Don’t Wait – Time is Running Out to Update Your Michigan Driver’s License

Even if your Michigan driver's license doesn't expire in the next year, you'll need to get a new one soon as your current ID will no longer work in certain situations. This is something the state has been warning residents about for years.

Back in 2017, the government warned us that we were going to need a Real ID to travel on domestic flights by 2020. Well, we all know what happened in 2020 that pushed back that deadline to 2023. Then it got pushed back again. Now the deadline is May 7, 2025.

We'd be lying if we said there wasn't any confusion surrounding Real IDs.

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What is a Real ID?

A Real ID, often a driver's license or state ID card, is identified by a star or similar symbol unique to each state. Check the upper-right corner of your valid Michigan ID for confirmation.

Beginning May 7, 2025, Michigan residents will need to present a REAL ID-compliant document to fly within the United States and enter certain federal facilities to comply with federal law.

Starting in May of next year, all domestic airline flights will require you to show a Real ID before you board the plane. They also allow you to travel across the Canadian border without a passport.

If you have no plans to board a domestic flight, visit certain federal buildings, or enter a military base or nuclear power plant, then you're not required to get a Real ID.

According to The Detroit Free Press, you do not need a Real ID card to board a commercial flight if you already have a valid passport or passport card. International flights still require a valid passport or acceptable alternative; a Real ID card alone will not suffice.

We say time is running out, but technically you can still update your ID after the May 7, 2025 deadline.