residence address such as a recent credit card bill, pay stub, or official government document can be used to show proof of residency in Michigan.

Whether you’re new to Michigan or just new to obtaining a Michigan ID, you’ll need to give the Secretary of State (SOS) proof that you inhabit the Great Lake State as a permanent resident. Documents outlining your personal identification are also necessary, but they’ll need to be accompanied by proof that you maintain a Michigan address.

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What documents can be used as proof of residency in Michigan?

You will need to verify your residency in Michigan any time you apply for a

Michigan driver’s license

or ID card. Any proof of residency item will need to contain two things: the applicant’s name and the applicant’s Michigan residence address. Let it be known that P.O. boxes and Mailbox Plus addresses are not accepted.

To satisfy both of the proof of residency requirements, these items can be presented to your local SOS:

Utility bill or credit card bill from the past 90 days (electronic copies accepted)

Bank or other financial institution account statement from the past 90 days (electronic copies accepted)

Michigan high school, college, or university report card or transcripts from less than two years ago

Mortgage

Lease or rental agreement containing the landlord’s telephone number

Pay stub or earning statement containing the name and address of the employer

Life, health, car, or home insurance policy

Government documents (federal, state, or local) like Social Security benefits, voter registration, or jury duty summons

Michigan title and registration showing current residential address

There may be exceptions made for other kinds of documents that show your name and address, but they will be made at the discretion of the manager of the facility you apply within.

Keep in mind that the MI SOS only accepts original documents and will turn away photocopies or faxed copies. It’s also important to note that any documents written in a language other than English will need to be translated to be accepted. If your legal name differs from the name on your birth certificate or legal presence documents, you’ll need to also provide official proof of your name change.

MORE: Michigan REAL ID

What documents do not qualify as proof of Michigan residency?

There is a pretty extensive list of acceptable proof of residency documents for those seeking a Michigan ID or driver’s license, but not just any document with your name and address on it will work. Here are some examples of unacceptable proofs of residency in Michigan:

Bond receipts

Business card

Check cashing card

Club or fraternal organization membership card

College or university ID card

Unofficial (i.e. commercially produced) ID card

Department of Human Services (DHS) card

Fishing license

Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) card

Handwritten ID or employment card

Hunting license

Michigan concealed carry card

Instruction permit or receipt

International driving permit

Library card

Personal mail

Ticket from a traffic citation or arrest

Loan papers from an unlicensed financial institution

Video club membership card

What qualifies for proof of identity in Michigan?

There are tons of circumstances in which you’ll need proper proof of identity in Michigan like applying for title and registration, an address change, or for insurance requirements. Here are the qualifying proofs of identity in the Great Lakes State:

Valid and unexpired US passport or passport card

Out-of-state, US territories, or Canadian driver’s license or ID card (must be valid or less than four years expired)

Marriage license issued in the US

Divorce decree issued in the US

Name change court order

Employee photo ID from a federal or Michigan state government agency

US Customs and Border Protection Trusted Traveler Card (Global Entry, SENTRI, or NEXUS)

US military photo ID (DD-2, DD-1173, or CAC)

US military discharge or separation document

Photo ID from a federally recognized Native American tribe

Prisoner ID from Michigan Department of Corrections

Immigration documents with or without an entry stamp