QualitySpace Insurance Agency · Michigan permit test checklist

Michigan permit test: what to bring

What to bring to the Michigan permit test

Who this checklist covers: First-time standard passenger-vehicle instruction credentials: Level 1 learners age 14 years 9 months to 17 and adult Temporary Instruction Permits age 18+. Includes citizens and eligible documented noncitizens; enhanced licenses, transfers, later GDL levels and road tests are excluded.

Bring originals unless the official list says copies are accepted. Items marked Under 18 apply only to minors.

Application

Pre-apply when scheduling your Secretary of State visitTeens also pre-apply for Level 1 while scheduling.Source: official Michigan page for Pre-apply when scheduling your Secretary of State visit

Identity

Accepted original identity documentsBring one original accepted identity document, such as unexpired U.S. passport, school record, driver education certificate or a second legal-presence document. Minors may use a parent/guardian license or state ID. Photocopies are not accepted.Source: official Michigan page for Accepted original identity documents
Original name-change documents connecting identity and legal-presence recordsUse original marriage certificate or court order; update mismatched SSA records before issuance.Source: official Michigan page for Original name-change documents connecting identity and legal-presence records
English translations or English subheadings for foreign documentsSource: official Michigan page for English translations or English subheadings for foreign documents

Lawful presence

Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal presenceBring one original proof such as a certified U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, citizenship certificate, unexpired I-551, or qualifying passport/visa and immigration documents. B1/B2 visas and WB/WT stamps are not accepted. Noncitizen documents may need SAVE verification.Source: official Michigan page for Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal presence

Social Security number

Proof of a valid Social Security number or letter of ineligibilityBring one SSN document such as the card, W-2, 1099 or pay stub. If ineligible, bring SSA-L676 dated within one year. Legal name must match SSA records before issuance.Source: official Michigan page for Proof of a valid Social Security number or letter of ineligibility

Residency

At least two documents proving Michigan residencyTwo proofs dated within 90 days showing your name and Michigan address; electronic copies accepted. A family member’s documents may be used if the family relationship can be established.Source: official Michigan page for At least two documents proving Michigan residency

Parent or guardian

Parent or guardian accompanies the teen to the officeUnder 18Source: official Michigan page for Parent or guardian accompanies the teen to the office

Driver education

Complete Segment 1 and its state exam before the Level 1 office visitUnder 18Source: official Michigan page for Complete Segment 1 and its state exam before the Level 1 office visit

Fees

Payment for the $25 Level 1 licensing feeUnder 18Source: official Michigan page for Payment for the $25 Level 1 licensing fee
Payment for the $25 Temporary Instruction Permit fee18 and olderSource: official Michigan page for Payment for the $25 Temporary Instruction Permit fee

Vision test

Be ready for a vision exam and license photoSource: official Michigan page for Be ready for a vision exam and license photo

Also on test day

Pass the adult written knowledge test online or at the office18 and olderOffice testing has no test fee. The optional online test costs $6.50, separately from the TIP fee.Source: official Michigan page for Pass the adult written knowledge test online or at the office

Your ticks are saved on this device only. No account.

Official list: https://www.michigan.gov/sos/license-id/new-drivers-18-older

Where to go and how to book

Schedule a Secretary of State office visit and pre-apply. Adults obtain a TIP; teens apply for a Level 1 license after Segment 1. Confirm the correct service while booking.

Find an officehttps://dsvsesvc.sos.state.mi.us/TAP/?Link=APPOINTMENT Book an appointmenthttps://dsvsesvc.sos.state.mi.us/TAP/?Link=APPOINTMENT

Source: michigan.gov

Test languages and ID

Test languages

Confirm available test languages with your office or the official Michigan Department of State site before you book.

REAL ID

First-time Michigan license applicants receive REAL ID unless they opt out; some noncitizen documents support only non-REAL ID credentials. Enhanced licenses have separate requirements.

Source: michigan.gov

Ready for the test itself?

The documents get you in the door; the questions are what you pass. Take the free Michigan practice test, or see the Michigan DMV facts page for fees, age rules, and the question count.

Sources

Each checklist item quotes its official page. We fetched and checked these pages on 2026-10-05:

Rules change. If your office asks for something not listed here, the office is right. Spot a mistake? Tell us through the contact page.

Reviewed against the official Michigan handbook and DMV pages by Kevin Vu · Method: each answer is matched to the handbook text, and fees and rules to the official DMV page · How we check: our method · Last updated 2026-10-05

Michigan permit test day: what to bring and where to go