A special provision in the law allows a historical vehicle owner to use an authentic Michigan license plate from the same year the historical vehicle was manufactured. The plate can be obtained through a private sale or any other means available.

Reproduction and remanufactured plates as well as authentic dealer and manufacturer plates are not allowed.  The plate must display the correct colors for the year of issuance.

Fee:  $35 -- Make checks and money orders payable to State of Michigan.

Authentic license plate applications must be submitted by mail. Your request cannot be processed at a Secretary of State office.

Applying for an authentic plate
Send the following items:

• A color photocopy, a color scan, or color photograph of the license plate (passenger, commercial, trailer or motorcycle). Do not mail the actual plate.  Personalized, government, law enforcement, manufacturer, dealer, in-transit repair, disability and special purpose plates cannot be used as authentic license plates.  If in doubt, check with the department before purchasing a license plate.
• Proof of ownership, preferably a copy of the title
• Proof of Michigan no-fault insurance
• $35 - make checks or money orders payable to State of Michigan
• A completed Application for the Historical Michigan License Plate

Send the completed application, plate image, proof of ownership, insurance and $35 to the:

Michigan Department of State
Office of Customer Services
7064 Crowner Drive
Lansing, MI  48918-1530 

Your new registration will arrive in about three weeks.

 >Application for the Historical Michigan License Plate
 >About historical license plates