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To get a Michigan Level 1 learner’s license (teens) or a Temporary Instruction Permit (adults), you prove four things at a Secretary of State (SOS) office: your Social Security number, legal presence in the US, identity, and Michigan residency. Residency needs two documents dated within 90 days. Teens also bring a Segment 1 certificate and a parent or guardian. This checklist follows the SOS document rules so you don’t need a second trip.
Key facts (as of November 2026)
- Four things to prove: SSN, legal presence, identity, Michigan residency.
- Residency: two documents, dated within the last 90 days, showing your name and Michigan home address. Electronic copies are accepted.
- Teens: Segment 1 Certificate of Completion and a parent or guardian signature.
- Your parent’s name on residency papers is fine if you prove the family link.
- Bring originals. Photocopies and faxes aren’t accepted for legal presence or identity.
The Michigan permit documents checklist
1. Social Security number
- Social Security card, or
- A W-2 or other document on the SOS list showing your SSN
The SOS checks your name, date of birth and SSN against Social Security Administration records. If they don’t match, your application is denied, so fix any mismatch with Social Security first. No SSN? See a US license on a student visa.
2. Legal presence (one original document)
- Valid US passport or passport card
- Certified US birth certificate with a stamp or raised seal, issued by a US government unit or US territory office
- Other documents on the SOS list, such as naturalization or permanent resident documents
3. Identity
A valid US passport covers identity as well as legal presence. Other options on the SOS list include an out-of-state driver’s license or ID, or a federal or Michigan government employee photo ID. If you use a birth certificate for legal presence, check the SOS list for a separate identity document you can add. Most teens bring a passport, or a birth certificate plus another listed item.
4. Michigan residency (two documents)
- Dated within the last 90 days
- Showing your name and Michigan residential address. A Michigan P.O. box is not accepted.
- Examples the SOS accepts: utility or credit card bills, bank statements, a lease, or Michigan vehicle title and registration
- Electronic copies are accepted
5. Teens only: Segment 1 certificate and a parent or guardian
- Segment 1 Certificate of Completion from your driving school. See Segment 1 explained.
- Parent or guardian signature on the application. Bring them with you.
- Residency in a parent’s name works if you show the relationship with other proof, such as your birth certificate.
6. Name change documents (if needed)
If the name on your documents doesn’t match, bring the marriage certificate, divorce decree or court order linking them. Documents not in English need a translation.
Adults: the Temporary Instruction Permit
New drivers 18 and older bring the same SSN, legal presence, identity and residency documents. You must pass the knowledge test first, online or at an SOS office. Then book an SOS appointment to get the TIP. Steps: the Michigan TIP for adult learners.
Standard, enhanced or REAL ID-compliant?
Since 7 May 2025, you need a REAL ID-compliant card or another accepted ID, such as a passport, to board a domestic flight. Ask the SOS whether the card you are applying for is REAL ID-compliant. An enhanced license, which also works at land and sea border crossings with Canada, costs more and has its own document rules. Fees: Michigan license costs and test booking. Background: REAL ID and your first license.
Common reasons a Michigan application is turned away
- Residency documents older than 90 days.
- Only one residency document instead of two.
- A P.O. box instead of a street address.
- A photocopy of the birth certificate.
- Name or date of birth not matching Social Security records.
- Teen without a parent or guardian to sign.
- Teen without the Segment 1 certificate.
The SOS notes that approval can take more than one day, so you may need to come back.
Common questions
What does a 15-year-old need for a Michigan Level 1 license?
The Segment 1 certificate, an SSN document, a legal presence document, identity proof, two residency documents and a parent or guardian to sign.
Can I use my mom’s utility bill as proof of residency?
Yes, if you also prove the relationship, for example with your birth certificate showing her as your parent.
Can I show bills on my phone?
Yes. The SOS accepts electronic copies of residency documents.
Will the SOS keep my documents?
Possibly. The SOS says it may keep copies of any documents you present.
I’m moving from another state with a permit. Same list?
Same documents. How your out-of-state driver ed and permit time count: moving to Michigan.
Do I need my 50-hour log for the Level 1 license?
No. The log comes later, for the Level 2 license. See the Michigan 50-hour log.
Main guide: learning to drive in Michigan. Other states: first permit documents by state.
Sources
- Michigan Department of State, “First-time license or ID” (michigan.gov), search-result extract only
- Michigan Department of State, “License and ID document requirements” FAQ (michigan.gov), search-result extract only
- Michigan Department of State, “SOS-428: Driver’s License or ID Requirements” (michigan.gov), search-result extract only
- Michigan Department of State, “What documents will my child need when applying for their Graduated Driver’s License?” (michigan.gov), search-result extract only
- Michigan Department of State, “New drivers (18 and older)” (michigan.gov), search-result extract only