A Michigan ID printing error affected about 8,200 enhanced driver’s licenses and state IDs produced on August 26, 2026. The cards showed a stock photo and generic birth date. Corrected replacements are being mailed automatically, with temporary IDs available.
Michigan ID printing error affects one batch
About 8,200 Michigan residents who applied for or renewed an enhanced driver’s license or state identification card received a misprinted credential from a batch produced on August 26, 2026, according to the Michigan Secretary of State’s Office.
The affected cards showed incorrect generic information in the lower-right corner, including a stock photo and a generic birth date, instead of the cardholder’s corresponding information. State officials said the problem resulted from an error in the vendor printing process.
Wrong photo did not expose another resident’s data
Michigan officials said the stock image and birth date were generic and did not belong to another resident. That means the printing mistake did not involve one customer’s personal information being placed on another person’s card.
The error was limited to the affected batch. Residents who received a faulty card are not required to submit a new application or request a replacement separately.
Corrected Michigan licenses and IDs are being mailed
The state said corrected driver’s licenses and state IDs have already been mailed automatically to affected customers at the address associated with their application or renewal.
People who need identification before the replacement arrives can obtain a temporary license or ID online or visit a Michigan Secretary of State branch office in person.
Unexpired previous IDs may still be used for travel
Customers whose previous driver’s license or state ID has not expired may continue using that credential for travel while waiting for the corrected card.
Residents who received a card showing the stock photo or other generic information should watch for the replacement in the mail. The state has not required additional action from affected customers beyond using a temporary or still-valid previous credential if needed before the corrected card arrives.
