Replacement tabs cost $5. There is no fee to replace a tab returned as defective at a Secretary of State branch office. NOTE: The Michigan Vehicle Code now provides a 30-day grace period to affix a license plate tab when a license plate is renewed (MCL 257.255). Be sure to carry proof of your renewed registration in the vehicle – either a. SUMMARY: Michigan License Plates. Apply for license plates in Michigan by registering your vehicle in person at a MI SOS office.You'll renew your tags by renewing your vehicle registration either online, by mail, or in person.If you sell or trade your vehicle for a new one, you'll usually be able to transfer your plates.If your plates are missing or damaged, you can order replacements.

1. Michigan License Plate Tabs
2. Michigan License Tabs Renewal
3. Renew Michigan License Plate Tabs Online

1. First-Time Michigan Registration. This page is for registration renewals. If you have purchased a used car that you need to register, or have just established residency in Michigan, visit our Registration page. Registration Renewal Notice.
2. If your license plate is at least 10 years old, you will be issued a new license plate number and physical plate by the SOS. Your tabs will accompany the new plate in the mail. Why should I use StateRegistration.org to renew my registration?

Introduction

Whether you own a passenger car, truck, van, or motorcycle, you will need to renew your registration annually with the Michigan Secretary of State (SOS). Failing to renew on time may result in late fees and further fines.

If you've already renewed your registration, you can check the status of your order by contacting the MI SOS.

First-Time Michigan Registration

This page is for registration renewals. If you have purchased a used car that you need to register, or have just established residency in Michigan, visit our Registration page.

Registration Renewal Notice

For individually-owned vehicles (passenger car, truck, motorcycle), the registration will expire on the owner's birthday. Individually-owned vehicles may be renewed as soon as the renewal notice is received.

Registration for company-owned vehicles will expire on the date designated by the SOS. Company-owned vehicles may not be renew their registration early.

The MI SOS sends renewal notices by mail 45 days before the renewal deadline. Information in the renewal notice includes:

• Expiration date
• Fees
• PIN for online renewal, if eligible
• Instructions for renewal by mail

Didn't Receive a MI Registration Renewal Notice?

Renewal forms cannot be resent, even if you did not receive yours. If you never received your renewal notice, it is still your responsibility to renew by the deadline by visiting your local SOS office.

Or, if your prefer, you can renew by mailing a copy of your current registration certificate, proof of car insurance coverage, and payment (check or money order) to:

• Michigan Department of State
• Renewal by Mail Unit
• 7064 Crowner Drive
• Lansing, MI 48980

If you move, be sure to update your new address with the SOS.

Renewing Your MI Registration

The Michigan SOS provides a number of methods for renewing. However, if your renewal notice did not provide you a PIN number, your only option is to renew in person.

Renew Online

If you received a PIN on your renewal notice, you may renew with the Online Renewal PLUS system or the Express SOS system. Follow the instructions for the system that works best for you.

1. Visit the state's Online Services page.
2. Click the Renew Vehicle Plate/Tab link.
3. Click the Individual circle.
4. Click the Next box at the bottom of the page.
5. Decide whether you want to use Online Renewal PLUS or Express Renewal.

Online Renewal PLUS

Use Online Renewal Plus if you need to change your address or register multiple vehicles.

You will need to provide:

• The PIN found on your registration renewal notice
• The last four digits of your Social Security number
• Either your state ID number or Michigan driver license number
• Your birth date and eye color
• A valid credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover)―if you pay with with a credit card, you'll be charged an additional 1.75% processing fee.

Express Renewal

Use Express Renewal if you're renewing a single registration and your address and vehicle information are correct on your renewal notice, and you don't need to order new license plates.

To use Express Renewal, you'll need to provide:

• The PIN on your registration renewal notice
• Your license plate number
• A valid credit or debit card (Visa, Master Card, Discover)―if you pay with with a credit card, you'll be charged an additional 1.75% processing fee.

Renew In Person

Visit your local SOS branch office with:

• Your renewal notice or current registration certificate
• Your driver's license
• Proof of car insurance
• Payment for registration fees―if you pay with with a credit card, you'll be charged an additional 1.75% processing fee.

You will leave with your new registration and vehicle tags.

Renew at a Self-Serve Station

Visit any self-service station found at PLUS offices, SUPER!Centers, and some government locations.

You can use this option if:

• All the information on your renewal notice is correct (name, address, vehicle type)
• Your PIN is listed on your renewal notice
• You have a valid credit card (MasterCard, Discover, or Visa)―if you pay with with a credit card, you'll be charged an additional 1.75% processing fee.

The self-service machine will prompt you for information on a touch screen. Upon completing, you'll receive a receipt and new tabs.

Renew by Mail

This option is open to both in-state and out-of-state residents.

In-State Residents

If the information on your renewal notice is incorrect, you cannot renew via mail. You must instead renew in person. Otherwise, send payment, proof of car insurance, and your renewal notice using the provided enclosed envelope. If you lost the envelope, mail to:

• Michigan Department of State
• Renewal by Mail
• 7064 Crowner Drive
• Lansing, MI 48980

Out-of-State Residents

Out-of-state residents will need to send:

• A cover letter with:
  ―Your license plate number
  ―The address where you want your new registration sent
  ―Your daytime phone number, with the area code
• A copy of your insurance certificate
• A check or money order made out to the State of Michigan (call (517) 636-5872 for the exact fee)

Mail payment and documents to:

• Michigan Department of State
• Special Services Branch
• 7064 Crowner Drive
• Lansing, MI 48918

MI Registration Renewal Fees

Renewal rates are calculated differently based on the year of your vehicle:

• For vehicles 1984 to present: fee is based on the suggested retail price
• For vehicles 1983 or older: fee is based on the vehicle's weight

Late Fees and Penalties

Your vehicle registration expires on your birthday or on the expiration date designated by the SOS for company-owned vehicles.

• A $10 late fee will be assessed if you don't renew by the expiration date.
• If your vehicle registration remains expired longer than 6 months, the SOS will charge a 24 month renewal fee.

Michigan Tax Deduction

You can declare the entire vehicle registration cost (except for any renewal service fees) as a deduction, provided you file using a long form.

Michigan Emissions Testing

Michigan does not mandate emissions testing.

For additional information regarding Michigan's Air Quality programs, visit our Emissions page.

MI Liability Insurance Requirements

You must have insurance to renew your vehicle registration. Michigan's No-Fault insurance is the minimum amount of insurance allowed.

Failing to maintain required coverage may result in the suspension of your driver's license and/or license plates, plus possible court fees and fines.

Insurance covers you for such things as:

• Bodily injury and property damage
• Personal injury
• Property protection

You must keep proof of insurance with you at all times when driving your car or riding your motorcycle.

Check out our Insurance Center page for additional information on Michigan insurance requirements and licensed providers.

Registration Renewal for MI Military Personnel

If you are a Michigan resident serving in the military out of state, you may renew your vehicle's registration by mail or online.

Renewal by Mail

When renewing your registration by mail, you'll need to include:

• Your renewal notice with the address where you want your new tags sent printed on the front of the notice.
• Fee payment, which is listed on your renewal notice. Pay with check, money order, or credit card (you will be charged a 1.75% processing fee if you pay with credit card).
• A copy of your insurance certificate.

Send your documents using the enclosed envelope that came with your renewal notice. If you've misplaced the envelope, mail to:

• Michigan Department of State
• Renewal by Mail Unit
• 7064 Crowner Drive
• Lansing, MI 48980

Renewing Online

Renew online using the same steps listed above in the MI Registration Renewal section.

Non-Operational Vehicle Registration

Unregistered vehicles are not allowed on public streets. If you have a non-operational vehicle, it must be stored on private property. If you decide to begin driving the vehicle or wish to park it on the street, you must renew its registration by visiting your local SOS office with:

• Proof of car insurance
• Proper identification
• Check, credit card, or money order to cover all fees, including late charges if you allowed the registration to expire

Replacement Registration Certificates, Stickers, and License Plates

If your license plates are lost or stolen, or no longer legible in accordance with law enforcement guidelines, you must get them replaced. Visit our License Plates page for more information.

You also need to get duplicates of your registration certificate or renewal stickers if they become lost or damaged.

Related Tasks & Topics

- Appointments

- Bill of Sale

- Buying & Selling

- License Plates

- Renew Registration

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Apply for license plates in Michigan by registering your vehicle in person at a MI SOS office. You'll renew your tags by renewing your vehicle registration either online, by mail, or in person. If you sell or trade your vehicle for a new one, you'll usually be able to transfer your plates. If your plates are missing or damaged, you can order replacements.

Do you need a disability parking license plate? Our Disability Placards and Plates page has more information, including how to apply.

Applying for a personalized plate or a special tag? See our Special Plates Application page, or see our Types of Michigan Special Plates page for design options.

Read below for information about standard license plates and tags in Michigan.

Types of Michigan License Plates

Most vehicles in Michigan must have a license plate issued by the Michigan Secretary of State (SOS), including:

• Passenger vehicles and trucks.
• Motorcycles and mopeds.
• Vehicle trailers.
• Motorhomes.

Your license plate must be displayed on the rear of your vehicle.

You will also need a decal that shows the month and year of your vehicle's expiration. It should be placed on the upper-right corner of most plate types.

Special Tags

The MI SOS offers several types of license plates to Michigan residents. In addition to standard plates, you can order personalized plates and other special license plates.

Learn more about available MI plates on our Types of Special Plates page, and get complete application details on our Special Plates Application page.

The MI SOS also issues disabled parking plates to eligible residents. For more information, see our Disability Placards and Plates page.

Temporary Plates

When you buy a car from a dealer, they should give you:

• A new license plate.
  OR
  
• A temporary registration valid for 15 days.

The MI SOS offers temporary registration permits if you do not plan to use for your vehicle for long periods of time. You can apply for:

• A permit valid for 30 days. The fee is:
  • The greater of 1/10 of the usual registration fee OR $20.
    PLUS
    
  • A $10 service fee.
• A permit valid for 60 days. The fee is:
  • The greater of 1/5 of the vehicle registration fee OR $40.
    PLUS
    
  • A $10 service fee.

You or a representative can apply for a temporary permit in person at a Michigan SOS office. You will need:

• Proof of ownership, such as the vehicle title.
• Proof of car insurance.
• Payment. (See fees above.)

Apply for License Plates in MI

Michigan License Plate Tabs

To get your Michigan license plates, you'll need to register your vehicle with the MI SOS.

When you move to Michigan, you must register your vehicle as soon as you become a MI resident.

When you buy a vehicle, you have 15 days to title and register it. You can drive it home without license plates within 3 days of buying it as long you have the title certificate (in your name) in the vehicle.

Our Vehicle Registration in Michigan page has complete details.

Renew Vehicle Tags

You'll renew your registration annually to renew your plates. You should receive a reminder before your registration expires.

When you renew, you'll get a new expiration tab/decal to put over the old one.

The MI SOS offers renewals online, by mail, and in person. For more information, see our Registration Renewal page.

Replace License Plates & Decals

If your license plate has been lost or stolen, you must apply for a replacement in person at a MI SOS office.

To get a replacement plate or tab, you will need:

• Your vehicle registration or license plate number.
• A form of ID, such as your MI driver's license.
• Payment:
  • $5 for a replacement plate.
  • $5 for a replacement decal.
  • To replace a defective decal is free.

NOTE: If your license plate was stolen, you should report the theft to your local law enforcement agency in case someone commits a violation using your tags.

Transfer or Surrender Tags

You can transfer your license plate to another vehicle in your name in person at your local MI SOS branch office. You will need:

• The current registration of the vehicle your transferring plates FROM.
  • If the SOS has the correct information on file, you may be able to just provide your plate number.
• The title certificate of the vehicle you're transferring plates TO.
• Payment for fees:
  • $8 transfer fee.
    PLUS
    
  • Any difference in registration fees between the vehicles.

NOTE: If you buy a vehicle from an authorized dealer, they can transfer the plates for you.

You can also transfer license plates to an immediate family member who is buying your vehicle. You can complete the plate transfer when you transfer the vehicle title.

You may need to surrender your license plate if you:

• Do not transfer it to another vehicle or buyer.
• Get a new type of license plate.
• Cancel your insurance.
  OR
  
• Move to another state.

For plate surrender questions, contact the Michigan SOS at (888) 767-6424 (SOS-MICH)

Fees for Michigan License Plates

The license plate fees below DO NOT include other fees that you may have to pay (e.g., taxes, title fees, service fees, or postage fees).

Mickey – Cinderella Castle Walt Disney World Sketch PinOE. WDW - The Little Mermaid 30th Anniversary 4-pin Boxed Set - Ariel, Scuttle and Flounder ONLYLE 2000. WDW - The Little Mermaid 30th Anniversary - Ariel and Sisters JumboLE 1500. Apr 08, 2016  If it is a newish pin I would always recommend checking that the serial number is there just to make sure it is a genuine Disney pin. (The serial number is the black writing on the pin). I would make sure that you check the quality of the serial number. Make sure that there are no blurrings in the font and that the numbers are not squashed together, as some fakes have started to add serial. Aug 05, 2015  Many of the fake pins includes lines and no glossy finishing. Click on the photo to see the details f the lines in the paint and no glossy finish. Serial Numbers – In recent years, Disney has added serial numbers to the back side of their pins. We reviewed our pins and found that we had 19 fake pins! That is a lot of pins to throw away.

• New standard plates: The fee is based on MSRP or vehicle weight, depending on the age of the vehicle. See our Vehicle Registration page for more details.
• Renewal of standard plates: The fee decreases by10% less than the new plate fee per year for the first 3 renewals. After 3 renewals, the fee remains the same.
• Replacements:
  • License plates: $5.
  • Tabs: $5.
• Transfer fee:
  • $8 PLUS any difference in registration fees.

Michigan License Tabs Renewal

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Renew Michigan License Plate Tabs Online

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• Over 94% of Americans qualify for lower rates.