If you just bought a car in Michigan—or are about to—you cannot legally drive it on public roads without a license plate. Because it takes time for the Michigan Secretary of State (SOS) to mail your permanent metal plate, you will need a temporary paper license plate (often called a permit) to bridge the gap.
How you get this temporary tag depends entirely on who you are buying the vehicle from. Here is exactly what you need to do to get your Michigan temporary license plate.
Scenario 1: Buying from a Michigan Dealership (The Easiest Route)
If you are buying a new or used car from a licensed Michigan dealership, the process of getting a temporary tag is almost entirely hands-off for you.
How to get it:
- Purchase the Vehicle: Finalize your paperwork and provide proof of your Michigan No-Fault auto insurance to the dealer.
- The Dealer Prints the Tag: Michigan dealers are connected directly to the SOS Electronic Vehicle Registration system. They will digitally generate and print your temporary tag right at the finance desk.
- Drive Away: The dealer will typically place the paper tag in a protective sleeve and mount it on the rear of your car.
What you get: Dealers issue a 15-day temporary permit. The dealership is legally required to process your permanent registration with the state within those 15 days so your metal plate arrives in the mail before the paper one expires.
Scenario 2: Buying from a Private Seller (Step-by-Step)
If you buy a car from a private seller (like through Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist), you have to do the legwork yourself. Do not drive the car home with the seller’s old plates, and do not drive it without a plate. Here is the exact process to get your temporary tag:
Step 1: Complete the Title Transfer with the Seller You cannot get a temporary tag without proof of ownership. Make sure the seller correctly fills out and signs the back of the title, handing it over to you along with an odometer disclosure (if the car is under 10 years old).
Step 2: Buy Michigan No-Fault Insurance Michigan is a strict no-fault state. Before the SOS will issue you any kind of plate, you must have an active insurance policy on that specific vehicle. Call your insurance agent, provide the VIN, and get an emailed proof of insurance.
Step 3: Visit a Secretary of State (SOS) Branch Take your documents to your local SOS office. We highly recommend scheduling an appointment online at michigan.gov/sos to skip the wait. Bring these four things with you:
- The fully signed-over title
- Proof of Michigan No-Fault insurance
- Your valid driver’s license or ID
- Payment for your taxes and fees
Step 4: Choose Your Temporary Tag Duration At the SOS counter, you will pay your 6% use tax and registration fees. Because you need to drive the car while waiting for the permanent metal plate to arrive in the mail, the clerk will issue you a paper temporary permit on the spot.
- You can choose between a 30-day permit ($20) or a 60-day permit ($40).
Scenario 3: Moving to Michigan with an Out-of-State Car
If you are a new resident moving to Michigan, your out-of-state plates are generally valid until they expire. However, once you establish residency, you must title and register your vehicle in Michigan.
How to get your Michigan tag:
The process is identical to the private seller route. You will need to take your out-of-state title, proof of Michigan insurance, and your ID to an SOS branch. You will be issued a 30-day or 60-day paper temporary tag to use while your new Michigan metal plate is manufactured and mailed to your new address.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Michigan has been a single-plate state since 1981. You only need to display a plate (temporary or permanent) on the rear of your vehicle.
If the plate is damaged to the point of illegibility, contact your dealer or visit an SOS branch for a replacement. Driving with an unreadable plate is a citable offense.
If you bought from a dealer, contact them immediately to ensure they processed your paperwork (they only have 15 days to do so). If you registered at the SOS, check your status online or visit a branch.
Yes. All 50 states recognize valid, state-issued temporary registration permits. Always keep your official registration paperwork in the glovebox in case you are pulled over out-of-state.
Yes. The same system applies. Display the permit on the rear of the motorcycle, preferably in a weatherproof sleeve.
Conclusion
Michigan’s temporary permit system is sophisticated and heavily tracked by law enforcement. It isn’t just a placeholder—it is a legally binding document. Treat it accordingly: keep it protected from the elements, display it properly on the rear of the vehicle, and track your permanent registration to ensure your metal plate arrives before your 15, 30, or 60-day window closes.
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