OCTOBER 26, 2009

Land: Renewing ahead of time ensures enjoyable winter travel

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land today reminded residents heading south for the winter to renew their driver's licenses and plates before leaving Michigan.

"Getting your license and tabs squared away before you leave gives you more time to enjoy your winter getaway," Land said. "I encourage snowbirds to take a moment to check the expiration dates now. It could save you from late fees or tickets as you travel."

People can renew plates for individually owned or leased cars, pickup trucks, vans and motorcycles up to six months before they expire. They should renew at a Secretary of State office if they have not received their renewal information in the mail. Company-owned passenger plates cannot be renewed early.

To renew a driver's license early, residents need to pass a vision test and bring their driver's license, and glasses or contact lenses if they are needed to drive.

Residents also can renew license plates online, by touch-tone telephone, mail or at a Self-Service Station up to 45 days before the plates expire if their renewal notice contains a personal identification number.

For more information on renewal options and other services, visit www.Michigan.gov/sos.

Related Links
> Renewing Driver's License
> Renewing State ID