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

A selection of Michigan license plates seen on vehicles on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, in Lansing. (USA TODAY Network)

By USA Today Network via Reuters Connect

September 26, 2025

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.