Temporary license plate fraud is a serious issue across the US, which is why states like Michigan
have stopped issuing temporary license plates. Instead, Michigan offers temporary registration permits that drivers can apply for in person at a local DMV. Driving without a license plate is illegal, but it’s sometimes unavoidable. Long processing times for car registrations and shipping periods for new plates can put drivers in difficult situations. That’s why Michigan allows drivers to apply for temporary registration permits that let them legally hit the road while they get their paperwork in order.
Getting a temporary license plate can be tricky, so the car insurance super app
and broker Jerry
has put together this guide with everything you need to know about temporary license plates in Michigan. 
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers Does Michigan issue temporary plates?
Michigan does not offer temporary license plates, but the state allows drivers to apply for temporary registration permits that serve the same purpose.
When you apply for a temporary registration permit at your local DMV, you have the option of 30 days or 60 days, depending on your driving needs and situation.
Unfortunately, you can’t get a temporary registration permit online, so you’ll need to apply in person at a Michigan Secretary of State office
. What’s the problem with temporary license plates?
Temporary license plates have been used throughout the United States to evade law enforcement officers, skip the proper registration process, and trick highway patrol officers. Plus, many people have taken advantage of the temporary license plate system because they’re often easy to forge.
As a result, many states have stopped offering temporary plates altogether.
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Start earning nowHow to get a temporary license plate in Michigan
While you can’t get a temporary license plate in Michigan, you can get a temporary registration permit relatively easily. But before you head to a local Secretary of State office to get your application started, you’ll need the following documents:
Proof of vehicle ownership
Proof of Michigan No-Fault insurance
Permit fee (depends on which permit you request)
Once you’ve gathered all the documents you need, the application process is easy as pie! All you need to do is follow these steps to apply for your very own temporary registration permit:
Make an appointment at your local Secretary of State office
Specify whether you’d like the 30-day or 60-day registration permit
Present the aforementioned documents to your representative
Pay the registration fee—$20 for a 30-day permit, $40 for a 60-day permit
From there, the representative will provide you with your temporary permit and you’ll be good to go! Keep in mind that temporary registration permits typically make the most sense in situations like the following:
Just bought a new car but are moving out of state in the next few weeks
Registration expires a few weeks before moving out of state
Waiting for legal paperwork, such as registration, to process
Can I drive a car without plates if I just bought it in Michigan?
While you can’t typically drive a car you just bought in Michigan, the state does allow drivers to bring their car home without a plate. From there, you’ll need to wait for your new license plates before you can hit the road.
If you need to drive before your plates come, consider applying for a temporary registration permit!
MORE: Title transfer in Michigan
How to find affordable car insurance in Michigan
Temporary license plates can be hard to come by, but your perfect car insurance policy is right around the corner with Jerry
. A licensed broker, the Jerry app helps users compare personalized quotes from top insurance providers for free. Just download the app, answer a few questions, and pick a quote from the list of personalized offers Jerry sends straight to your phone. When you find a quote you like, Jerry can help you switch plans and even help cancel your old policy—no phone calls, paperwork, or headaches required.
Users save an average of over $800 a year on car insurance with Jerry!
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