Michigan Department of State Information

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson welcomes you to the Michigan Department of State’s official LinkedIn page. Innovative technology and a modernized and efficient business model are driving us into a new, service-driven era. Our goal is to serve you better online, inside our branches and on Election Day. Follow our page and be a part of our reinvention. Each day, the secretary of state’s office interacts with more residents than any other state agency. Our broad scope of services includes administering election law and voter registration, licensing drivers, registering and titling vehicles, regulating auto dealerships and repair facilities, licensing auto mechanics, commissioning notaries public and overseeing the Office of the Great Seal. The department also offers REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and ID cards to meet the federal mandate that goes into effect May 3, 2023. At that time, you will need to present a REAL ID-compliant document to fly within the United States and enter certain federal facilities under federal law. REAL ID licenses are marked with a gold circle with a star inside. For more information about REAL ID, visit Michigan.gov/REALID. The secretary of state is the third-ranking official in state government after the governor and lieutenant governor. Elected to a four-year term, the secretary serves as the chief election officer and chief motor vehicle administrator for the state’s 10 million residents and is a member of the executive branch of government. About 1,500 employees work for the department. You can learn more about the Michigan Department of State and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson at Michigan.gov/SOS, where you also will find our online services and locations of an office or self-service station near you.