It doesn’t matter if you’re moving down the street or all the way across the state—make sure you submit a change of address with the Secretary of State promptly if you’re moving in (or to)

Michigan

Moving is never an easy task, and it always seems like you have more stuff than you realize. There are so many things to get done—big and little—that the to-do list seems neverending. With all the chaos and excitement, it’s quite likely that a few things will slip through the cracks.

Before you make the inevitable box fort and curl up in it for a nap (we’re not the only ones that do that, right?) make sure you complete your change of address with the Michigan Secretary of State and your insurance provider. This one’s not just a tedious item on your list—it can save you potential fines, hassles, and loss of coverage.

We’ve got all the info you need on how to change your address when you’re moving to or within the Great Lakes State.

How to change your address on an Michigan driver’s license

The good news is that changing your address for a

Michigan driver’s license

is a pretty easy chore to tick off your list. If you’re moving within the state, you have the option of doing it online. If you’re new to Michigan, it will require a trip to a Michigan Secretary of State’s office—but even then, you’ll just need to provide a few documents.

If you’re moving within Michigan

No matter whether you’re moving just up the street in

Detroit

or all the way north to the upper peninsula, you’ll need to inform the Michigan Secretary of State about your change of address. Fortunately, it’s an easy process and you’ve got three options to choose from. Make sure you have your Michigan driver’s license or ID number handy, and be ready to provide the last four digits of your Social Security number. You can either:

Log in to your Michigan.gov account to

change your information online

Complete and submit a

Michigan change of address form

and mail it to the listed address

Schedule a visit

at your local Michigan Secretary of State’s office to change your address in person

After you have completed your change of address, you will receive an updated sticker in the mail to place on your driver’s license. There is no fee to change your address within the state.

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If you’re moving to Michigan from another state

If you’re moving to Michigan from out of state, it’s a little more involved. This process can only be done in person, as it will also involve getting your new Michigan driver’s license. If you want to get ahead of the game and save a little time at the Secretary of State’s office, you can

pre-apply for your new license

online.

You’ll need to start by gathering the proper paperwork. There are four categories of documents you’ll need to provide:

Proof of legal presence

Proof of Social Security number

Proof of identity

Proof of Michigan residency

There are a range of documents you can use to meet the requirements, but typically speaking you’ll need your birth certificate and social security card for starters. Utility bills are common ways to prove residency, and you may also need a W-2 or bank statement. You can find a complete

list of approved documents here

Once you have your paperwork,

schedule an appointment

at the Michigan SOS’s office. The fee to get your Michigan driver’s license is $25. You can also update your

vehicle registration

and voter information at the same time!

Michigan doesn’t have a grace period for new residents when it comes to getting a Michigan license and registration, so make sure you put this task at the top of your moving to-do list.

MORE:

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Other steps for an Michigan change of address

In addition to changing your address on your driver’s license, remember to update your mailing address with the United States Postal Service (USPS). Filling out the

change of address form

makes sure you won’t miss any important mail or packages, and you’ll get a chance to update your voter registration and snag up to $750 in coupons.

How to notify your insurance company of your Michigan change of address

Make it a priority to notify your insurance company of your new address right away.

Many times this can be done online or via their app, but it sometimes requires a phone call or an email—especially if you’re moving to another state. If in doubt, make sure to contact your insurance agent for assistance.

Why notifying your insurance company of a change of address is so important

What’s the big rush to let your insurance company know you’ve moved? There are a few reasons you should prioritize this task.

Every state has different minimum requirements for car insurance, and what’s enough in one state might not cut it in another. It would be bad enough to get a speeding ticket as a new resident of Michigan—you don’t want to add a fine for insufficient insurance on top of that.

Additionally, one of the big factors that goes into determining the amount you’ll pay for your insurance is your zip code. If you move and fail to notify your insurance agency, it could be considered fraud.

Long story short? Make sure you let your insurer know ASAP if you are moving. It’ll just take a few minutes and could potentially save you some hassles and possible legal trouble.

MORE:

The 8 places you need to notify when you’re moving

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