
Michigan Revives Iconic 70’s and 80’s License Plates
If you've ever longed for the days of bell bottoms, gas with lead, and cars the size of yachts, I have some excellent news for you. Michigan's Secretary of State (SOS) Jocelyn Benson announced via press release that they have dusted off two of the state's most iconic license plates and made them available to drivers—for a limited time and at a cost.
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As of February 1st, 2025, your car can go retro with 70's and 80's flare.
Nostalgia on Wheels: Michigan’s Throwback Plates Are Back
Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Public Act 317 of 2023 into law, making the white-on-blue plate, used from 1983 to 2007 (see below), available for Michiganders. But that's not the most exciting throwback.
The white-on-black plate, used from 1979 to 1983 (see below), is my favorite. Why? Because nostalgia is a heck of a drug, and let's face it: That white-on-black plate looks pretty cool.
Oh! And these plates don't come without a cost.
Michigan's Legacy Plates Fuel the State's Road Fund
Want one of these beauties on the back of your car? It'll cost you. MLive reports that a first-time purchase includes a $50 road fund fee and a $5 plate service fee, all of which goes towards patching up Michigan's legendary potholes and other transportation 'shortcomings' we face as drivers in the Mitten State.
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To give your car an old-school look, you can order your throwback plate online at Michigan.gov/SOS, through your dealership, or by making an appointment at the Secretary of State Office.
Michigan's License Plates From 1920 To Now
Gallery Credit: Tommy McNeill
Michigan License Plate Prototypes That Were Never Created
Gallery Credit: Michigan Secretary of State via Michigan License Plates/Facebook