Permits & Licensing

Find the right permit or license.

Some driver credentials are issued by the Department of State, while road-use permits like highway advertising are handled directly by MDOT. Find what you need below.

Two different agencies

Driver's licenses, permits, and endorsements are issued by the Department of State (SOS), not MDOT. MDOT handles permits related to the road system itself, like highway advertising and right-of-way work. Each item below links to the correct place to apply.

Driver credentials

Handled by the Department of State

These credentials cover who's allowed to drive, and what — they're issued and renewed through the Department of State, not MDOT.

Department of State

Driver's license

Required to legally drive a personal vehicle in Michigan. Covers new applications, renewals, and replacements.

Apply
Department of State

Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP) & motorcycle endorsement (CY)

A Temporary Instruction Permit, sometimes called a CY endorsement, lets you legally ride a motorcycle on public roads while you work toward your full motorcycle endorsement.

Apply

How the TIP works

Eligibility Hold a valid driver's license and pay a $60 licensing fee.
Validity Valid for 90 days from the date it's issued.
Supervision Not required — you can ride on your own.
Restrictions No passengers. Otherwise unrestricted while the permit is valid.
Heads up: Traffic violations are taken seriously on a TIP — a citation can get your permit revoked quickly, so ride carefully while you're working toward your full endorsement.
Department of State

Chauffeur's license

Required for drivers who operate a vehicle for hire, such as taxi or rideshare driving, beyond a standard license.

Apply
Department of State

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

Required to operate commercial trucks, buses, and other large vehicles. Includes options for different vehicle classes and endorsements.

Apply

MDOT permits

Handled by MDOT

These permits relate to the state road system itself — using, working near, or advertising along state right-of-way.

MDOT

Highway advertising permits

Required for billboards and other outdoor advertising structures visible from state highways.

Apply
MDOT

Other permits & licenses

Don't see what you're looking for? Oversize/overweight loads, driveway access, utility work, and other right-of-way permits can still be applied for.

Apply