JANUARY 12, 2010

Secretary of State auto show display celebrates a century of license plates

The Michigan Department of State is blending history and fun during the North American International Auto Show to highlight the 100th year of Michigan license plates, Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land announced today.

The department's annual booth in the Cobo Center concourse will feature a comprehensive historical display of Michigan license plates and registration tabs. Visitors also can test their license plate knowledge by viewing a series of facts and questions on screen.

"We've had a century of great plates in Michigan and they keep getting better with age," said Land, Michigan's chief vehicle administrator. "We're excited to share this slice of Michigan's automotive heritage with visitors to Detroit's world-class auto show. Whether you're a license plate collector or a new-car buff, we hope you'll stop by and join the fun."

While Michigan license plates originally were provided by individual cities in 1903, the state issued its first plate in 1910. Unlike today's aluminum plates, the 1910 version was made of cast iron and had a glazed-on porcelain-like finish. It also sported the Great Seal of Michigan, though the seal was not officially adopted by the Legislature until 1911.

The look of Michigan's plates has varied over the years. Colors have ranged from the traditional blue and white to the less-conventional orange, magenta, maroon, cream, olive, light purple and chocolate brown.

Today, the Department of State registers more than 9 million vehicles and trailers. Michigan manufactures about 1.3 million plates a year.

More interesting facts about Michigan license plates are available at www.Michigan.gov/sos.

The Department of State booth is across from the Macomb Hall entrance to the main show floor. Visitors can get information on Michigan's new enhanced driver's license and other department services. They also can conduct basic transactions such as register to vote and change the address on their driver's license or ID card. Guests can even meet nationally recognized crash test dummies Vince and Larry.

The auto show's public days run from Saturday, Jan. 16 through Sunday, Jan. 24.

Visit the department Web site for more information about Secretary of State programs and services.

Related Document
> Interesting facts about Michigan license plates