Michigan’s Enhanced Driver’s License and State Identification Card Have Changed

The Michigan Secretary of State’s Office is issuing a new version of its enhanced driver’s licenses and state identification cards.

Please note the following:

• The new format will begin circulating in both the enhanced horizontal and vertical versions in February 2012.
• Existing horizontal enhanced licenses and state ID cards will be phased out of circulation by 2016. However, the current vertical enhanced Graduated Driver License will still be in circulation as late as 2017.
• Existing enhanced licenses and state ID cards will remain valid until their expiration dates. They will be reissued in the new format at renewal or if a replacement is needed.

For more information, please call the Michigan Secretary of State’s Office at 888-SOS-MICH (767-6424).

Effective: February 2012

New Features

• Laser-perforated abbreviation “MICH” is cut into card and can be viewed from either the front or the back.
• Card stock and laminate are slightly thinner than on previous enhanced licenses and ID cards.
• A new revision date of 02-01-2012 is printed on card to reflect these latest changes.

Sample Enhanced Horizontal License

(21-and-older format)

Sample Enhanced Vertical State ID Card

(Younger-than-21 format)

• NEW: The card features the laser-perforated abbreviation “MICH,” which can be viewed when held up to a light.
• NEW: Card stock and laminate are slightly thinner than on previous enhanced licenses and ID cards.
• NEW: A new revision date of 02-01-2012 is printed on card to reflect these latest changes.
• “Under 18 until MM-DD-YYYY” and “Under 21 until MM-DD-YYYY” is printed as applicable.
• The front laminate of the cards includes the full-color shape of a Great Seal, viewable using a standard off-the-shelf black light, and a tri-color optically variable image of a bridge and the word “Michigan” that appears and disappears when viewed from different angles.
• The 2D bar code includes the cardholder’s full legal name, date of birth, date of issue, expiration date, address, gender, driver’s license or state ID number, issuing jurisdiction, card design revision date, and an inventory control number.
• The 1D bar code has the cardholder’s driver’s license or state ID number, date of birth, expiration date and a two-digit manufacturing number.
• The magnetic stripe has the driver’s license or state ID number, date of birth and expiration date.

Source: MI.GOV/SOS