Newly Designed License Plates Unveiled

With a view she called “Pure Michigan” as a backdrop, Secretary of State Ruth Johnson unveiled two new license plates yesterday: a colorful Mackinac Bridge plate and the Pure Michigan plate, which will eventually replace the state’s standard blue bar plate.   Michigan will move to a new standard plate that features a rolling blue wave and the Pure Michigan brand. Like the current blue and white standard plate, it will have a configuration of up to seven characters and will be available at no additional cost. The Mackinac Bridge plate, which will gradually replace the state’s Spectacular Peninsulas plate, features the bridge against a sunrise background. It will also have the state’s Pure Michigan branding. The new Mackinac Bridge plate will cost $5 in addition to regular registration fees. Both new plates display the Pure Michigan logo at the top, replacing the block letter MICHIGAN on current plates.  Residents are expected to be able to order a new Pure Michigan standard plate beginning in early 2013 and the Department of State will begin issuing the new Mackinac Bridge plates after that. Current Spectacular Peninsulas and standard plates will remain valid for the duration of their registration period.  The work is done by inmates at a correctional facility in Adrian.   For more information about Secretary of State office locations and services, visit www.michigan.gov/sos. Sign up for the official Secretary of State Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/michsos and Facebook updates at www.facebook.com/michigansos