Michigan offers a variety of license plates. These are the most popular

Since 2022, Michigan has added new license plate styles, bringing back throwback plates from the 1960s — and even letting Michiganders celebrate their favorite colleges.

Despite the variety of options, the most popular license plate among Michiganders remains the “Pure Michigan plate,” with 794,971 plates issued in 2024, according to the Secretary of State’s office — outselling the other three options combined.

The plate, originally introduced in 2013, is Michigan’s standard license plate. Specialty plates typically cost additional money to place on a vehicle.

There are about 8.6 million vehicles registered in Michigan, the Department of Transportation said.

Michigan’s standard “Pure Michigan” license plate. (Michigan Secretary of State)

Here’s a breakdown of each license plate and the meaning behind each one.

Mackinac Bridge

The State of Michigan has redesigned the Mackinac Bridge license plate after complaints from police. (Michigan Secretary of State)

The Mackinac Bridge plate showcases one of Michigan’s most recognized landmarks. The bridge is featured in the center of the plate, with a yellow sunset creating a silhouette. Drivers requested 200,996 Mackinac bridge plates in 2024.

Water-Winter Wonderland

Michigan’s “Water-Winter Wonderland” license plate. (Michigan Secretary of State)

The Water-Winter Wonderland plate allows Michigan drivers to celebrate the state’s seasons. Drivers requested 348,964 plates in 2024.

First issued in 1965 and reissued at the beginning of 2021, it has a maize-and-blue design, similar to the University of Michigan’s colors.

Water Wonderland

The Michigan Secretary of State’s office will release a “Water Wonderland” license plate with green with white lettering 60 years after a similar plate was issued for for some types of vehicles. (Michigan Secretary of State)

The water wonderland plate, originally issued in 1954, celebrates Michigan’s rich heritage of tourism among its lakes in waterways.

The plate with the green-and white design, draws comparisons to Michigan State University’s colors. Drivers requested 149,511 in 2024.

How much do specialty plates cost?

The specialty plates cost an additional $5. The new throwback plates had already brought in more than $6 million in additional revenue for the state by mid-2024.

How much do personalized plates cost?

In addition to the fee for a new plate and the additional fee for one of the specialty plates, there is a $30 fee to request a new personalized plate or a $15 fee to renew a personalized plate.

How much do other types of plates cost?

The state offers 16 options for special cause plates. They cost $35 each, plus other fees, with $25 going to the organization.

There are 15 different university plates available, 30 military or veterans plates and six for special organizations.

Jalen Williams is a trending reporter at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan offers a variety of license plates. These are the most popular

Reporting by Jalen Williams, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press

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