Michigan has a long and proud history as the automotive center of the world. Many residents enjoy restoring and collecting vintage automobiles, trucks and motorcycles. Since 1956, the state has issued historic and authentic license plates for antique vehicles used in parades, fairs, car shows, swap meets and other events.

Historical vehicles
A historical vehicle must be:

• More than 25 years old
• Owned solely as a collector's item
• Used only for events such as historical club activities, parades and car show

Note: A vehicle registered with a historical or authentic plate cannot be used for routine, day-to-day transportation.

This letter from Secretary of State Ruth Johnson to state Sen. Mike Kowall clarified the rules for properly using historical and authentic historical license plates for antique-car enthusiasts and law enforcement personnel. The letter addresses the Woodward Dream Cruise specifically but is applicable statewide.

Historical license plates
Authentic license plates