License plate fees for 1984 and newer model year passenger vehicles and light trucks are calculated using a percentage of the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) at the time the vehicle is first titled. This is also known as the base price or window sticker price before any taxes, options, and destination charges.

The plate fee decreases by 10% each year for the first three annual plate renewals, after which the fee no longer changes as the vehicle continues to age.

All license plate fees are established by state law. License plate fees can change if the state legislature amends the law to change the fee structure.

If the vehicle is older than 1984, the fee is based on the weight of the vehicle. You may contact the Department of State Information Center at 1-888-SOS-MICH (1-888-767-6424) and someone will help you figure the fee for your particular vehicle, or visit a Secretary of State branch office for assistance.

You may visit the "License Plate Store" to view the types of Michigan plates that are available.

You may transfer license plates already in your name at any Secretary of State branch office. You will need your current registration (your license plate number will be sufficient if the Secretary of State branch office can verify the information on their computer system), your title to the vehicle to which you want to transfer the license plate (your copy of the title application will be sufficient if you recently applied for your title), and $8. Additional fees may be due if transferring plates to a different type of vehicle (such as from a car to a motor home). Additional fees will be due if you apply for a new title at the same time. The owner of the registration must be one of the owners shown on the title. If you are purchasing a vehicle from a Michigan licensed dealer, the dealer will handle the plate transfer for you. You may contact the Department of State Information Center at 1-888-SOS-MICH (1-888-767-6424) and someone will help you determine the plate transfer fee.