Change of Address Laws in Michigan

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  If you live in Michigan and move from one location to another within the state, it is not enough to notify the post office so you receive your mail in a timely fashion. You must take the necessary steps to comply with Michigan's change of address laws as set out in the Michigan Vehicle Code.

Notification

• Michigan law requires that you notify the secretary of state so that your driver's license or personal identification card is updated to reflect your new address. There is no fee to request an official change of address, and you may make this request by mail or in person at a local secretary of state branch.

  To notify by mail, you will need to fill out a "Michigan Change of Address/Voter Registration" form available online at michigan.gov, the website for the Michigan Department of State. The state does not accept emailed forms, so you must mail it to the address noted at the bottom of the form. Once you have submitted this form, you will receive a letter at your old address to verify the submission. If you would prefer to keep your new address from those at your old address, you will need to make the change of address in person. A new address label to place on the back of your license should typically arrive within 14 days.

  You also have the option of going into a local branch office of the Michigan Secretary of State to change your address. You will need to bring your current driver's license or ID and will receive a label with your new address to place on the back of your license or ID.

Voter Registration

• Michigan law also requires that the address on your driver's license and the address noted on your voter registration card be identical. Regardless of whether you choose to change your address by mail or in person, you will have the option to also apply the change to your voter registration card. If you do not, and your new address is in conflict with your old voter registration address, the secretary of state will make the change automatically, and your old voter registration will be deemed invalid.

False Report or Failure to Report

• If you fail to report your change of address, the state may immediately suspend or revoke your license and may choose to charge you with a civil infraction. It is also a violation of Michigan law to file a false change of address or to file on behalf of another who has not authorized you to do so. These more serious violations constitute misdemeanors, and could result in imprisonment, fines or both.