Michigan

What’s the difference between Real and Enhanced ID? What to know in Michigan before May 7

Published

3 weeks ago

April 27, 2025

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What’s the difference between Real and Enhanced ID? What to know in Michigan before May 7

Starting May 7, 2025, Michigan residents will need a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card for domestic flights and to enter certain federal facilities.
Residents can obtain a Real ID by visiting a Secretary of State branch with required documentation, including proof of identity and legal presence.

Some Michigan residents who have Enhanced licenses may be wondering if those will satisfy the federal government’s requirement to have Real ID-compliant identification in order to fly domestically; here’s what you need to know ahead of the May 7 deadline.

Beginning May 7, residents in all states will need to comply with the new travel standards of the REAL ID Act of 2005 passed by Congress.

In Michigan, a compliant Real ID license will include a star either in a circle or silhouette of Michigan; or with the U.S. flag icon on the front. Michigan’s enhanced ID’s, which allow entry to and from Canada, Mexico and Bermuda, satisfy the federal statute’s requirements.

As the deadline nears, Michigan’s secretary of state said many people are obtaining the Real ID-compliant process.

“Michigan’s REAL ID conversion rate for the week of April 7 was a record-breaking 82.8%, the Michigan secretary of state office said in an April 16 release. “The REAL ID conversion rate for the same week in 2024 was just 19%.”

As residents continue to get their Real ID’s, here’s what to know:

When does Real ID take effect?

On May 7, 2025, Michigan residents will need a Real ID to fly domestically and federal facilities under federal law.

What is the difference between a Real ID and an Enhanced ID?

“Michigan’s old license and ID design, which is being phased out by January 2029, features a star in a gold circle to indicate REAL ID compliance,” the secretary of state said. “The state’s new license design features a star in a silhouette of Michigan. Both versions of the star are acceptable.”

Here are the two main differences between a standard Real ID and an enhanced ID:

Enhanced ID’s can be used in place of a U.S. passport for travel by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean.
Enhanced ID’s are marked with a U.S. flag icon on the front. (some ID’s have both the star and U.S. flag)
Enhanced ID’s include the title “ENHANCED DRIVER’S LICENSE”

A standard Real ID-compliant licenses will have only a star either in a gold circle, or in a silhouette of Michigan in the top right corner.

“State-issued Enhanced Driver’s Licenses and identification cards (EDL/EID) are designated as acceptable border-crossing documents by DHS under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative and are an acceptable alternative to a REAL ID for boarding a commercial aircraft, accessing federal facilities, and entering nuclear power plants,” the Department of Homeland Security said.

Five states that issue EDL/EIDs — Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont and Washington.

Another difference is that the enhanced ID will allow some foreign travel while a simple Real ID license is only for use domestically.

What happens if I have an Enhanced ID, but it doesn’t have a star?

Enhanced IDs with a star or flag are automatically Real ID-compliant because they meet the Department of Homeland Security standards.

“According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, TSA agents at airports will recognize enhanced licenses or enhanced IDs as valid REAL ID documents, even without the star,” the Michigan secretary of state said.

If your ID does not include either versions of the star, the U.S. flag, or the word “ENHANCED” at the top of the card then it will not be accepted as proof of identity to board the plane, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said.

How can you get Real ID in Michigan?

Book an appointment at your local secretary of state office to update your ID. Make sure you have these following documents with you:

Your current Michigan driver’s license or ID.
A valid, unexpired U.S. passport, birth certificate, or other proof of legal presence document.
A certified legal name-change document, if your name is different from what is on your birth certificate.

You can book an appointment online through the state’s website or call (888) 767-6424.

Who needs a Real ID in Michigan?

Anyone planning to board a domestic flight or access federal facilities, military bases or nuclear power plants needs a Real ID. International travel will continue to require a passport, which also serves as Real ID compliant identification for domestic flights.

What are some Real ID alternatives?

TSA-approved Real ID alternatives include:

U.S. passport
U.S. passport card
DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
Border crossing card
An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe
HSPD-12 PIV card
Foreign government-issued passport
Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
Transportation worker identification credential
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

How did Real ID come about?

Real ID compliance is part of a larger act passed by Congress in 2005 to set “minimum security standards” for the distribution of identification materials, including driver’s licenses, USA TODAY reported.

The law means certain federal agencies, like the Transportation Security Administration or the Department of Homeland Security, won’t be allowed to accept state-issued forms of identification that don’t include a Real ID seal.

Is DHS trying to build a database of our personal information?

REAL ID is a national set of standards, not a national identification card, DHS said. REAL ID does not create a federal database of driver license information.

Each jurisdiction continues to issue its own unique license, maintains its own records, and controls who gets access to those records and under what circumstances.

Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@lsj.com

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Michigan

Looking for endless sandy beaches? What to know about Michigan’s Sleeping Bear Dunes

Published

6 hours ago

May 21, 2025

Press Room

Looking for endless sandy beaches? What to know about Michigan’s Sleeping Bear Dunes

The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a popular tourist attraction on the coast of Lake Michigan in northwest Michigan.
The national lakeshore features sand, beaches, forests, inland lakes, islands, historic villages and more.
Visitors can buy entrance passes online or in person to check out the national lakeshore.

A trip to northwest Michigan this summer can land you at one of Michigan’s national lakeshores, a top attraction for those seeking sweeping views, trails to hike and beaches to relax on.

The popular tourist destination, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, welcomes 1.5 million visitors each year with its expansive sand dunes and sandy beaches, former Life-Saving Service/Coast Guard stations, inland Manitou islands, a historic farm district and coastal village, inland lakes, 1871 lighthouse, forests and campgrounds, according to the National Park Service.

“The park was established primarily for its outstanding natural features, including forests, beaches, dune formations, and ancient glacial phenomena,” Pure Michigan says.

Michigan’s other national lakeshore is Pictured Rocks, which features the towering Grand Sable Dunes on Lake Superior.

Here’s what to know about Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore.

What is Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a popular tourist destination and one of two national lakeshores in Michigan.

Where is Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?

The lakeshore lies along 35 miles of Lake Michigan’s eastern shoreline in west Michigan northwest of Traverse City. Nearby are the villages of Glen Arbor and Empire. The lakeshore is about 39 miles from Traverse City. M-22 runs north and south along the lakeshore.

How can you visit this season?

To visit the lakeshore, you will need a national parks entrance pass, which you then display on your car. You can buy the pass ahead online or in person at the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center.

If you’re planning a camping trip, you’ll need to book a reservation at one of the lakeshore’s campgrounds; you can reserve up to six months in advance.

How much do lakeshore passes cost?

Entrance passes to the lakeshore include a $25 standard pass, with varying prices for larger vehicles; $45 annual pass and America the Beautiful pass at varying prices. There are also seven-day digital passes.

The America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands pass is $80 for an annual pass, $80 for a senior lifetime pass, $20 for a senior annual pass and free for military annual pass, military lifetime pass, access pass, fourth grade pass, and volunteer pass.

The following will be national park free entrance days in 2025:

Juneteenth National Independence Day: June 19
Great American Outdoors Acts Anniversary: Aug. 4
National Public Lands Day: Sept. 27
Veterans Day: Nov. 11

Are there beaches, other activities at the lakeshore?

The national lakeshore offers sand dunes, beaches, trails, inland islands, camping, forests, rivers, inland lakes, a lighthouse and more. The tallest dune is 450 feet.

For those looking to relax near the water, the park offers seven beaches. Platte River Point Beach includes the gently-flowing river’s mouth at Lake Michigan, a popular place for canoers and tubers to pause before loading up for home.

While visiting, you can hike the lakeshore’s various trails, bike the paved heritage trail, swim at the beach, set up camp, navigate the dunes, kayak or tube or canoe the rivers, take a trip to the Manitou Islands, explore historic coastal villages and museums and and more, per the lakeshore website.

What islands are part of the lakeshore?

The lakeshore features two inland islands, the Manitou Islands. The North and South Manitou Islands form part of an island chain spanning north toward the Straits of Mackinac. The islands offer hiking and camping in vast nature and the nearby Manitou Passage State Underwater Preserve to explore shipwrecks.

North Manitou Island is closed for the 2025 season amid a multi-year project to move the islands’ docks.

On South Manitou Island, there are 10 miles of pebble beaches, a lighthouse, sand dunes, village, over 500-year-old white cedar trees, campgrounds, historic tours and more, per the NPS website.

How can you get to the islands?

The islands are accessible by Manitou Island Transit ferry service from Leland, Michigan or by private boat. The islands do not have food service, stores or medical centers, so come prepared and be aware emergency responders may take hours or days to arrive, depending on weather.

To access the islands, you need an entrance pass to the lakeshore. Pets are not allowed on the islands.

How many lighthouses are at the lakeshore?

The lakeshore features one lighthouse, located on South Manitou Island. The 100-foot South Manitou Island Lighthouse was in operation from 1871-1958, per the lakeshore’s website.

Previously, North Manitou Island Lighthouse, built in the late 1890s stood, joined by a lightship in 1910, until 1927. The light was replaced by the current North Manitou Shoal Light, an offshore beacon, completed in 1935, according to the North Manitou Light Keepers.

Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.

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Michigan

80-year-old Michigan woman wins $100K in random lottery drawing

Published

23 hours ago

May 20, 2025

Press Room

80-year-old Michigan woman wins 0K in random lottery drawing

BARRY COUNTY, Mich. – A Michigan woman’s non-winning ticket led her to a $100,000 lottery prize.

The 80-year-old Barry County woman, who decided to stay anonymous, won $100,000 after being selected in a random drawing on Tuesday, May 6, according to Michigan Lottery officials.

She earned entries into the drawing by scanning her non-winning $300,000,000 Extraordinaire tickets on the Michigan Lottery app.

“I scanned all of my non-winning $300,000,000 Extraordinaire tickets for second chance entries, but I never expected to win,” the player told Michigan Lottery officials. “When I got a call from the Lottery telling me I won a $100,000 prize, I thought it was a scam. Later that day, I saw an email from the Lottery regarding the prize and knew it must be real. Winning is a blessing and will provide a nice financial cushion.”

The 80-year-old woman plans to save her winnings.

The drawing on May 6 was the tenth and final $300,000,000 Extraordinaire second chance drawing, according to lottery officials. Two $100,000 prizes were given away during each of these drawings.

Even though this promotion is over, Michigan lottery players still have the chance to win up to $50,000 by scanning non-winning $6,000,000 Wealth tickets on the lottery app.

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Michigan

Spring Sports Stars: Who is Michigan’s top junior in girls tennis?

Published

2 days ago

May 19, 2025

Press Room

Spring Sports Stars: Who is Michigan’s top junior in girls tennis?

It’s time to highlight some of the best of the best in girls tennis from across Michigan. MLive has compiled a list of some of the top junior girls tennis players from across the state, but we’re giving the readers the chance to crown the state’s top standout.

Readers will have until 9 a.m. on Monday, May 26, to cast their votes and the winner will be announced the following day.

Check out the candidates below and cast your vote below.

JUNIOR GIRLS TENNIS STARS

Daniella Ajao, North Farmington

Leslie Bahk, Rochester Hills Stoney Creek

Helen Benjamin, Detroit Country Day

Samantha Bieber, Chelsea

Hailey Burd, Otsego

Sophie Burns, Rockford girls

Adelie Chen, Portage Central

Ana Cheng, Mattawan

Chloe Cox, Forest Hills Central