Featured ResourceAre You Overpaying for Car Insurance?
What's the font used on this temporary driver's license? A Subreddit for Identifying Fonts: show us a sample and we'll try to find the font. Jun 11, 2012 - If you are looking for ideas on what to put on your personalized license plate, we've got ideas to inspire you! See more ideas about license plate, personalized license plates, vanity plate. Michigan law Michigan Vehicle Code (MCL 257.217(4) requires dealers to apply for title and registration on behalf of their customers. When a customer needs a new plate, the dealer must calculate the plate fee and record this information on the RD-108, Application for Michigan Title - Statement of Vehicle Sale. SUMMARY: Michigan License Plates. Apply for license plates in Michigan by registering your vehicle in person at a MI SOS office.You'll renew your tags by renewing your vehicle registration either online, by mail, or in person.If you sell or trade your vehicle for a new one, you'll usually be able to transfer your plates.If your plates are missing or damaged, you can order replacements. Dealerplate is a set of 17 fonts based on the embossed USA and Canada license plates. I didn’t do a complete set but I selected the most populous states and provinces. However, some states like New York have switched to flat printed plates. In these cases, I used the final embossed style. For Canada I just did Ontario and Quebec.
SUMMARY: Michigan License PlatesApply for license plates in Michigan by registering your vehicle in person at a MI SOS office. You'll renew your tags by renewing your vehicle registration either online, by mail, or in person. If you sell or trade your vehicle for a new one, you'll usually be able to transfer your plates. If your plates are missing or damaged, you can order replacements.
Do you need a disability parking license plate? Our Disability Placards and Plates page has more information, including how to apply.
Applying for a personalized plate or a special tag? See our Special Plates Application page, or see our Types of Michigan Special Plates page for design options.
Read below for information about standard license plates and tags in Michigan.
Types of Michigan License Plates
Most vehicles in Michigan must have a license plate issued by the Michigan Secretary of State (SOS), including:
- Passenger vehicles and trucks.
- Motorcycles and mopeds.
- Vehicle trailers.
- Motorhomes.
Your license plate must be displayed on the rear of your vehicle.
You will also need a decal that shows the month and year of your vehicle's expiration. It should be placed on the upper-right corner of most plate types.
Special Tags
The MI SOS offers several types of license plates to Michigan residents. In addition to standard plates, you can order personalized plates and other special license plates.
Learn more about available MI plates on our Types of Special Plates page, and get complete application details on our Special Plates Application page.
The MI SOS also issues disabled parking plates to eligible residents. For more information, see our Disability Placards and Plates page.
Temporary Plates
When you buy a car from a dealer, they should give you:
- A new license plate.
OR - A temporary registration valid for 15 days.
The MI SOS offers temporary registration permits if you do not plan to use for your vehicle for long periods of time. You can apply for:
- A permit valid for 30 days. The fee is:
- The greater of 1/10 of the usual registration fee OR $20.
PLUS - A $10 service fee.
- The greater of 1/10 of the usual registration fee OR $20.
- A permit valid for 60 days. The fee is:
- The greater of 1/5 of the vehicle registration fee OR $40.
PLUS - A $10 service fee.
- The greater of 1/5 of the vehicle registration fee OR $40.
You or a representative can apply for a temporary permit in person at a Michigan SOS office. You will need:
- Proof of ownership, such as the vehicle title.
- Proof of car insurance.
- Payment. (See fees above.)
Apply for License Plates in MI
To get your Michigan license plates, you'll need to register your vehicle with the MI SOS.
When you move to Michigan, you must register your vehicle as soon as you become a MI resident.
When you buy a vehicle, you have 15 days to title and register it. You can drive it home without license plates within 3 days of buying it as long you have the title certificate (in your name) in the vehicle.
Our Vehicle Registration in Michigan page has complete details.
Renew Vehicle Tags
![Michigan License Plate Font Michigan License Plate Font](/uploads/1/1/9/7/119710941/788925585.jpg)
You'll renew your registration annually to renew your plates. You should receive a reminder before your registration expires.
When you renew, you'll get a new expiration tab/decal to put over the old one.
The MI SOS offers renewals online, by mail, and in person. For more information, see our Registration Renewal page.
Replace License Plates & Decals
If your license plate has been lost or stolen, you must apply for a replacement in person at a MI SOS office.
To get a replacement plate or tab, you will need:
- Your vehicle registration or license plate number.
- A form of ID, such as your MI driver's license.
- Payment:
- $5 for a replacement plate.
- $5 for a replacement decal.
- To replace a defective decal is free.
NOTE: If your license plate was stolen, you should report the theft to your local law enforcement agency in case someone commits a violation using your tags.
Transfer or Surrender Tags
You can transfer your license plate to another vehicle in your name in person at your local MI SOS branch office. You will need:
- The current registration of the vehicle your transferring plates FROM.
- If the SOS has the correct information on file, you may be able to just provide your plate number.
- The title certificate of the vehicle you're transferring plates TO.
- Payment for fees:
- $10 transfer fee.
PLUS - Any difference in registration fees between the vehicles.
- $10 transfer fee.
NOTE: If you buy a vehicle from an authorized dealer, they can transfer the plates for you.
You can also transfer license plates to an immediate family member who is buying your vehicle. You can complete the plate transfer when you transfer the vehicle title.
You may need to surrender your license plate if you:
- Do not transfer it to another vehicle or buyer.
- Get a new type of license plate.
- Cancel your insurance.
OR - Move to another state.
For plate surrender questions, contact the Michigan SOS at (888) 767-6424 (SOS-MICH)
Fees for Michigan License Plates
The license plate fees below DO NOT include other fees that you may have to pay (e.g., taxes, title fees, service fees, or postage fees).
Michigan License Plate Font Download
- New standard plates: The fee is based on MSRP or vehicle weight, depending on the age of the vehicle. See our Vehicle Registration page for more details.
- Renewal of standard plates: The fee decreases by10% less than the new plate fee per year for the first 3 renewals. After 3 renewals, the fee remains the same.
- Replacements:
- License plates: $5.
- Tabs: $5.
- Transfer fee:
- $10 PLUS any difference in registration fees.
In 1903, the Detroit City Council legislated laws to register motor vehicles at a time when many automobile manufacturers were establishing facilities in Detroit. The first Michigan State license plates were issued in 1910. From 1910 through 1914, Michigan’s license plates were made of porcelain. Embossed steel license plates were fist issued in 1915. Due to the effects of the Great Depression, Michigan issued half-year license plates because the folks could not afford the full year cost of registering their vehicles in 1938. This system continued until 1946. In 1942, there was the option to extend the 6 month plate to a 12 month plate by the use of a dated strip.
Utah License Plate Font
In 1954, the first slogan appeared on the Michigan license plate “WATER WONDERLAND”. This embossed slogan was used until 1964. >From 1965 to 1967, Michigan used the embossed slogan “WATER – WINTER WONDERLAND” in two lines on bottom of the license plate. The year was also embossed on each license plate because plates were changed annually. The years 1968 through 1982 (except 1976, 1977 & 1978 where the red, white and blue bicentennial license plate was issued) the slogan “GREAT LAKE STATE” was embossed on the bottom of Michigan’s license plates. The first undated Michigan license plate (no year embossed) was issued in 1983 with the slogan “GREAT LAKES” embossed at the bottom.
Free Font License Plate
The bicentennial license plate issued in 1976 was the first in Michigan to have artwork (white stars and 76 on a blue background). Michigan was slow to introduce retro-reflective 3M sheeting on their license plates. Reflective white lettering was introduced in 1971 and continued to 1983 – the 1983 plates was renewed with year decals until 2007. Michigan introduced a retro-reflective license plate for Antique Car Collectors in 1996 and this plate is still valid. The first retro-reflective license plate issued to all vehicles in Michigan was introduced in 1998, featuring a graphic of the state’s famous Mackinac Bridge with the slogan “Great Lakes Splendor”.