Michigan Department of State issued over 200K REAL IDs in past 12 weeks

LANSING, Mich. – In the 12 weeks around the May 7 federal REAL ID deadline for all U.S. air travelers, Michigan Department of State (MDOS) employees issued over 200,000 new or upgraded REAL IDs, bringing Michigan’s compliance rate over 76%. Despite the high demand over the last few months, branch office staff served more than 90% of customers within 20 minutes of their scheduled appointment time. 

“The hardworking staff at our branch offices throughout the state rose to this challenge and set a new standard of exceptional public service,” Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said. “I’m grateful for their dedication and commitment to excellence, which ensured a smooth process for Michiganders during a potentially disruptive transition. This is what it means to have a state government that truly works for people.” 

From Feb. 23 to May 17, MDOS employees issued 202,571 REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses or state IDs to Michiganders. The week of May 4 was the busiest of the year, with 28,289 converted REAL IDs issued.  

According to news coverage from around the country, Michigan’s performance outpaced that of many states. Out-of-state news reports in the weeks leading up to the May 7 deadline reported long lines at other states’ motor vehicle offices, wait times up to 6½ hours, and appointments booked out for more than one month. 

Michigan driver’s licenses and IDs are REAL ID- compliant if they are marked by a star in the upper right corner – either a star within a gold shape of Michigan or a star in a gold circle, depending on whether the person has Michigan’s new or old license design. Both versions are acceptable. 

Michigan also offers enhanced driver’s licenses and IDs, which are REAL ID-compliant and can be used to cross the border into the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, or the Caribbean by land or sea. Enhanced driver’s licenses and IDs have a U.S. flag icon on the front, in addition to the star. 

To book an appointment to upgrade to a REAL ID or for more information, visit Michigan.gov/REALID.