In an emergency, having the correct medical information on hand can save lives. The following is provided to help ensure that your medical information is available when it is needed.

Medical Alert Box

State law requires the Secretary of State to provide a medical alert space on driver's licenses and state ID cards. A special area is designated on the back of the standard and enhanced license and ID card.

To alert emergency medical responders that you are carrying a separate emergency medical card, mark the Medical Alert box with an "x" using a permanent blue or black pen or marker. Do not mark outside the box.

You may print an emergency medical card from this Web site. Keep the card with you at all times.

Definition and Guidelines

The Department of State is responsible for providing specifications for patient advocate stickers/decals for driver's licenses and state identification cards pursuant to 257.310, subsection (2), subdivisions (c)(vii) and (e) of the Michigan Vehicle Code:

Sec. 310.

(2) The license issued under subsection (1) shall contain all of the following information:

(c) An indication that the license contains 1 or more of the following:

(vii) A sticker or decal as specified by the secretary of state to indicate that the licensee has designated 1 or more patient advocates in accordance with section 5506 of the estates and protected individuals code, 1998 PA 386, MCL 700.5506, or a statement that the licensee carries an emergency medical information card.

(e) The sticker or decal described in subdivision (c)(vii) may be provided by any person, hospital, school, medical group, or association interested in assisting in implementing the emergency medical information card, but shall meet the specifications of the secretary of state. The emergency medical information card may contain the information described in subdivision (c)(vi), information concerning the licensee's patient advocate designation, other emergency medical information, or an indication as to where the licensee has stored or registered emergency medical information.

The department's recommended guidelines are:

• The sticker or decal should be no larger than ½ by ½ of an inch
• Written instructions must accompany or be distributed with the sticker or decal and must clearly indicate that the placement of the sticker/decal should fit in the "medical alert" box on the back of a driver's license or ID card
• The sticker or decal should clearly indicate that the card holder carries a separate medical emergency/patient advocate card
• The sticker or decal should be removable and should be of a different color than the back of the driver's license or ID card
• The sticker or decal should not include any data or message that could be construed as a solicitation or advertisement
• The sticker should not include specific name(s) or phone number(s) of the patient advocate(s)

If you have any questions, please contact:

Mr. Ron Vrancheff
Michigan Department of State
Customer Services Administration
7064 Crowner Drive
Lansing, Michigan 48918
(517) 322-3447
VrancheffR@Michigan.gov