IN ORDER TO ACCESS SOME BENEFITS AND SERVICES YOU MAY NEED TO UPDATE YOUR IDENTIFICATION TO A “REAL ID” AND HAVE A PHYSICAL SOCIAL SECURITY CARD. THE NEW FEDERAL LAW TAKES EFFECT MAY 7, 2025
What is REAL ID?
Source: https://www.michigan.gov/sos/license-id/real-id
REAL ID is a federal law that takes effect on May 7, 2025. A REAL ID can be a couple of different forms of identification:
- A Michigan driver’s license or Michigan state ID with a star in a gold circle or a star inside an image of the state of Michigan
- An enhanced ID or enhanced Michigan driver’s license
- A US passport, passport card, or any of the documents listed at tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification
What do I need REAL ID for?
A REAL ID-compliant document is required for domestic air travel, entering certain federal facilities, military bases, and nuclear power plants. You WILL NOT need a REAL ID to cash checks, rent vehicles, purchase alcohol and tobacco, enter casinos, or for attending jury duty in a federal building. A REAL ID document is NOT required to vote.
How do I convert my ID to REAL ID?
You must visit a Michigan Secretary of State office. Bring the documents listed below with you:
- Current Michigan driver’s license or ID.
- Valid, current US passport, birth certificate, or other proof of legal presence
- Certified name change document, if your name no longer matches what is on your birth certificate
How much does it cost to convert my ID to REAL ID?
If you are converting when renewing or replacing your license or ID: $0
In other cases: License: $9, ID: $10
Social Security Cards
You need a Social Security Number to:
- File taxes
- Start a job
- Open a bank account
- Apply for a loan
- Get a passport
- Claim government benefits
If you do not have one, any US citizen can request a Social Security Number for free. You must prove citizenship to get a number. You can use a birth certificate or US passport. If you do not have a birth certificate, you may be able to use a religious record that was made before the age of 5 that shows your date of birth or a US hospital record of birth. Domestic violence survivors can request a new Social Security number.
If you are not a US citizen, you can apply for a Social Security number if you have a specific status:
Noncitizens (usually you must be authorized by DHS work in the US to get a Social Security number)
- International students
- Foreign workers
- Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals applicants
To begin the process, go to
You can also use this link to update personal information changes, such as name changes. You can begin the request online but must visit a Social Security office within 45 days with your documentation. Be prepared for an interview if you are over 12.
