Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has announced the return of the white-on-blue and white-on-black license plates—two popular classic designs. The blue Great Lakes plate and black Great Lake State plate became available Feb. 1.
Signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in December 2023, Public Act 317 of 2023 creates legacy registration plates, replicating the designs originally launched in the 1970s and 1980s. Drivers will pay a one-time $55 fee, which includes a $5 plate service fee and $50 that will be deposited into the Michigan Transportation Fund (MTF), to purchase the plate. The MTF provides funding to counties, cities, and villages for road maintenance. A $10 renewal fee will be charged in subsequent years. Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak) introduced the legislation to create the new legacy plate option.