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.

Back of a red car with the white-on-blue throwback plate used in Michigan from 1983 to 2007. It reads MICHIGAN, SAMPLE, GREAT LAKES
Michigan.gov / Canva
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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.

The classic white-on-black Michigan license plate, used from 1979 to 1983, is seen on the back of a red car. The license plate reads: MICHIGAN, SAMPLE, GREAT LAKES STATE
Michigan.gov / Canva
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Oh! And these plates don't come without a cost.

Michigan's Legacy Plates Fuel the State's Road Fund

A massive pothole, similar to those found throughout Michigan, is seen next to a graphic of a damaged tire
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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.

RELATED: The 5 Deadliest Roads in the State of Michigan

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

License plates have been a mandatory part of vehicles in Michigan since the early 1900s. The state has gone through many different designs over the years, not including the many university and special cause plates that are available for purchase. With a new law bringing back these designs, the roads will look very different going forward. Here's what you could expect.

Gallery Credit: Tommy McNeill

Michigan License Plate Prototypes That Were Never Created

These Michigan license plate prototypes never made it to the back of any vehicles as an official design. However they were recently discovered as part of a Secretary of State worker's estate and drawn immediate interest from collectors.

Gallery Credit: Michigan Secretary of State via Michigan License Plates/Facebook