accepted by the federal government, Michigan residents will face the inconvenience and extra expense of having to get a passport or another accepted document to fly or visit federal buildings,” Johnson said. “To avoid future headaches for travelers, we will offer a compliant card for those who want one, and, for those who don’t, we still have the standard card for normal identification purposes.”

Beginning Oct. 1, 2020, the federal government will not allow Michigan residents carrying a driver’s license or ID card that does not comply with the federal REAL ID Act to board domestic flights, or enter federal buildings, nuclear plants or military bases unless they have another accepted identity document. 

Card-holders who do not apply for a REAL ID-compliant license or ID card will receive a standard one with “Not for federal identification” printed on it. These cards still will be valid for driving, identification purposes and buying age-restricted items. Applying for a REAL ID-compliant card does not cost additional money unless the applicant obtains a compliant card outside of their normal renewal period.

Michigan residents should check their license or ID card renewal notice when it arrives in the mail for information about whether they already have complied with REAL ID identification requirements. To obtain a compliant card, residents will need to bring a certified birth certificate or another approved document to any Secretary of State office.

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Mobile SOS office putting on the miles

On Aug. 24, the Secretary of State Mobile Office visited the Wayne County Community College District in Detroit, where MBO Manager Robert Gatt enjoyed helping area residents register to vote, renew their plates and licenses and complete other transactions. 

"Thank you for all your help in making this 'Community Connection Day' with the Secretary of State's Mobiile Office a success!" wrote Rodney Patrick, project manager in WCCCD's School of Continuing Education & Workforce Development after the event.

See the Mobile Office's current schedule

Join us for SOSLive!

The Secretary of State's Office is hosting an interactive and free family expo called SOSLive on Saturday, Oct. 7 at Waterford Mott High School from 9AM-2PM and you are invited to attend. 

This first-of-its-kind event will feature:

• Interactive fun for all ages
• A fleet of driving simulators 
• Full-service SOS Mobile Office performing Saturday transactions
• News conference for high school students
• Kidz Zones activity centers
• And food, music & games

Video preview

More information

SOS visits Mcity

On September 12, Secretary of State Ruth Johnson joined U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao and other leaders in a visit to Mcity, the University of Michigan’s autonomous vehicle testing facility.

"Mcity has created an advantage to bring new companies and good jobs to Michigan, making our state a global center of automotive innovation," Johnson said. "Secretary Chao's visit shows the importance of Michigan nationally. This evolving technology gives the United States and Michigan an advantage in the global competition to lead this new industry and the safety benefits it brings."

Find out more about Mcity here.

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