GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The Michigan Secretary of State has started issuing identification cards and driver’s licenses with a new design , including more steps to prevent counterfeiting.
The new designs were put into effect on Jan. 24 . They will now have laser perforations, touchable indentations and engraved data.
New licenses will also put a person’s name on two lines, which will accommodate people with longer names. The background of the license will also include a tri-color form of the state’s Coat of Arms.
The REAL ID logo will also look different. Past licenses included a star in a golden circle. The circle will now be replaced by a golden silhouette of Michigan.
REAL IDs will be federally required by May 7, 2025. There is no charge to upgrade to a REAL ID when renewing or replacing your ID or license. Upgrading at another time costs $9.
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The new ID will retire some past details, as well. New IDs will no longer list “Under the age of 18” information but will still separate a date for when that person turns 21. New IDs will no longer give a revision date, and the back of the card will no longer have a magnetic strip for scanning.