How to buy a personalized license plate in Michigan

A personalized license plate can be a really fun addition to your car. With a personalized nameplate, you can add a little personality to your vehicle and make it unique. This is an opportunity to loudly support a person or team, or just add character to a boring part of your car.

In Michigan, a personalized license plate consists of two elements. You can choose from many different license plate designs and then customize the license plate message. It's a simple process and very affordable, so it could be perfect for you and your vehicle.

Part 1 of 3. Choose your personal license plates

Step 1: Visit the State of Michigan website.: Go to the official Michigan website.

Step 2: Go to Online Services: Visit the Online Services section of the State of Michigan website.

Hover over the button labeled "About MI" to open the drop-down menu, then click the "Online Services" link.

Step 3: Visit the Secretary of State page.: Go to the page of the Secretary of State of Michigan.

Scroll down the online services page until you reach the link called Status. Click on the link.

Step 4. Go to the "Plate it Your Way" page.: Go to the "Plate it Your Way" webpage.

On the Secretary of State page, click the "Online Services" button.

Scroll down to the "Other Services" field and then click the "Plate it Your Way" link.

• Functions: If you're not sure about any of Michigan's personal license plate regulations, you can find them on this page.

Step 5: Choose a Plate Design: Choose your custom license plate design.

Click on the "Plate it Your Way" link to see a list of available license plate designs.

Browse plate designs and choose the one you need.

• Functions: There are four Michigan plate design categories: Standard, Veteran, and Military, University Fundraising, and Special Purpose Fundraising.

• A warning: Although the Michigan license plate character limit is seven characters, some license plate designs may only contain six characters. By selecting a plate, you will see what character limit it comes with.

Step 6: Select a license plate message: Select a personalized license plate message.

After choosing a plate design, enter the text of the plate in the fields at the bottom of the page.

You can use all letters and numbers and they can be mixed. You can also use spaces, although they count towards your character limit.

• Functions: If you need a disabled license plate, be sure to check the "Disabled box" box. This will further limit the use of your character.

• A warning: Offensive, rude or inappropriate license plate messages are not allowed.

Step 7: Check availability: Check if your license plate message is available.

After entering the message, click the "Check License Plate Presence" button to see if your license plate message is already in use.

If the plate is not available, please enter a new message and try again.

• Functions: When you check for your plate, you'll see a preview of what your message will look like on the plate.

Part 2 of 3. Order your personal license plates

Step 1 Write down your license plate information.: Write down the custom plate design and message so that you have accurate information when ordering plates.

Step 2: Visit the Secretary of State's OfficeA: Contact the nearest branch of the Secretary of State.

• Functions: Be sure to bring your registration information and payment form with you.

• A warning: Find out in advance what time the Secretary of State's office is open.

Step 3: Fill out the form: Fill out the personal license plate form.

Request a personalized license plate form and fill in all the information. You will need to provide your registration information and your current license plate.

• A warningA: Your vehicle must be registered in the state of Michigan if you want to order personalized license plates. You must also be the owner of the vehicle; you can't buy personalized plates for someone else.

Step 4: Pay the fee: Pay a personal signage maintenance fee.

The maintenance fee is prorated based on how many months are left before your plates need to be replaced. The fee is $8 for the first month and $2 for each remaining month. For example, if the license plate needs to be renewed in four months, the service fee will be $14.

In addition to the service fee, pay a special license plate only if you have chosen a university or special license plate. This fee is $35.

Your purchase includes only one personalized plate. If you want a second plate, just ask for it. It will cost an additional $15.

• FunctionsA: The fees you must pay are in addition to your regular annual and registration fees. You will still have to pay these fees.

• A warningA: The fee to renew your personal license plate is $25.

Part 3 of 3. Set up your personal license plates

Step 1: Get Your Plates: Get a personalized plate in the mail.

The plate will be mailed within two weeks of purchase and should arrive within three weeks.

Step 2: Install the plates: Install a new custom plate.

Install your personalized sign as soon as it arrives in the mail.

• FunctionsA: If you are not comfortable installing the stove yourself, just hire a mechanic to help you.

• A warning: Before driving, stick stickers with current registration numbers on your license plate.

Getting a custom license plate is pretty easy and it really adds personality to your car. So if you're looking for a new way to have fun with your car, a personalized nameplate might be perfect for you.