Michigan nostalgia is riding high on the roads with the return of its legacy license plates, announced by Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. The Michigan Secretary of State's Office unveiled two different Michigan legacy license plates that residents can now order, as reported by WXYZ. The plates include designs reminiscent of the black Great Lakes State plate (1979-1983) and the blue Great Lakes plate (1983-2007).
These throwbacks are not just symbols of Michigan's automotive heritage but also a practical contribution to the state's infrastructure funding, each purchase and renewal pouring money into the Michigan Transportation Fund dedicated to maintaining roads across the state, as noted by Upper Michigan's Source. It's a one-time $55 fee for the plate and an additional $10 renewal fee annually. Senator Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak) who introduced the legislation, said, "I am proud to bring back these iconic license plates celebrating Michigan’s history as the nation’s automotive capital." Secretary Benson echoed this sentiment, sharing in a press release, "Many Michiganders have fond memories of these classic plate designs and have been looking forward to them being added to our state’s popular throwback plate selection."
Available for both personal and commercial vehicles, the legacy plates also come in disability and personalized versions, with a six-character limit for personalized plates, as per Upper Michigan's Source. For vehicles embracing nostalgia, these plates can be ordered starting February 1 through the Department of State's online services website or by appointment at any Secretary of State office.
According to MLive, this is not Michigan's first venture into historical plate revival; the state started the vintage plate trend in 2023 with the blue and maize "Water-Winter Wonderland" plate, and next on the road map is the 1976 bicentennial anniversary plate to be reissued in 2026 for the U.S.' 250th anniversary, a red, white, and blue splendor meant to celebrate and remember. In keeping with the past traditions, the reinstated plates carry their iconic phrases with the black and white resonating with "Great Lake State" and the blue and white billowing with the name "Great Lakes."
To add a piece of Michigan history to your vehicle, visit the Michigan Secretary of State's website and explore the available options. After creating a profile and entering personal details, residents can obtain these revived plates by paying a $50 road fund fee plus $5 for the plates themselves.
