Do I have to accept the state ID card?

Q: Am I required to accept a customer's state identification card in lieu of a driver license when receiving payment by check? I had heard that a state ID card isn't as reliable as a driver license.

A: If you accept a driver license as proof of identity when receiving a check, you must accept the state identification card as well. That provision was written into state law in 1998 (Public Act 2 of 1998) to clear up any confusion over the ID cards, which can be issued to persons without a driver license.

The Michigan Secretary of State's office says there's no difference between a card and a license in terms of providing positive identification -- its branch offices require the same documents (generally three) to obtain a card as they do to obtain a license. In addition, the ID card is the same size and has the same general appearance as a driver license. The ID cards also include the same security features.

If you receive a card or license that you suspect is fraudulent, you should contact the Secretary of State Enforcement Division by calling 517.322.1486.