Vehicle registration plates of Michigan
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The U.S. state of Michigan first required its residents to register their motor vehicles in 1905. Registrants provided their own license plates for display until 1910, when the state began to issue plates.[1]
As of 2022[update], plates are issued by the Michigan Secretary of State. Only rear plates have been required since 1981. For an extra charge, drivers can request a personalized plate serial as well as a second duplicate plate. Since January 1, 2015, drivers have been required to replace their plates every ten years.[2]
Passenger baseplates
1910 to 1970
In 1956, the United States, Canada, and Mexico came to an agreement with the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, the Automobile Manufacturers Association and the National Safety Council that standardized the size for license plates for vehicles (except those for motorcycles) at 6 inches (15 cm) in height by 12 inches (30 cm) in width, with standardized mounting holes.[3] The 1955 (dated 1956) issue was the first Michigan license plate that complied with these standards.
Image | Dates issued | Design | Slogan | Serial format | Serials issued | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1910 | Black on white porcelain; state seal and "MICH 1910" at left | none | 12345 | 1 to approximately 18500 | Front and rear plates issued; this practice continued until 1944. |
![]() | 1911 | White on black porcelain; state seal and "MICH 1911" at left | none | 12345 | 1 to approximately 27500 | |
![]() | 1912 | Black on yellow porcelain; state seal and "MICH 1912" at left | none | 12345 | 1 to approximately 40000 | |
![]() | 1913 | White on green porcelain; state seal and "MICH 1913" at left | none | 12345 | 1 to approximately 55000 | |
![]() | 1914 | Red on white porcelain; state seal and "MICH 1914" at left | none | 12345 | 1 to approximately 77000 | |
![]() | 1915 | White on blue; aluminum state seal and "MICH 1915" at left | none | 12345 | 1 to 99999 | First embossed plate. Only letters C and E used in the A1234 serial format.[4] |
A1234 | C0000 to approximately E6000 | |||||
![]() | 1916 | Blue on white; aluminum state seal and "MICH 1916" at left | none | 12345 | 1 to 99999 | |
A1234 | A1 to approximately F5000 | |||||
![]() | 1917 | White on black; aluminum state seal and "MICH 1917" at left | none | 12345 | 1 to 99999 | |
A1234 | A1 to approximately O9000 | |||||
![]() | 1918 | White on green; aluminum state seal and "MICH 18" at left | none | 123456 | 1 to approximately 245000 | |
![]() | 1919 | White on brown; aluminum state seal and "MICH 19" at left | none | 12345 | 1 to 99999 | |
A1234 | A1 to approximately Z9000 | |||||
![]() | 1920 | Black on orange; stylized "MICH 20" at left | none | 123-456 | 1 to approximately 414-000 | |
![]() | 1921 | White on black; stylized "MICH 21" at left | none | 123-456 | 1 to approximately 476-000 | |
![]() | 1922 | White on red; stylized "MICH 22" at left | none | 123-456 | 1 to approximately 577-000 | |
![]() | 1923 | White on green; stylized "MICH 23" at left | none | 123-456 | 1 to approximately 730-000 | |
![]() | 1924 | Black on yellow; stylized "MICH 24" at left | none | 123-456 | 1 to approximately 879-000 | |
![]() | 1925 | Black on gray; stylized "MICH 25" at left | none | 123-456 | 1 to approximately 996-000 | |
![]() | 1926 | White on black; "MICH 26" at left | none | 123-456 | 1 to 999-999 | On both these bases, plates with the M123-456 serial format had the 'M' surrounded by a diamond, and are thus informally known as "Diamond M" plates. |
M123-456 | M1 to approximately M133-000 | |||||
![]() | 1927 | Black on yellow; "MICHIGAN 1927" at bottom | none | 123-456 | 1 to 999-999 | |
M123-456 | M1 to approximately M226-000 | |||||
![]() | 1928 | White on green; "MICHIGAN 1928" at top | none | 1-234-567 | 1 to approximately 1-116-000 | |
![]() | 1929 | Yellow on black; "MICHIGAN 1929" at bottom | none | 1-234-567 | 1 to approximately 1-234-000 | |
![]() | 1930 | Black on yellow; "MICHIGAN 1930" at bottom | none | 1-234-567 | 1 to approximately 1-248-000 | |
![]() | 1931 | Red on black; "MICHIGAN 1931" at bottom | none | 1-234-567 | 1 to approximately 1-223-000 | |
![]() | 1932 | White on dark blue; "MICHIGAN 1932" at top | none | 1-234-567 | 1 to approximately 1-139-000 | |
![]() | 1933 | Black on white; "MICHIGAN 1933" at bottom | none | 12-345 A12-345 | Issued in blocks by county | |
![]() | 1934 | Black on yellow; "19 MICHIGAN 34" at top | none | 12-345 A 12345 | Issued in blocks by county | |
![]() | 1935 | Yellow on dark blue; "19 MICHIGAN 35" at bottom | none | 12-345 A 12345 | Issued in blocks by county | |
![]() | 1936 | Black on gray; "19 MICHIGAN 36" at top | none | 12-345 A 12345 | Issued in blocks by county | |
![]() | 1937 | Yellow on dark blue; "1937 MICHIGAN" at bottom | none | 12 345 A 12345 | Issued in blocks by county | |
![]() ![]() | 1938 | Black on light green; "1938 MICHIGAN" or "MICHIGAN 1938" at top | none | A 12345 | Issued in blocks by county | |
![]() | Black on white; vertical "MICH" at left; "PASS EXP 8-31-38" at top | none | 123456 | 1 to approximately 552000 | Half-year plates issued at lower cost to full-year plates, due to the Depression. | |
![]() | 1939 | Black on beige; "19 MICH 39" at bottom | none | A 12345 AB 1234 | Issued in blocks by county | |
![]() | White on dark blue; vertical "MICH" at left; "PASS EXP 8-31-39" at bottom | none | 123456 | 1 to approximately 552000 | Half-year plate. | |
![]() | 1940 | Black on silver; "MICH 40" at top | none | AB-12-34 | County-coded | |
![]() | White on black; "MICH EXP. 8-31 40" at top | none | Half-year plate. | |||
![]() | 1941 | White on maroon; "MICH 41" at top | none | AB-12-34 | County-coded | |
![]() | Maroon on white; "MICH EXP. 8-31 41" at top | none | Half-year plate. | |||
![]() | 1942–43 | White on olive green; "MICHIGAN" at top and "42" at bottom | none | AB-12-34 | County-coded | Full and half-year plates revalidated for 1943 with metal tabs, due to metal conservation for World War II. |
![]() | As above, but with "EXP. 8-31-42" at bottom | none | Half-year plate. | |||
![]() | 1944 | White on maroon; "MICHIGAN" at bottom and "44" at top | none | AB-12-34 | County-coded | Only rear plates issued for both full-year and half-year plates. For full-year plates, this practice continued until 1957. |
![]() | Maroon on white; "MICHIGAN" at bottom and "EXP. 8-31-44" at top | none | Half-year plate. | |||
![]() | 1945 | Black on silver; "MICHIGAN" at top and "45" at bottom | none | AB-12-34 | County-coded | |
![]() | White on black; "MICHIGAN" at top and "EXP. 8-31-45" at bottom | none | Half-year plate. | |||
1946 | White on dark olive green; "MICHIGAN" at bottom and "46" at top | none | AB-12-34 | County-coded | ||
![]() | White on maroon; "MICHIGAN" at bottom and "EXP. 8-31-46" at top | none | Last half-year plate. | |||
![]() | 1947 | Black on golden yellow; "MICHIGAN" at top and "47" at bottom | none | AB-12-34 | County-coded | |
![]() | 1948 | Black on silver; "MICHIGAN" at bottom and "48" at top | none | AB-12-34 | County coded | |
![]() | 1949 | White on black; "MICHIGAN" at top and "49" at bottom | none | AB-12-34 | County-coded | |
![]() | 1950 | Black on silver; "MICHIGAN" at bottom and "50" at top | none | AB-12-34 | County-coded | |
![]() | 1951 | White on black; "MICHIGAN" at top and "51" at bottom | none | AB-12-34 | County-coded | |
![]() | 1952 | Black on silver; "MICHIGAN" at bottom and "52" at top | none | AB-12-34 | County-coded | |
1953 | White on black, "MICHIGAN" at top and "53" at bottom | none | AB-12-34 | County-coded | ||
1954 | Yellow on dark blue; "19 MICHIGAN 54" at top | Water Wonderland | AB-12-34 | County-coded | ||
![]() | 1955 | White on green; "19 MICHIGAN 55" at top | Water Wonderland | AB-12-34 | County-coded | |
![]() | 1956 | Dark green on white; "19 MICHIGAN 56" at top | Water Wonderland | AB-1234 | County-coded | First 6" x 12" plate. |
1957 | White on red; "19 MICHIGAN 57" at top | Water Wonderland | AB-1234 | County-coded | Front and rear plates issued (as from 1910–43); this practice continued until 1981. | |
1958 | Black on gray; "19 MICHIGAN 58" at top | Water Wonderland | AB-1234 | County-coded | ||
![]() | 1959–61 | Yellow on green; "19 MICHIGAN 59" at top | Water Wonderland | AB-1234 | County-coded | Revalidated for 1960 with yellow tabs, and for 1961 with silver tabs. |
![]() | 1962–64 | Green on white; "19 MICHIGAN 62" at top | Water Wonderland | AB-1234 | County-coded | Revalidated for 1963 with green tabs, and for 1964 with olive tabs. |
![]() | 1965 | Yellow on blue; "MICH 65" at top | Water-Winter Wonderland | AB-1234 | County-coded | First year using galvanized steel. First year using state school colors: 1965 honored University of Michigan. |
![]() | 1966 | Dark blue on buff; "MICH 66" at top | Water-Winter Wonderland | AB-1234 | County-coded | |
![]() | 1967 | Maize on dark blue; "MICH 67" at top | Water-Winter Wonderland | AB-1234 | County-coded | Issued in the colors of the University of Michigan, in honor of its sesquicentennial. |
![]() | 1968 | Yellow on green; "19 MICHIGAN 68" at top | Great Lake State | AB-1234 | County-coded | |
1969 | White on red; "19 MICHIGAN 69" at top | Great Lake State | AB-1234 | County-coded | ||
![]() | 1970 | White on light gold; "19 MICHIGAN 70" at top | Great Lake State | ABC-123 | BBB-000 to approximately NGS-999 | Issued in the colors of Oakland University, which became independent from Michigan State University in 1970. Vowels and Q not used in serials; this practice continued until 1983.[4] |
County coding
Michigan used two-letter county codes from 1940 to 1969, after using county coding blocks from 1933 to 1939. The letters I, O and Q were not used in these codes.
County | 1942-1943[5] | 1955–61 | 1962–64 | 1965–69 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Wayne | AA-DZ | AA–FZ | AA–FZ | AA–FZ |
Oakland | EA-EN | GA–HH | GA–HZ | GA–HZ |
Washtenaw | JU-JZ | HJ–HU | NA–NL | NA–NL |
Allegan | LY-LZ | HV–HZ | NM–NR | NM–NR |
Kent | FA-FK | JA–JZ | JA–JZ | JA–JZ |
Genesee | GA-GK | KA–KZ | KA–KZ | KA–KZ |
Ingham | HA-HH | LA–LN | LA–LN | LA–LN |
Saginaw | HS-HX | LP–LZ | LP–LZ | LP–LZ |
Macomb | HJ-HH | MA–MT | MA–MZ | MA–MZ |
Shiawassee | LJ-LL | MU–MZ | NS–NV | NS–NV |
Kalamazoo | JG-JM | NA–NJ | PA–PL | PA–PL |
Calhoun | JA-JF | NK–NT | PM–PW | PM–PW |
Ottawa | KS-KV | NU–NZ | RL–RS | RL–RS |
Berrien | JN-JT | PA–PJ | RA–RK | RA–RK |
St. Clair | KL-KR | PK–PS | RT–RZ | RT–RZ |
Tuscola | LS-LT | PT–PW | TL–TN | TL–TN |
Barry | NV-NW | PX–PZ | TP–TR | TP–TR |
Muskegon | KF-KK | RA–RJ | TA–TK | TA–TK |
Bay | KW-KZ | RK–RS | UA–UG | XA–XG |
Monroe | LE-LH | RT–RZ | UH–UP | XH–XP |
Jackson | KA-KE | SA–SH | SA–SJ | SA–SJ |
Ionia | LW-LX | SJ–SM | SK–SM | SK–SM |
Van Buren | LU-LV | SN–SS | SN–SS | SN–SS |
St. Joseph | LM-LN | ST–SW | ST–SV | ST–SV |
Alpena | PC-PD | SX–SZ | SW–SX | SW–SX |
Eaton | MN-MP | TA–TD | PX–PZ | PX–PZ |
Sanilac | MT-MU | TE–TH | SY–SZ | SY–SZ |
Montcalm | MA-MB | TJ–TM | TV–TX | TV–TX |
Lapeer | MC-MD | TN–TP | TY–TZ | TY–TZ |
Huron | ME-MF | TT–TU | TS–TU | TS–TU |
Manistee | PG-PH | TX–TY | NY–NZ | NY–NZ |
Gratiot | MG-MH | UA–UB | VE–VG | VE–VG |
Hillsdale | MJ-MK | UE–UF | VH–VK | VH–VK |
Clinton | NL-NM | UJ–UK | VL–VN | VL–VN |
Lenawee | LA-LD | UN–UR | UR–UV | YA–YE |
Grand Traverse | NA-NB | UU–UV | UW–UY | XR–XT |
Charlevoix | PW-PX | UY | UZ | XZ |
Midland | MR-MS | VA–VC | VA–VD | VA–VD |
Branch | MV-MW | VF–VG | VP–VS | VP–VS |
Livingston | NC-ND | VK–VL | VT–VV | VT–VV |
Cass | NJ-NK | VP–VR | NW–NX | NW–NX |
Newaygo | NR-NS | VU–VV | VW–VX | VW–VX |
Isabella | NN-NP | VX–VZ | VY–VZ | VY–VZ |
Mason | PA-PB | WA–WC | WA–WB | WA–WB |
Mecosta | PL-PM | WD–WE | WC–WD | WC–WD |
Wexford | PE-PF | WF–WG | WE–WF | WE–WF |
Oceana | PS-PT | WH | WG | WG |
Emmet | PN-PR | WK | WH | WH |
Osceola | PU-PV | WM | WJ | WJ |
Cheboygan | RA-RB | WP | WK | WK |
Clare | PY-PZ | WS | WL | WL |
Presque Isle | RC-RD | WU | WM | WM |
Arenac | RE-RF | WW | WN | WN |
Ogemaw | RG-RH | WY | WP | WP |
Gladwin | RL-RM | XA | WR | WR |
Iosco | RR-RS | XC | WS | WS |
Benzie | RV-RW | XE | WT | WT |
Missaukee | SD-SE | XG | WU | WU |
Otsego | SH-SJ | XJ | WV | WV |
Leelanau | SK-SL | XL | WW | WW |
Kalkaska | SM-SN | XN | WX | WX |
Roscommon | SU-SV | XR | WY | WY |
Alcona | SP-SR | XT | WZ | WZ |
Antrim | SA-SC | XU | XA | XU |
Lake | SW-SX | XV | XB | XV |
Crawford | XW | XC | XW | |
Montmorency | SY-SZ | XX | XD | XX |
Oscoda | TC-TD | XY | XE | XY |
Marquette | LP-LR | YA–YC | XF–XJ | UA–UC |
Houghton | ME-MF | YE–YH | XK–XL | UD–UE |
Delta | MX-MY | YJ–YK | XM–XN | UF–UG |
Dickinson | NG-NH | YN–YP | XP–XR | UH–UJ |
Iron | PJ-PK | YT–YU | XS–XT | UK |
Chippewa | NT-NU | YW–YX | XU–XV | UL–UM |
Menominee | NX-NY | ZA–ZB | XW–XX | UN–UP |
Gogebic | NE-NF | ZE–ZF | XY–XZ | UR–US |
Schoolcraft | RJ-RK | ZJ | YA | UT |
Ontonagon | RN-RP | ZL | YB | UU |
Alger | RT-RU | ZN | YC | UV |
Baraga | RX-RY | ZR | YD | UW |
Luce | SF-SG | ZT | YE | UX |
Mackinac | SS-ST | ZV | YF | UY |
Keweenaw | TE-TF | ZX | YG | UZ |
1971 to present
Image | Dates issued | Design | Slogan | Serial format | Serials issued | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1971–72 | Embossed reflective (glass-beaded) white serial on maroon plate with border line; "19 MICHIGAN 71" at top. | "GREAT LAKE STATE" centered at bottom | ABC-123 | BBB-000 to approximately RMH-999 | Plates available by mail for the first time. Revalidated for 1972 with stickers. |
![]() | 1973–75 | Embossed reflective (glass-beaded) white serial on dark blue plate with border line; "19 MICHIGAN 73" at top. | "GREAT LAKE STATE" centered at bottom | ABC-123 | BBB-000 to approximately VRM-999 | Personalized and disabled plates available for the first time. Some aluminum plates issued. Revalidated for 1974 and 1975 with stickers. |
![]() | 1976–78 | Embossed reflective (glass-beaded) white serial on red and dark blue plate with border line; two embossed flag stripes at bottom and four embossed stars at left; "MICHIGAN" centered at top. | none | ABC123 | BBB000 to approximately XSD999 | Commemorated the US Bicentennial. All plates issued were aluminum. Awarded "Plate of the Year" for best new license plate of 1976 by the Automobile License Plate Collectors Association, the first time Michigan was so honored.[6] Revalidated for 1977 and 1978 with stickers. |
![]() | 1979–82 | Embossed reflective (glass-beaded) white serial on black plate with border line; "19 MICHIGAN 79" at top. | "GREAT LAKE STATE" centered at bottom | ABC-123 | BBB-000 to ZZZ-999 | Serials BBB-000 through NVM-999 were issued by county.[4][7] Front and rear plates issued until April 1, 1981; only rear plates have been issued ever since. |
1982–83 | 123-ABC | 999-ZZZ to approximately 000-ZMD | Serials progressed backwards. | |||
![]() | 1983–90 | Embossed reflective (glass-beaded) white serial on blue plate; "MICHIGAN" centered at top. | "GREAT LAKES" centered at bottom | 123 ABC | 000 AAA to 999 ZZZ | All variants of this base revalidated with stickers until 2007. Letters I and O not used in serials; this practice continues today. |
![]() | 1990–2001 | ABC 123 | AAA 000 to UDT 999 | |||
![]() | 2001–04 | UDU 000 to ZZZ 999 | Narrow serial dies introduced. | |||
![]() | 2004–06 | ABC1234 | AAA0000 to AFP8999 | |||
2006–07 | ABC 1234 | AFP 9000 to AJX 1999 | Narrower serial dies introduced and space added between letters and digits. | |||
![]() | January 1, 2007– April 2013 | Embossed blue serial on reflective white plate; blue band screened at top with "MICHIGAN" in white in the center. | "www.Michigan.gov" screened in blue centered at bottom | ABC 1234 | BAA 0000 to approximately CPS 0999 | First standard baseplate reissue since 1983. Validated until April 2023 when renewed at Secretary of State, however kiosks continue to print out new tabs. |
![]() | April 2013–present | Embossed blue serial on reflective white plate; wavy blue band screened at bottom; screened blue Pure Michigan logo centered at top. | "michigan.org" screened in white in center of wavy blue band | ABC 1234 | DAA 0000 to ~EXE 1325 (as of August 2024) |
Optional plates
Image | Slogan | Dates issued | Design | Serial format | Serials issued | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | World's Motor Capital | 1996 | Blue serial on background featuring the seal of the American Automobile Centennial Commission and a gold silhouette of an antique automobile outlined in red. | ABC 12 | AAA 00 to ZZZ 99 | Validated with sticker until 2015 expiration.[8] |
12 ABC | 00 AAA to approximately 99 LPZ | |||||
![]() | Great Lakes Splendor | 1997–December 31, 2006 | Blue serial on background featuring a sunset and the Mackinac Bridge. | 1AB C23 | 0AA A00 to approximately 0GR A99 | Validated with sticker until 2017 expiration.[8] |
![]() | Spectacular Peninsulas | January 1, 2007–December 1, 2021 | Black serial on background featuring buildings from the skylines of Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Flint, the forests of Michigan, all five Great Lakes, and the Mackinac Bridge. | 1AB C23 | 0HA A00 to approximately 9NB L92 | Increment from second character |
![]() | The Mackinac Bridge | August 29, 2013–October 12, 2014 | Embossed white serial on sunrise scene featuring the Mackinac Bridge, with gradient orange sky and light blue water; screened white rectangle centered at top containing Pure Michigan logo. | ABC 123 | AAA 000 to approximately AJG 999 | Awarded "Plate of the Year" for best new license plate of 2013 by the Automobile License Plate Collectors Association, the second time Michigan was so honored.[6] |
![]() | October 13, 2014–present | Embossed black serial on sunrise scene featuring the Mackinac Bridge, with gradient orange and white sky and light blue water; screened Pure Michigan logo centered at top. | AJH 000 to EFT 001 (as of April 2024) | Revision of the original Mackinac Bridge base for better visibility. | ||
![]() | Water-Winter Wonderland | December 2, 2021–present | Embossed yellow serial on dark blue plate; screened yellow Michigan at top. | 1ABC23 | 0NBM00 to 8QLK10 (as of July 2024) | Reintroduced in 2021 as an homage to the original 1965 Water-Winter Wonderland plate.[9] Continues serial range from Spectacular Peninsulas series, with increment from second character. Renewal tab is placed in the lower right corner.[10] |
![]() | Water Wonderland | January 27, 2024–present | Embossed white serial on green plate; screened Pure Michigan logo in white at top. | 12ABC3 | 00AAA0 to 75AER4 (as of June 2024) | Reintroduced in 2024 as an homage to the original 1963 Water Wonderland plate.[11] Serial characters are not reflective. |
Disability plates
Image | Base | Dates Issued | Serial format | Serials issued | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 2007 passenger | January 1, 2007–April 2013 | 1234A5 | 0000E0 to approximately 9149G9 | International Symbol of Access embossed at left |
![]() | Spectacular Peninsulas | January 1, 2007–December 1, 2021 | 1A2345 | 0J0000 to 1K7937 | |
![]() | Pure Michigan | April 2013–present | 1234A5 | 0000J0 to 2468M9 (as of June 2023) | |
![]() | Mackinac Bridge | October 13, 2014–present | A1234 | A7708 to approximately L0003 (as of June 2023) | |
![]() | Water-Winter Wonderland | December 2, 2021–present | 1K2345 | 2K0000 to 4K6063 (as of June 2023) | International Symbol of Access screened at bottom left |
![]() | Water Wonderland | January 27, 2024–present | 12E345 | 00E000 to 00E400 (as of July 2024) |
Non-passenger plates
Image | Type | Design | Serial format | Serials issued | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | State Government | 2007-2013 passenger base, with "STATE GOVT" at bottom | 123456 1234567 | ||
![]() | Pure Michigan logo at top, "STATE GOVT" at bottom | ||||
![]() | State Police | 2013–present passenger base with serial in black; Michigan State Police emblem to left of serial | State Police fleet number | Front and rear plates on blue marked patrol vehicles; first digit usually corresponds to MSP district number or special division | |
![]() | Commercial | Identical to 2007-2013 passenger base | CA 12345 | CA 00000 to CF 13999 | |
![]() | Identical to 2013-present passenger base | DA 12345 | DA 00000 to ~DF 64705 (as of August 2024) | ||
![]() | Identical to 2013 Mackinac Bridge plate | AA 1234 | from AA 0000 | ||
![]() | Identical to 2014 Mackinac Bridge plate | AA 1234 | through ~AD 8021 (as of August 2024) | ||
![]() | Dealer | Pure Michigan logo at top, "DEALER" at bottom | 123 D 45 123 D 456 | ||
![]() | Historical | Maize on dark blue, "HISTORICAL VEHICLE" embossed below. | 123 456 | 000 000 to approximately 077 633 | Issued to cars and trucks that are at least 26 years old. |
![]() | 2007—2013 passenger base with "HISTORICAL" at bottom. | 123456 | 078000 to 228983 | ||
![]() | Pure Michigan logo at top, "HISTORICAL" at bottom | 300000 to 382808 (as of July 2023) | |||
![]() | In-Transit Repair | Pure Michigan logo at top, "IN-TRANSIT REPAIR" at bottom | 12G345 123G456 | ||
![]() | Manufacturer | Pure Michigan logo at top, "MANUFACTURER" at bottom | 123M456 | ||
![]() | Municipal | 2007-2013 passenger base, with "MUNICIPAL" at bottom | 123 X 456 | 000 X 000 to 129 X 999 | used on almost all government-owned vehicles (including police), except county sheriff's departments and State of Michigan-owned vehicles; was last plate to use 2007 base until retirement in 2024 |
![]() | Pure Michigan logo at top, "MUNICIPAL" at bottom | 130 X 000 to ~131 X 600(as of July 2024) | |||
![]() | Nonprofit | 2007-2013 passenger base, with "NONPROFIT" at bottom | 123 Y 456 | offered at no cost to certain nonprofit organizations (including private schools) to allow them to save funds for their operations | |
![]() | Pure Michigan logo at top, "NONPROFIT" at bottom | ||||
![]() | Repossession | Pure Michigan logo at top, "REPOSSESSION" at bottom | 123R456 | ||
![]() | Special Equipment | Pure Michigan logo at top, "SPECIAL EQUIPMENT" at bottom | 123S456 | ||
![]() | Special Farm | Pure Michigan logo at top, "SPECIAL FARM" at bottom | 123F456 | 011F000 to 018F012 (As of March 24, 2024) | |
![]() | Transporter | Pure Michigan logo at top, with "TRANSPORTER" at bottom | 123T456 | ||
![]() | Fleet | 2007-2013 passenger base, "FLEET" at bottom | PF 12345 | usually used on utility service trucks & UPS trucks | |
![]() | Pure Michigan logo at top, "FLEET" at bottom | ||||
![]() | Rental Fleet | 12345 RF | 00000 RF to 13700 RF (as of June 2024) | used on rental vehicles | |
![]() | Apportioned | 2007–2013 passenger base with "APPORTIONED" at bottom | RA 12345 | RA 00000 to ~RA 92999 | often used on commercial trucks & motorcoaches |
![]() | Pure Michigan logo at top, "APPORTIONED" at bottom | RB 00000 to RC 27961 (as of July 2023) | |||
![]() | Truck | Pure Michigan logo at top, weight class sticker at bottom | AB12345 | BA00000 to BD81489 (as of August 2024) | front and rear plates on tractor-trailers |
![]() | Wrecker | Pure Michigan logo at top, "WRECKER" sticker at bottom | used on tow trucks | ||
![]() | Farm | Pure Michigan logo at top, "FARM" at bottom | |||
![]() | Trailer | 2007-2013 passenger base; "PERMANENT TRAILER" screened at bottom | A123456 | ||
![]() | Pure Michigan logo at top, "PERMANENT TRAILER" screened at bottom | D000000 to F101322 (as of June 2024) | |||
![]() | Sheriff's Department | 2007-2013 passenger base, with serial in black, gold "SHERIFF" at bottom & Michigan Sheriffs' Association emblem in center | 12 345 | First two digits county coded alphabetically; for example, the Oakland County Sheriff's Office is assigned "63" as "Oakland" falls 63rd in an alphabetical list of Michigan counties | |
![]() | Black with "SHERIFF" at bottom | 12🟌345 |
Special plates
Organizations
Special plates are available to members of certain groups. Each is currently made with the Pure Michigan base, with an emblem to the serial's left, and a 5-character serial format.
Image | Group | Emblem | Serial format | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Amateur radio operators | Radio tower | ||
![]() | Fraternal Order of Police | FOP emblem | AB12C | |
![]() | Freemasons | Square and Compasses | ||
![]() | Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union | MPFFU emblem | "Professional Fire Fighter" at bottom | |
![]() | Michigan State Firemen's Association | MSFA emblem | "Firefighter" at bottom | |
![]() | Police Officers' Association of Michigan | POAM emblem | "The Choice of Professionals" at bottom |
University fundraising
Since September 2000, special plates have been offered to raise funds for each of Michigan's 15 public universities.[12][13] Each uses the Pure Michigan baseplate with the college's name at the bottom and the university's logo to the serial's left, and all share the same serial format and range.
Image | University | Emblem | Serial format | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Central Michigan University | "Block C" logo | AB12C | |
![]() | Eastern Michigan University | "Block E" logo | ||
![]() | Ferris State University | Bulldogs logo | ||
![]() | Grand Valley State University | "Block GV" logo | ||
![]() | Lake Superior State University | Anchor logo | ||
![]() | Michigan State University | "Block S" logo | ||
![]() | "Sparty" emblem | |||
![]() | Michigan Technological University | "1885" logo | ||
![]() | Northern Michigan University | Wildcats logo | ||
![]() | Oakland University | Golden Grizzly logo | ||
![]() | Saginaw Valley State University | Cardinal logo | ||
![]() | University of Michigan | "Block M" logo | Bottom reads "GO BLUE" rather than "University of Michigan" | |
![]() | University of Michigan-Dearborn | "Block M" UM-Dearborn logo | ||
![]() | University of Michigan-Flint | "Block M" UM-Flint logo | ||
![]() | Wayne State University | "W" logo | ||
![]() | "W" shield logo | introduced in 2018[12] | ||
![]() | Western Michigan University | Circle "W" logo |
Special cause fundraising
Special plates have been offered since 2001 to raise funds for certain charitable causes.[13] State law limits the number of fundraising plates (excluding universities) available at one time to 20, and 14 are currently in production.[14] Each is currently made with the Pure Michigan base, with an emblem to the serial's left, and a 5-character serial format; prior to 2013, they were made with the 2007-2013 passenger base.[15]
Image | Cause | Emblem | Tagline | Years issued | Serial format | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Agricultural heritage | Barn and fields insignia | "Agricultural Heritage" | 2001–present[16] | AB12C | |
![]() | Breast cancer awareness | Pink ribbon | "Early Detection Saves Lives" | 2014–present[17] | ||
![]() | Children's Trust Fund | "Just Love 'Em" | "Children" | from 2001[18] | ||
![]() | Hand | "Children's Trust Fund" | until 2022 | |||
![]() | Children Trust Michigan | Pinwheel | "Strength Through Abuse Prevention" | 2022–present[19] | ||
![]() | Detroit Lions Charities | Lions logo | "Detroit Lions" | 2019–present[20] | ||
![]() | Detroit Pistons Foundation | Pistons logo | "Detroit Basketball" | 2019–present[20] | ||
![]() | Detroit Red Wings Foundation | Red Wings logo | "Detroit Red Wings" | 2019–present[20] | ||
![]() | Detroit Tigers Foundation | Tigers "English D" logo | "Detroit Tigers" | 2019–present[20] | ||
![]() | Donate Life | Donate Life logo | "Be an Organ, Eye, & Tissue Donor" | 2012–present[21] | ||
![]() | Ducks Unlimited | Ducks Unlimited logo | "Ducks Unlimited" | 2014–present[22] | ||
![]() | Lighthouse preservation | White Shoal Light[23] | "Save Our Lights" | 2001–2017[24] | ||
![]() | Generic lighthouse insignia | "Protect Michigan Lighthouses" | 2017–present[25] | |||
![]() | NMU Olympic Education Center | Team USA logo | "Go Team USA" | 2012–present[26] | ||
![]() | American Red Cross & Salvation Army | United States flag | "Proud to be an American" | 2001–present[27] | ||
![]() | Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency | "Veterans" emblem | "Support Michigan Veterans" | 2001–present | ||
![]() | Michigan Vietnam Veterans Monument | Dog tags | "Lest We Forget" | 2001–present[15] | ||
![]() | Water quality | Sailboat insignia | "Protecting Our Waters" | 2001–present[28] | ||
![]() | Wildlife habitat conservation | Loon | "Conserve Wildlife Habitat" | 2001–2017[29] | ||
![]() | Elk | "2018 Marks 100 Years of Elk" | 2018–2021[29] | |||
![]() | Kirtland's warbler | "Conserve Wildlife Habitat" | 2022–present[30] |
As of November 2023, three new fundraising plates are currently being considered in the Michigan Legislature: one supporting Michigan's 4-H organizations, another funding sickle cell anemia research, and a third supporting prostate cancer prevention.[14]
Legislation was passed in June 2017 to offer an anti-abortion Choose Life plate in Michigan, but was vetoed by Governor Rick Snyder.[31][32]
Veterans
Image | Type | Design | Serial format | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Afghanistan Campaign Medal | Afghanistan Campaign Medal with "AFGHANISTAN" topped at left, "VETERAN" centered at bottom | 1ABC2 | |
![]() | Afghanistan | "AFGHANISTAN" at left, "VETERAN" centered at bottom | ||
![]() | Air Force | United States Air Force logo at left, "VETERAN" centered at bottom | ||
![]() | Army | United States Army logo at left, "VETERAN" centered at bottom | ||
![]() | Blue Star Family | State inside an outlined star at left, stars before and after "BLUE STAR FAMILY" centered at bottom | ||
![]() | Coast Guard | United States Coast Guard emblem at left, "VETERAN" centered at bottom | 1ABC2 | |
![]() | Cuban Missile Crisis | "CUBAN MISSILE CRISIS" at left, "VETERAN" centered at bottom | ||
![]() | Disabled Veteran | "DISABLED VETERAN" centered at bottom | DV123A DV1234A | |
![]() | Dominican Republic | "DOMINICAN REPUBLIC" at left, "VETERAN" centered at bottom | 1ABC2 | |
![]() | Ex-Prisoner of War | "EX POW" stacked at left, "EX-PRISONER OF WAR" centered at bottom | 12A34 | |
![]() | Gold Star Family | Gold Star service banner at left, "GOLD STAR FAMILY" centered at bottom | 12 GS 34 | |
![]() | Grenada | "GRENADA" at left, "VETERAN" centered at bottom | 1ABC2 | |
![]() | Iraq Campaign Medal | Iraq Campaign Medal with "IRAQ" topped at left, "VETERAN" centered at bottom | ||
![]() | Iraq | "IRAQ" at left, "VETERAN" centered at bottom | ||
![]() | Korean War | "KOREA" at left, "VETERAN" centered at bottom | ||
![]() | Laos | "LAOS" at left, "VETERAN" centered at bottom | ||
![]() | Lebanon | "LEBANON" at left, "VETERAN" centered at bottom | ||
![]() | Marine Corps | United States Marine Corps emblem at left, "VETERAN" centered at bottom | ||
![]() | Medal of Honor | United States Medal of Honor at left, stars before and after "MEDAL OF HONOR" centered at bottom | MH 12 | |
![]() | Military Reserve | "MILITARY RESERVE" at left, "VETERAN" centered at bottom | 1ZA23 | |
![]() | National Guard | National Guard logo at left, "NATIONAL GUARD" centered at bottom | 1ABC2 | |
![]() | Navy | United States Navy emblem at left, "VETERAN centered at bottom | 1ABC2 | |
![]() | Panama | "PANAMA" at left, "VETERAN" centered at bottom | ||
![]() | Pearl Harbor Survivor | "PEARL HARBOR SURVIVOR" centered at bottom | 1A2345 | |
![]() | Persian Gulf | "PERSIAN GULF" at left, "VETERAN" centered at bottom | 1ABC2 | |
![]() | Purple Heart | Purple Heart medal at left, "COMBAT WOUNDED VETERAN" centered at bottom | 123A4 | |
![]() | Somalia | "SOMALIA" at left, "VETERAN" centered at bottom | 1ABC2 | |
![]() | Vietnam Service Medal | Vietnam Service Medal with "VIETNAM" topped at left, "VETERAN" centered at bottom | ||
![]() | Vietnam | "VIETNAM" at left, "VETERAN" centered at bottom | ||
![]() | World War II | "WORLD WAR II" at left, "VETERAN" centered at bottom |
References
- ^ "Old Michigan License Plates". LeatherLicensePlates.com. Retrieved May 24, 2017.
- ^ Grenke, Nicholas (December 2, 2013). "State law calls for license plates to be replaced at least every 10 years". Huron Daily Tribune. Retrieved September 13, 2021.
- ^ Garrish, Christopher (October 2016). "Reconsidering the Standard Plate Size". Plates. Vol. 62, no. 5. Automobile License Plate Collectors Association.
- ^ a b c Tanner, Eric N. "Michigan Passenger License Plates". allaboutlicenseplates.com. Retrieved November 17, 2020.
- ^ "License plate letters explained". Hastings Banner. November 27, 1941.
- ^ a b Smith, Jay Scott (March 31, 2014). "Mackinac Bridge license plate designed by Lansing native wins annual 'world's best' award". MLive. Booth Newspapers. Retrieved July 9, 2014.
- ^ Reback, Brian P. (December 29, 2010). "Michigan - county codes". BPRlicenseplates.com. Archived from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved October 4, 2014.
- ^ a b "Renewing at a Branch Office". Michigan Secretary of State. Retrieved August 26, 2015.
- ^ Huschka, Amy. "Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson brings back popular Michigan license plate". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved 2021-12-14.
- ^ "SOS - Water-Winter Wonderland Plate". www.michigan.gov. Retrieved 2021-12-14.
- ^ James, Janelle (December 21, 2023). "Green 'Water Wonderland' license plates to return in Michigan". Bridge Michigan. Retrieved February 13, 2024.
- ^ a b "Warrior Strong license plates now available". Today@Wayne. Wayne State University. 2018-05-15. Retrieved 2023-12-02.
- ^ a b Gray, Kathleen (2016-05-12). "House votes to put limits on specialty license plates". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved 2023-12-02 – via Gannett.
- ^ a b Orner, Ben (2023-11-27). "Eight new Michigan license plates are in the works". MLive. Retrieved 2023-12-02.
- ^ a b "Order your Veterans Memorial License Plate today!" (PDF). Michigan Department of State. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2001-11-27.
- ^ "Order your Agricultural Heritage License Plate today!" (PDF). Michigan Department of State. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2001-11-27.
- ^ "Michigan launches 'pink ribbon' license plate". WNWO. Sinclair Broadcast Group. 2014-10-06. Retrieved 2023-12-03.
- ^ "Order your Children License Plate today!" (PDF). Michigan Department of State. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2001-11-30.
- ^ "New Name, Same Mission". Children Trust Michigan. 2022-05-19 – via YouTube.
- ^ a b c d Walker, Micah (2019-04-26). "Detroit sports license plates unveiled: How to get one". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved 2023-12-03.
- ^ "Michigan Gets Donate Life License Plate". Gift of Life Michigan. 2012-03-22. Retrieved 2023-12-03.
- ^ "Snyder OKs Michigan License Plate For Ducks Unlimited". CBS News Detroit. 2013-03-23. Retrieved 2023-12-03.
- ^ "State debuts redesigned lighthouse license plate". WLNS 6 News. 2017-06-13. Retrieved 2023-12-03.
- ^ "Order your Lighthouse License Plate today!" (PDF). Michigan Department of State. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2001-11-27.
- ^ "Michigan's lighthouse fundraising license plate gets new look". WCMU. 2017-06-21. Retrieved 2023-12-03.
- ^ Oosting, Jonathan (2012-09-05). "Olympian Jordyn Wieber unveils new Michigan license plate to support Team USA". MLive. Retrieved 2023-12-03.
- ^ "More than 10,000 patriotic license plates sold in just one month". Michigan Department of State. 2001-11-19. Archived from the original on 2001-11-27.
- ^ "Order your Water Quality License Plate today!" (PDF). Michigan Department of State. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2001-11-30.
- ^ a b Zaniewski, Ann. "Elk is in, loon is out for Michigan's wildlife license plate". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved 2023-12-03.
- ^ Bingham, Emily (2021-12-06). "Kirtland's warbler to appear on Michigan license plates in 2022". mlive. Retrieved 2023-12-03.
- ^ Lawler, Emily (2017-06-30). "Gov. Rick Snyder vetoes bill that would have allowed 'choose life' license plates". MLive.
- ^ Oosting, Jonathan (2017-06-30). "Snyder vetoes 'Choose Life' license plate". The Detroit News. Retrieved 2023-12-03.
External links
- Michigan license plates, 1969–present
- "License plate fact sheet" (PDF). Michigan Secretary of State.