Michigan legacy license plates return to circulation on Feb. 1

(FOX 2) - Michigan is bringing back two vintage Great Lakes license plates that will be available at the beginning of Feb.1.

Both designs are part of a 2023 law that the Michigan governor signed in hopes of bringing legacy plates back to residents.

Big picture view:

Starting Feb. 1, two new license palates will be available for purchase for any Michigan residents hoping to spruce up their vehicle.

The blue-on-white and black-on-white designs replicate the original version from the 1970s and 1980s. 

Drivers will pay a one-time fee of $55 to purchase the plate with a $10 renewal fee afterwards.

They're available for passenger vehicles, pickup trucks, and vans that aren't used for any commercial purpose. 

What they're saying:

The Michigan Secretary of State announced the plate's return on Friday, saying she was proud to celebrate the state's history "as the nation's automotive capital."

"Many Michiganders have fond memories of these classic plate designs and have been looking forward to them being added to our state's popular throwback plate selection," said secretary Jocelyn Benson. "Car enthusiasts, collectors and everyday drivers can now put a piece of Michigan's history back on our roads while they help to fix the roads throughout the state."

Dig deeper:

These aren't the only vintage plates to return in recent years. Public Act 317 kick-started other legacy options that were later made available to motorists.

In addition to the two new legacy plates, the secretary of state also brought back the blue and yellow Water-Winter Wonderland plate and the green Water Wonderland plate.

There is also a digital option, however, that will be discontinued in 2026.

And there are even more options on the way. According to the Michigan website, the semiquincentennial option celebrating 250th birthday for the U.S. will be available in 2026.