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Michigan License plate Options
Michigan license plate for all vehicles driving on Michigan roadways must be registered and display a valid license plate with a current registration tab. On your automobile registration, your license plate number and vehicle information number will be shown (VIN).
Choose from a variety of plate options based on your eligibility:
| Michigan license plate Options | Details | Type of license plate |
|---|---|---|
| Standard plates | Standard license plates cost $5. (plus registration fees). Get a regular Pure Michigan license plate, motorbike plate, or trailer plate, or customize one with a Mackinac Bridge image or Water-Winter Wonderland plate. | Pure Michigan Mackinac Bridge Water-Winter Wonderland Permanent Trailer |
| Special cause fundraising plates | A percentage of the proceeds from the sale of a speciality cause license plate are contributed to the cause depicted on the plate. | Agricultural Heritage Breast Cancer Awareness Children's Trust Fund license plate Detroit Lions license plate Detroit Pistons license plate Detroit Red Wings Detroit Tigers Donate Life plate Ducks Unlimited Lighthouse Preservation Olympic Education Patriotic Support Michigan Veterans Veterans Memorial Water Quality Wildlife Habitat |
| University fundraising plates | A percentage of the money raised for a university license plate is contributed to the state institution whose name appears on the plate. | Central Michigan University Eastern Michigan University Ferris State University Grand Valley State University Lake Superior State University Michigan State University Michigan Technological University Northern Michigan University Oakland University Saginaw Valley State University University of Michigan University of Michigan - Dearborn University of Michigan - Flint Wayne State University Western Michigan University |
| Military and veteran plates | Military personnel, veterans, and, in some situations, family members are eligible for particular service and conflict plates. | Afghanistan Campaign Medal veteran Afghanistan Conflict veteran Air Force veteran Army veteran Blue Star Family Coast Guard veteran Combat wounded veteran - Purple Heart Cuban Missile Crisis veteran Disabled veteran Dominican Republic veteran Ex-Prisoner of War Gold Star Family Grenada Conflict veteran Iraq Campaign Medal veteran Iraq Conflict veteran Korean War veteran Laos Conflict veteran Lebanon Conflict veteran Marine Corps veteran Medal of Honor veteran Military Reserve member National Guard member Navy veteran Panama Conflict veteran Pearl Harbor survivor Persian Gulf - Desert Storm veteran Somalia Conflict veteran Vietnam Service Medal veteran Vietnam War veteran World War II veteran |
| Amateur Radio Operator license plate Special organization plates | Members of some nonprofit fraternal and public service organizations can get special license plates. | Amateur Radio Operator Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Michigan Michigan Fraternal Order of Police Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union Michigan State Firemen's Association Police Officers Association of Michigan |
| Collector plates | Many of Michigan's license plates are available for purchase as collector, souvenir, or sample plates. The plates resemble ordinary license plates, however they are purely for show and are not used for car registration. | Universities Nonprofit organization Special cause Standard Military and veterans |
| Historical and authentic plates | Vehicles that are at least 26 years old, owned only as a collector's item, and utilized primarily for historical club activities, parades, and auto exhibits may be eligible for a historical or genuine license plate._x000D_ Vehicles with historic or genuine plates are not permitted to be used for ordinary, day-to-day transportation; nevertheless, they are permitted to be driven at any time, even as daily transportation, during the month of August. | |
| Disability plate | Individuals who meet the requirements can apply for a disability license plate, which contains an emblem stating that the car owner is legally permitted to park in places allocated for residents with disabilities. | |
| Industry plate | Farm, GVW, log, fleet, and other commercial vehicle license plates can be obtained and, in certain situations, must be renewed at a Secretary of State office. |
Related: Michigan DMV – Important Guide [Drivers License, Registration, Appointment]
Michigan Standard license Plates
Pure Michigan
The Pure Michigan plate was introduced in 2013 and has since become the standard license plate.
Mackinac Bridge
The Mackinac Bridge Plate, the most recent in graphic plates, allows citizens to express their state pride in a uniquely Michigan fashion. The Mackinac Bridge, one of Michigan’s most recognizable monuments, is presented front and center on this gorgeously crafted plate.
Water-Winter Wonderland
Purchase a Water-Winter Wonderland license plate to take a nostalgic trip down memory lane and enjoy Michigan’s four-seasons charm. The Water-Winter Wonderland plate, first printed in 1965 and renewed beginning in 2021, succeeded its predecessor, the Water Wonderland plate, which was manufactured from 1954 to 1964.
Permanent Trailer
Trailers and trailer coaches are issued a permanent, non-expiring trailer plate based on the weight of the unit. Trailer licenses are nontransferable and must be obtained from a Secretary of State office.
Related: UIA Michigan [Important Guide & Queries]
What information do I need to order a new Michigan license plate?
Online.
To replace a plate online, you must do the following:
• Go to webpage Michigan.gov/SOS and click on Online Services.
• Select “More Online Vehicles Services” under “Vehicle Transactions.”
• To purchase a plate, follow the steps to create or log into your account.
• Use a credit or debit card, or an e-check/bank account number, to make your payment. A regular plate may be purchased for as little as $5. The cost of a new plate is determined by the type of plate you select.
• Look through your transaction summary. You will be given the opportunity to print your receipt. You may view your temporary car registration by clicking the “View Transaction Documents” button.
• Make a copy of your car registration and save it to your computer. Because your temporary car registration is only displayed once, we recommend storing a copy to your computer before logging out.
Through the mail.
You will need the following items to change a plate by mail:
• A completed license plate order form for the type of plate you want.
• Enclose a check or money order made out to the State of Michigan. A regular plate may be purchased for as little as $5. The cost of a new plate is determined by the type of plate you select.
• Send your completed application and money to the following address:
Internal Services Section,
Michigan Department of State,
7064 Crowner Drive,
Lansing, MI 48918-8264.
Station for self-service.
This option is available exclusively for vehicles that are being renewed. You will need the following items to replace a plate at a self-service station:
• Your notification of renewal. If you don’t have your renewal notification, you’ll need the vehicle’s plate number and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
• Use a credit or debit card (additional fees apply) or cash to pay (at specific locations). A regular plate may be purchased for as little as $5. The cost of a new plate is determined by the type of plate you select.
Replace your license plate
You will need the following items to change your license plate at a Secretary of State office:
• Your car registration number or license plate number, as well as your driver’s license.
• Cash, check, money order (payable to the State of Michigan), or credit or debit card (additional fees apply). A regular plate may be purchased for as little as $5. The cost of a new plate is determined by the type of plate you select.
Related: Michigan Unemployment , UIA – Quick Guide & Information
Often Asked Questions – Michigan license plate
Q) What if my license plate is Auto Centennial or Great Lakes Splendor?
A: The Auto Centennial and Great Lakes Splendor stamps are no longer available. If you have one of these, you may change it with a normal, Spectacular Peninsulas, Mackinac Bridge, or custom plate.
Q) What if my insurance company does not support Electronic Insurance Verification (EIV)?
A: Because evidence of insurance has already been confirmed by updated electronic files given by participating insurance providers, it is feasible to renew online or at a self-service station using Electronic Insurance Verification.
You won’t be able to renew online or at a self-service station if your insurance carrier does not participate in EIV. Fill out the fillable plate renewal form, add your money, and mail it in. You may also plan a visit at an office.
Q) When do I need to update my license plate?
A: Plates that have rusted, been damaged, or become unreadable due to age or wear and tear should be replaced. Furthermore, Michigan mandates that plates that are at least ten years old be changed when they are renewed.
Q) What if my plate is broken?
A: Bring your plate to a Secretary of State office and inform the greeter that it is damaged. If the manager concludes that the plate is damaged due to a manufacturing flaw, the $5 plate replacement cost may be waived.
After being brought to our attention, damaged plates are canceled on the system. If you don’t bring the plate to a Secretary of State office for destruction, you can destroy it by cutting it up or bending off a corner so it can’t be used anymore.
Q) What if my license plate is stolen?
A: If you feel your license plate has been stolen, you should immediately submit a report with the police or sheriff’s office. The agency will send a notice to officers via the Law Enforcement Information Network informing them that the license plate has been reported stolen.
A new plate can be ordered online, by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State office.
Q) Is it possible for someone to order a new plate on my behalf?
A: A plate or tab can only be replaced by the car owner, a member of the owner’s family residing at the same location, or someone designated by the vehicle owner via an Appointment of Agent form.
Form for Appointment of Agent.-Button
Q) What should I do if my license plate has been stolen?
A: Stolen license plates should be reported to the police or sheriff’s office in your area. The agency will send a notice to officers via the Law Enforcement Information Network informing them that the license plate has been reported stolen.
Q) What insurance coverage is required for registering and renewing my vehicle?
A: To be registered and renewed in Michigan, passenger automobiles, vans, and light trucks must have proof of Michigan No-Fault insurance. Out-of-state insurance coverage cannot be utilized to satisfy the Michigan insurance requirements for automobile registration. Motorcycles must be insured as well, although it does not have to have No-Fault insurance.
Maintain your Michigan No-Fault insurance certificate in your vehicle or carry it with you when driving. Failure to present proof of valid Michigan No-Fault insurance while driving a vehicle may result in your license being suspended. If evidence of insurance is not given, your license plate may be revoked.
If you drive your car seasonally and keep it in storage when your plate and registration expire, you can renew it up to 6 months early or submit documentation of your storage/comprehensive insurance policy and a current Michigan No-Fault insurance policy to renew after the expiry.
Q) If I sell my automobile, can I let the buyer to use my license plate?
A: Remove your license plate if you sell your car privately to someone you are not linked to. It’s yours, and you may transfer it to another car you own or buy. Allowing the new buyer to use your plate will result in any offences linked with that plate being ascribed to you.
Q) Now that I’ve moved out of Michigan, what should I do with my Michigan license plate and renewal notice?
A: Michigan does not compel you to surrender your Michigan license plate if you have titled and registered your car in another state. To avoid abuse, the plate should be destroyed before disposal. If you receive a Michigan registration renewal notification after registering your car in another state, disregard it.
Q) Who is eligible for a handicapped license plate or parking placard?
A: Individuals who are blind or have a handicap that makes it difficult for them to walk may be eligible for a disability license plate or parking placard. Walking restrictions are specified as follows:
- The inability to move more than 200 feet without stopping and resting.
- Utilization of a wheelchair, walker, crutch, brace, or other ambulatory assistance.
- A lung disease characterized by a decrease in expiratory volume. (Please see the application.)
- A cardiovascular problem. (Please see the application.)
- An arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic disorder that impairs one’s ability to walk significantly.
- Reliance on oxygen sources other than fresh air.
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