What Does a Minor Need to Get a State ID in Michigan?

To get a state ID in Michigan, a minor needs a parent or legal guardian with them at a Secretary of State office, documents in four categories (legal presence, identity, Social Security number, and Michigan residency), and $10 for the fee. There is no minimum age, so even an infant qualifies as long as the paperwork is in order.¹

A Parent or Guardian Has to Come Along

For a first-time minor applicant who does not already hold any form of ID, a parent or legal guardian must appear in person at the Secretary of State office with the child. The adult brings their own valid, unexpired Michigan license or ID, and signs the application on the minor’s behalf.² The office will not process the application without them.³

The parent’s valid ID does double duty: it verifies the adult’s identity for signing purposes, and it serves as the proof-of-identity document for the child, who otherwise would not have one.²

The Four Document Categories

Michigan requires documents in four categories for a first-time state ID. Gather everything before the visit so you don’t have to come back.

Legal Presence (One Document)

A certified birth certificate issued by a state vital records office is the usual choice for a child. It needs a raised seal or stamp from the issuing government office, the child’s full name and date of birth, at least one parent’s name, and the registrar’s certification. A valid U.S. passport or passport card also works.²

Proof of Identity (One Document)

For a minor who has never held an ID, this requirement is covered by the parent or guardian presenting their valid license or ID and signing for the child. Other acceptable identity documents include a U.S. passport, a military ID with photo, or a photo ID from a federally recognized Native American tribe.²

Social Security Number (One Document)

The simplest option is the child’s Social Security card. A W-2 or SSA-1099 form also qualifies, though most children won’t have those. If the minor isn’t eligible for a Social Security number, an SSA-L676 letter of ineligibility issued within the last 60 days can substitute.⁴

Michigan Residency (Two Documents)

For a child, the most practical residency documents are a Michigan school report card or transcript, a utility bill showing the family’s address, a bank statement issued within the last 90 days, or a government document listing the Michigan address. An insurance policy, lease agreement, or vehicle registration with a current address also counts.² Electronic utility bills and bank statements are accepted.⁴

At the Secretary of State Office

The whole application happens in person at a Secretary of State branch. Schedule the visit online beforehand. Walk-in availability is not guaranteed, and showing up without an appointment may mean a long wait or coming back the next business day.⁵ Booking online also walks you through the exact documents to bring.

At the counter, staff review the documents, verify the parent’s identity, and take the child’s photo. The standard state ID costs $10, payable by cash, check, money order, or credit or debit card.² The physical card does not print on the spot. It arrives in the mail within about two to three weeks.³

Choose Standard or REAL ID at the Counter

Michigan issues the state ID in a standard version and a REAL ID-compliant version at the same $10 price. A standard card is printed with “NOT FOR FEDERAL IDENTIFICATION” or “NOT FOR FEDERAL REAL ID ACT PURPOSES” and cannot be used by adults at TSA airport checkpoints. The REAL ID version meets federal identification standards and requires the same proof of U.S. citizenship or legal presence you are already bringing.⁶

For a minor, the practical difference is small today, since TSA does not require any identification for passengers under 18 on domestic flights. But asking for the REAL ID version from the start avoids having to convert the card later.⁶

There is also an enhanced state ID at $30, which doubles as a travel document for land and sea crossings to and from Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean nations, and is REAL ID-compliant as well.⁷ It’s worth considering for families who regularly cross the Canadian border by car.

What a State ID Won’t Do for Travel

A Michigan state ID is useful identification in daily life, but parents should know its limits before relying on it for a trip.

For domestic flights, minors under 18 do not need any ID at TSA checkpoints. Airlines may have their own policies for unaccompanied minors, so check with the carrier.⁸

For international air travel, a state ID is not enough at any age. Every U.S. citizen, including infants, needs a valid U.S. passport to board an international flight.⁹

Land and sea border crossings have one break for children. A child age 15 or under returning from Canada or Mexico by land or sea can enter the United States with just a birth certificate. Minors ages 16 to 18 can do the same if traveling with a supervised group. In other situations, a passport or enhanced state ID is required.⁹

1
Michigan Legislature. Michigan Compiled Laws 28.291 – Official State Personal Identification Card (Excerpt)
2
State of Michigan. First-Time License or ID
3
Michigan Legal Help. Getting a Michigan ID Card
4
State of Michigan. SOS-428 – Drivers License or ID Requirements
5
State of Michigan. Scheduling an Office Visit
6
State of Michigan. REAL ID
7
State of Michigan. Enhanced License and ID
8
Transportation Security Administration. Do Minors Need Identification to Fly Within the U.S.
9
U.S. Customs and Border Protection. U.S. Citizens – Documents Needed to Enter the United States and/or to Travel Internationally