Updated license plates available Jan. 1

The Spectacular Peninsulas graphic plate and the updated white standard plate are set to make their debuts, replacing the Great Lakes Splendor and blue standard plates, respectively.

"A new year calls for a fresh look and we're excited to offer these plates to the people of Michigan," Land said. "The graphic plate design embodies the best of Michigan and lets drivers share their state pride with the world. The new standard plate has a clean look that does justice to any vehicle. Both are welcome additions to Michigan's license plate legacy."

Land emphasized that drivers merely have to follow their normal plate renewal cycle, which is based on their birthday, to receive a new plate if needed.

The Spectacular Peninsulas plate costs $5 in addition to regular vehicle registration fees.

Its design, unveiled earlier this year, features a dynamic cityscape in the upper-left corner, a wheat field swaying in the breeze in the top center and a majestic forest in the upper right. An outline of Michigan surrounded by the Great Lakes highlights the plate's center while the mighty Mackinac Bridge arches across the bottom. The slogan "Spectacular Peninsulas" is to the right of the Bridge. Predominant plate colors are blue, green and white.

In addition to buying the Spectacular Peninsulas plate at a branch office or by mail, motorists may purchase it at the upcoming North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The plate will be available at the Secretary of State booth in the Cobo Center concourse Jan. 13 - 21. People who buy that plate also can renew their vehicle registrations at the booth.

While the Great Lakes Splendor plate will no longer be sold, motorists who already have one may continue renewing it if they wish. It has been in use since 1997.

The blue standard will no longer be sold, renewed, replaced or transferred after Jan. 1 under a recent state law. The plate, first issued in 1982, is produced through an outdated manufacturing process and also lacks the reflective background preferred by law enforcement.

The new standard plate has a fully reflective white background with blue lettering. It is rust-resistant and easily identifiable. There is no additional fee for the new standard plate at the time of renewal, though regular vehicle registration fees still apply.

If a customer chooses to replace a blue plate before the renewal period, there is a $5 replacement fee. The new registration and tab will still expire on the same date as the current registration and tab.

For more information about all of the department's plates and renewal options, visit www.Michigan.gov/sos.

Related Link
> License Plate Renewal Guide