Temporary extension permits

A temporary extension permit may be issued at no cost if you are out of state when your driver's license expires. The permit allows you to legally drive with an expired license, with the understanding that you will be returning home within the permit's specified time frame. It can be issued for up to 180 days but the length of time will be determined based on your situation.

Only one permit is issued and it cannot be extended or renewed once it expires. You can continue to drive with your permit when you return home for two weeks or until the permit expires, whichever occurs first. Therefore, you are urged to renew your driver's license as soon as possible once you are back in Michigan. A permit cannot be issued for an expired Commercial Driver License. Commercial drivers are encouraged to renew their license before leaving the state if there is any question about returning in time before the license expires.

If you are out of state and your license expires, contact the Out-of-State Resident Services Unit for assistance in obtaining a temporary extension permit.

Out of state with an expired license -- renew by mail

You may be eligible to renew your expired driver's license by mail if you are out of state more than 180 days past your license expiration date. Contact the Out-of-State Resident Services Unit to verify your license type and determine whether you can renew by mail. If all requirements are met, an Out-of-State Resident Services Driver License Renewal application will be sent to your out-of-state address. You will be asked to provide proof of Michigan residency and your Social Security number before your renewal can be processed. A vision statement from a licensed eye-care physician will be required. An out-of-state renewal request may take up to six weeks to complete.

Michigan law requires that you renew your license every eight years in person at a Secretary of State office. If you received a renewal notice stating that you must renew in person, or if you are ineligible to renew by mail for any reason, you may be able to obtain a temporary extension permit or renew by an alternate process. Contact the Out-of-State Resident Services Unit for further information before attempting to renew your license when out of state.

The contact information for the Out-of-State Resident Services Unit is:

Michigan Department of State
Out-of-State Resident Services Unit
7064 Crowner Drive
Lansing, MI 48918
Phone: (517) 322-1473
Fax: (517) 322-5438