AirborneRME

Found these at an antique store and bought them for my dad since I bought him a 72 cutlass S resto project for Christmas. Wondering if we can legally register them in the state of MI as the actual plates for the vehicle?

-Thanks, RJ

1970cs

Hi RJ,

You will have to call the secretary of state to get a blessing on those, if memory serves you can if they are not being used already! Why not 72 plates?

Pat

AirborneRME

These were the plates that were in the best condition. They are both matching numbers and one of them has the 72 sticker on it. Thanks for the info! I'll have to give them a call after lunch.

1969w3155

Yes you can, you will have to send a copy of the plate in to the S.O.S. office along with a $35.00 one time registration fee. Call your local office, or inquire online @ the S.O.S. link @ https://onlineservices.michigan.gov/ExpressSOS use the "contact us" tab to submit an inquiry.

AirborneRME

Awesome! Thanks for the great info! I'm hoping since they are a matching set that I'll get clearance!

-RJ

BlackGold

In Michigan you can register "Year of Manufacture" plates. I don't know how strict they are on the exact year -- that is, if they'll let you use '71 plates on a '72.

One advantage is that this is a permanant registration (no annual renewal) and is a very reasonable fee -- way less than for regular plates. At least that was the case the last time I did it.

Another advantage is that many insurance companies will waive or reduce the state-mandated fee for unlimited medical insurance when registering a hobby car. The special registration helps prove to them it's just a hobby car.

The bad news is that it MUST be a hobby car. The state requires than it only be driven for club activities, etc. I've never had a problem (ie, never pulled over) driving to the golf course, grocery store, etc with these plates, but I suppose a cop could be a dick and ticket me. No way though should you use year of manufacture plates on a daily driver.

TK-65

In 72 Michigan used the 71 plate with a 72 sticker. Id guess since the one plate has the 72 registration sticker on it that it would be considered a 72 plate.

1970cs

A 1972 Michigan plate!

TK-65

72 transporter plate. Not passenger car issued. Most guys use M plates, which were used by manufacturers in 72. I dont see why one couldnt use that transporter plate today. But it wouldnt be "era correct".

AirborneRME

I've got all my paperwork ready to be sent out to the S.O.S. I've been told by multiple people that had 71 plates back then that they didnt have a 72 plate but that they issued stickers for the year 72 then came out with 73 plates. Apparently MI has done this for other years as well.

See attached photo

-RJ

MellowYellow

Can't do that anymore; no registering Manufacturer, Dealer, Amateur Radio or any other 'special' plates for Year of Manufacture. (glad I got a couple 'grandfathered' in)

A while back spent time talking to one of 'the girls' in Lansing Special Registrations who gave me the low down. Some former Director JOE ROSS decided he'd create a legacy for himself just prior retirement. We can thank him for changing the rules on Year Of Manufacture plates, making it more difficult.

He's the one to blame if you have an 80s era car that wore blue plates. Now if you want to register one of those plates for Year of Manufacture you must use a plate that would have been issued during that year.

I have a 1985 pickup and am looking for a YOM plate to register. It can only be EM6551 through ER3200 OR HK5451 through JD4850. Cars have their specific sequences which can only be used for that year too. Each year has its own numbering sequences.

I'm guessing the same problem for the red/white/blue bicentennial plates which were used for many years, the black plates, too.

Thanks Joe, NOT!!!