by Michigan Revives Patriotic License Plates
License plates rarely make the news, but lately they have been attracting considerable attention across the country. Yes, Indiana and Wisconsin introduced new “blackout” style designs this year, and Wisconsin also looked to the past, reviving the “buttercream” color.
Now Michigan is joining this trend with a special 250th anniversary license plate, which will go on sale on January 2, 2026. It will complement two other retro models already offered by the state.
Next year, America celebrates its 250th anniversary, and this was the impetus for creating the commemorative plate. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson stated:
“As we prepare to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation, I am proud to announce that Michigan’s iconic red, white, and blue license plate will return to our roads in 2026.”
She added:
“Our latest historic plate honors the founding and history of our country alongside our ongoing struggle for freedom, equality, and justice for all.”
Anniversary Style
The new plate is a modern nod to the original 1976 plate issued for the bicentennial. Back then, it earned Michigan its first “License Plate of the Year” award from the Automobile License Plate Collectors Association.
The revived version retains the bold patriotic palette, stars, stripes, and updated numbering, combining nostalgia with a fresh, clean layout designed to stand out on the road.
The anniversary plate is the latest addition to the expanding line of historic plates created under 2023 Public Act 317. This legislation also led to the creation of two other plates that also reference classic designs.
Other Historic Models
The first is called “The Great Lakes State” and features simple black graphics on a white background. It first appeared on Michigan roads in the late 1970s. The other, nicknamed “Old Blue,” ceased production in 2007 but recently returned. It combines the aesthetic of blue lettering on a white background. Both models have become popular.
Ordering any of Michigan’s historic license plates is accompanied by a one-time fee of $55, including a $50 contribution to the Michigan Transportation Fund, which supports road construction and repair across the state.
Plate renewal costs $10 per year. Collector versions are also available for $10, although they cannot be used for registration or personalization.
Source: Michigan Department of Transportation
This trend of reviving retro license plate designs has swept many states, indicating a growing interest in automotive history and identity. For collectors and car enthusiasts, such plates become not just a permit to participate in traffic, but also a way to express personal preferences or patriotic sentiments. The success of these programs often depends on the balance between authentic, nostalgia-evoking design and modern production standards that ensure durability and readability. Demand for such special plates can also become an additional source of funding for state programs aimed at infrastructure or other public needs, as is happening in Michigan with contributions to the road fund.
