What to Bring to the Michigan DMV for Your Permit Test

Don't get sent home. Here's the complete checklist — documents, fees, forms, and what to leave at home.

Before You Go

  • →Make an appointment online to skip the long wait times
  • →Double-check that your parent is coming with you
  • →Bring your study guide or take a practice test on the SOS website
  • →Arrive 15 minutes early to check in
  • →Make sure your documents are in a clear folder so you don't lose them
  • →Get a good night's sleep so you're sharp for the test
  • →Check the SOS website for any holiday closures

Required Documents

Proof of Identity (Primary Document)

  • ✓U.S. Passport or Passport Card
  • ✓Certified U.S. Birth Certificate
  • ✓Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
  • ✓Consular Report of Birth Abroad
  • ✓Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization

Bring the original document only; Michigan SOS does not accept photocopies or digital photos on your phone for primary ID.

Proof of Social Security Number

  • ✓Social Security Card
  • ✓W-2 Form
  • ✓SSA-1099 Form
  • ✓Paystub with full SSN
  • ✓Non-SSA-issued document with full SSN

If you don't have a card, bring a W-2 or paystub. If you are not eligible for an SSN, you must bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating ineligibility.

Proof of Michigan Residency

Bring 2 of these:

  • ✓Utility bill (electric, gas, water, sewer) in parent's name
  • ✓Bank statement
  • ✓School report card or transcript
  • ✓Lease or mortgage statement
  • ✓Medical or insurance document with address

Michigan requires 2 different documents to prove residency if you want a REAL ID. If you just want a standard license, 1 document is usually enough, but bringing 2 is safer.

Parental / Guardian Consent (applicants under 18)

  • ✓Parent or legal guardian must sign the application in front of the SOS clerk
  • ✓Parent must provide their own valid photo ID
  • ✓Legal guardians must bring court documents proving guardianship
  • ✓Foster parents must bring specific foster care documentation
  • ✓Single parents must sign alone if they have sole custody

The parent or guardian MUST appear in person with you. You cannot mail this in or have them sign it at home beforehand.

Fees & Payment

$25

This fee covers the application and the first 4-year license (which starts as a Level 1 permit). If you fail the knowledge test, there is a small fee to retake it.

Accepted payment:

CashCredit CardDebit CardCheckMoney Order

Forms

Driver License or Identification Card Application (Form DL-44)

Available at: Michigan SOS website or at the office

You can fill this out online to save time, but DO NOT sign it until you are standing in front of the clerk.

What NOT to Bring

  • ✗Your cell phone (use it only for emergencies or study, don't play games)
  • ✗Friends or siblings (they can't come in with you)
  • ✗Pets (unless it's a service animal)
  • ✗Food or drinks
  • ✗Your own pen (they will give you one)
  • ✗Photocopies of your documents (they need originals)
  • ✗Hoodies or hats that cover your face

At the Office

  • →The knowledge test is computer-based and multiple choice
  • →You must score 80% or higher to pass (20 out of 24 questions)
  • →If you fail, you can usually retake it the same day for a small fee
  • →Once you pass, you get an interim paper permit immediately
  • →Your hard plastic license card will arrive in the mail in about 2 weeks

Official Michigan Secretary of State (SOS) info: www.michigan.gov/sos

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