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LicensePlates Michigan

Michigan Temporary License Plate

What Is a Temporary License Plate in Michigan?

A temporary registration license plate in Michigan allows short-term operation of a vehicle on public roads until permanent plates are obtained. The Michigan Secretary of State administers all temporary plate programs under the Michigan Vehicle Code.

Licensed dealers issue a temporary registration plate BFS-4 to buyers at the point of sale. Vehicle owners needing coverage for occasional use apply at a Secretary of State branch for a temporary registration permit. Non-resident commercial operators receive a separate 72-hour temporary permit.

BFS-4 is a paper tag printed through the Secretary of State’s electronic services portal. The owner’s temporary registration permit is a paper form issued at the branch.

What Types of Temporary License Plates Are There in Michigan?

Class Official Name Trigger Issuing Authority
BFS-4 Temporary Registration Plate Purchase or lease of a vehicle Licensed Dealer
Owner’s Permit Temporary Registration Permit Occasional vehicle use Secretary of State Office
Non-Resident Permit Temporary Permit Non-resident commercial entry Secretary of State
Transit/Repair Registration Plate (repossession, repair, auction) Business vehicle movement Secretary of State

BFS-4 allows one plate per buyer without reissuance for the same vehicle under MCL 257.226a. The owner’s permit may be repurchased for a new term. The transit/repair plate is renewed annually.

When Is a Temporary License Plate Required in Michigan?

  • A buyer or lessee receiving a vehicle from a dealer gets a BFS-4 temporary registration plate to drive while the dealer processes the title and permanent plates under MCL 257.226a.
  • A vehicle owner who drives only occasionally may obtain a temporary registration permit instead of annual registration under MCL 257.226b.
  • A non-resident operating a commercial vehicle in Michigan on an emergency or irregular basis must have a 72-hour temporary permit under MCL 257.243(2).
  • A business repossessing, repairing, servicing, or auctioning vehicles must have a transit/repair registration plate under MCL 257.226a(5), (6), or (7).

How to Get a Temporary License Plate in Michigan?

  1. Gather proof of vehicle ownership (title, current or expired registration, or manufacturer’s certificate of origin) and proof of valid Michigan No-Fault insurance.
  2. For dealer purchase, the dealer issues BFS-4 through the Secretary of State’s electronic services portal at the point of sale.
  3. For an owner’s temporary registration permit, visit a Secretary of State branch with proof of ownership, insurance, and payment.
  4. Pay the applicable fee as outlined in the next section.
  5. Place the paper permit on the vehicle as directed by the Secretary of State.

Dealers record the BFS-4 serial number on the vehicle sale form under MCL 257.226a(3).

How Much Does a Temporary License Plate Cost in Michigan?

Class Fee Additional Who Pays
BFS-4 Up to $4.00 per plate — Buyer
Owner’s Permit (30 days) 1/10 annual tax or $20 minimum $10 service fee Vehicle Owner
Owner’s Permit (60 days) 1/5 annual tax or $40 minimum $10 service fee Vehicle Owner
Non-Resident Permit $20 — Non-Resident Operator
Transit/Repair $40 for 2 plates $20 for each additional plate Business Applicant

Fees for BFS-4 issued by dealers are capped by MCL 257.802(4); dealers cannot charge buyers more than the Secretary of State charges for the plate.

How to Get a Temporary License Plate Online in Michigan?

No. The Secretary of State does not sell temporary registration permits to individual owners online.

Owners must visit a Secretary of State branch in person. Online appointments reduce wait times at the branch.

Licensed dealers issue BFS-4 electronically through the Secretary of State’s dealer electronic services portal. Buyers receive a printed tag at the dealer’s counter.

For most vehicle purchases, BFS-4 issued by the dealer at the point of sale is the standard route.

How Long Can I Run a Temporary License Plate in Michigan?

Class Validity Period Geographical Restriction Renewal
BFS-4 Up to 30 days None None; one per buyer
Owner’s Permit (30 days) 30 days No hire or cargo New permit required
Owner’s Permit (60 days) 60 days No hire or cargo New permit required
Non-Resident Permit 72 hours Michigan only None
Transit/Repair Annual Vehicle movement only Renewable at SOS office

Operation after permit expiration without valid registration is a civil infraction under MCL 257.255. Commercial vehicles face an infraction with fines up to $500.

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