Passport Perks Questions and Answers

What is the Passport Perks program?
The Passport Perks program is another great benefit of the Recreation Passport when it's purchased through the Secretary of State. Businesses around Michigan-currently over 1,000 and counting-provide discounts on merchandise and services to Recreation Passport holders who purchased their Recreation Passport through the Secretary of State. Participating businesses range from larger Michigan companies such as all Michigan Dunham's Sports stores to your proud, hometown restaurant, service garage, tax preparation service and main street supermarket. Discounts range from free coffee to percentages off oil changes, food, clothing and more. These are places you already frequent in your hometown. From the western upper peninsula to southeastern lower Michigan, businesses are proud to participate in the Passport Perks program from every geographic area of the state. And more businesses are joining weekly, ever expanding your savings!

How do I know what businesses are participating?
Experience our Passport Perks provider database. Participating businesses also proudly display the Passport Perks window cling in the business' window for all to see.

Where's my Recreation Passport proof of purchase?
Simply show your vehicle registration to the participating business just prior to payment. They'll see the words "Recreation Passport" at the top of the registration, and know that you qualify for the Passport Perks discount. Recreation Passport purchased at a state park or recreation area are not eligible for the Passport Perks discount.

Am I still eligible for Passport Perks discounts if I purchased my Recreation Passport at a state park or recreation area instead of through the Secretary of State when I renewed my license plate tab?
No, only those who purchase a Recreation Passport through the Secretary of State (at a branch office, kiosk, through the mail or online) when renewing their license plate tab or purchasing a license plate are eligible for Passport Perks savings. It's one of the benefits of purchasing it through the Secretary of State. "Recreation Passport" will not be printed at the top of your vehicle registration if you purchased your Recreation Passport at a state park or recreation area.

You can renew your license plate at a Secretary of State branch office, kiosk, online or by mail.

How long does my Passport Perks membership last?
It's good until your next license plate renewal date. At that time, choose to purchase a Recreation Passport through the Secretary of State to continue utilizing the many cost savings of the Passport Perks program.

What if businesses I frequently visit don't participate in the Passport Perks program?
Next time you visit the businesses, take a Passport Perks Provider Application with you and encourage them to participate. It doesn't cost them anything, it's easy to become a provider and they can do it quickly and easily! Chances are, they're not participating because they don't yet know about the opportunity. Let them know that you'd like them to be a part of this growing program, and suggest they check out www.michigan.gov/passportperks for more information.

Interested in becoming a Passport Perks provider?

Why should my business become a Passport Perks provider?
Approximately 600,000 Michiganders are eligible to renew their license plates each month-and each will have the wonderful opportunity to check "YES!" to the Recreation Passport through the Secretary of State and take advantage of the Passport Perks program. That's a lot of potential traffic to your business, with little additional effort by you or your staff. As a Passport Perks provider, you'll boost your business' reputation as a champion of Michigan's great outdoors and reach so many more customers! Currently, over 1,000 Michigan businesses are Passport Perks providers, with that number growing weekly.

How will it work?
Your business decides on a discount to offer to Passport Perks members. It's up to you. Depending on your business, it could be 10 percent off an oil change or tax preparation service. It could be a free cup of coffee for stopping into your restaurant or a free dessert with the purchase of a meal. It could be a small yet meaningful discount off your merchandise, or buy five sodas and get one free at a cafe. This is completely up to you. Your service and discount will then be part of our Passport Perks provider database at www.michigan.gov/passportperks and in our "Morning Perks" Twitter feed. You simply place a small window cling on your window, provided by us at no cost to you, to indicate that you're an esteemed Passport Perks provider. It's that easy. We also provide marketing materials for you in our e-tool kit to help you promote your important role as a Passport Perks provider to your local community. This includes press release templates, advertisement templates and posters that you can tailor to fit your business and your important message (additional materials coming soon to the e-tool kit!).

How will my staff know which customers are Passport Perks members?
Only your customers who purchase their Recreation Passport through the Secretary of State (at a branch office or kiosk, online or through the mail) when renewing their license plate are eligible for Passport Perks discounts. "Recreation Passport" is printed at the top of their vehicle registration. The holder simply brings in their vehicle registration and shows it to your staff upon checkout or payment. If "Recreation Passport" is written on the top, then they are eligible for your Passport Perks discounts. If it isn't, they are not. They may have purchased their Recreation Passport at a state park or recreation area instead through the Secretary of State. If so, "Recreation Passport" will not be noted on their registration and they are not eligible for Passport Perks discounts. See an example of a Michigan vehicle registration.

What will it cost me?
Becoming a Passport Perks provider will not cost you a dime. Nearly every business in Michigan is eligible, with no set-up or maintenance fee. Just decide on your discount offer, fill out and submit the application form and post the Passport Perks signage, provided to you by the DNR at no cost to you, in your store.

What is the Passport Perks e-tool kit?
The Passport Perks e-took kit, coming soon, is being created to give your business the marketing edge without significant time commitment and creative development on your end. The e-tool kit will include a press release template, which announces your businesses as a Passport Perks provider. Simply fill in the information about your business, and send to your local newspaper. Posters and advertisements in a variety of sizes and colors will also be included, which will enable you to plug in information about your business and post throughout your local community and/or place in your local newspaper.