Michigan is bringing back two old-school license plate designs from the late 1970s and early 80s, but drivers will have to pay quite a bit extra for the privilege.
Everybody loves nostalgia. Just look at the crazy number of nichefocusing on models from the 1980s and 1990s to see how far some are willing to go to relive their golden years. License plates play a big role in the warm feelings, and Michigan is ready to capitalize on the craze with a pair of new options from the late 1970s and early 80s.
State senator Mallory McMorrow proposed legislation that would bring the plates back. The blue plate included in the bill ran from 1983 to 2007, but the black plate was only available from 1979 through 1983. Both plates come stamped with Michigan’s nickname, “Great Lakes State.” Michigan saw success with its revival of the classic Water-Winter Wonderland plate in 2021, seeing more than 650,000 people pony up the extra $5 for the privilege. Though fun for drivers, the retro plates bring in quite a bit of revenue for the state. The two new offerings will cost $50 plus a $5 service fee, and renewing the plates costs $10. That potential is exceptionally attractive for states, and the extra revenueOther states are jumping on the retro license plate bandwagon, too.