Expired Registration in Michigan
Michigan residents operating motor vehicles on public highways are mandated by law to keep an updated and valid registration. Vehicle registration in Michigan is administered by the Michigan Department of State, while the Michigan State Police implements registration laws throughout the state.
State Code Provisions in Michigan
Michigan vehicle registration requirements are established under Act 300 of 1949, the Michigan Vehicle Code. The primary statutory provisions are found in Chapter 257 of the Michigan Compiled Laws, which governs motor vehicles and traffic regulations.
Key statutory provisions include:
- MCL 257.226: Establishes vehicle registration expiration dates and renewal procedures
- MCL 257.255: Requires valid registration plates; establishes penalties for operating without proper registration
- MCL 257.225: Addresses registration plate display requirements
These provisions collectively establish registration requirements, expiration schedules, and enforcement mechanisms throughout the state of Michigan.
Registration Terms and Expiration in Michigan
Registration Renewal System
Michigan operates a birthday-based registration system. According to MCL 257.226, vehicle registrations expire on the vehicle owner's birthday. Vehicle owners may choose between one-year or two-year registration periods.
Standard Vehicle Registration:
| Registration Period | Expiration Date | Renewal Availability |
|---|---|---|
| One-Year Registration | Owner's birthday | Up to 6 months before expiration |
| Two-Year Registration | Owner's birthday (2 years after issuance) | Up to 6 months before expiration |
Example: If the vehicle owner's birthday is July 15, a one-year registration issued in 202 expires on July 15, 2026. A two-year registration issued in 2025 expires on July 15, 2027.
Special Considerations:
- If the vehicle is owned by two people, either owner's birthday may be used as the expiration date
- If the birthday falls on a weekend or legal holiday, the vehicle owner has until the next business day to renew
- The Secretary of State mails renewal notices to vehicle owners before the expiration date
30-Day Grace Period for Displaying New Registration:
Michigan provides a 30-day grace period for displaying a new registration plate or tab after renewal under MCL 257.255. This grace period allows vehicle owners who have renewed their registration up to 30 days to affix the new tab to their license plate. However, this grace period does NOT apply to expired registrations—it only applies after renewal has been completed. For purposes of this grace period, a printed or electronic copy of a valid registration serves as proof that the vehicle's registration has been renewed.
Michigan does not provide a grace period for expired registration. Once registration expires on the owner's birthday, vehicle owners may not legally operate the vehicle on public highways until registration is renewed. Driving a vehicle with expired registration subjects the owner to penalties.
Penalties for Expired Registration in Michigan
Administrative Penalties
Late Renewal Fee
The Michigan Department of State assesses a $10.00 late fee for vehicle registrations renewed after the expiration date. This administrative penalty applies to all renewals completed after the owner's birthday expiration date.
| Renewal Status | Late Fee | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Renewal before or on expiration date | $0.00 | Standard registration fee only |
| Renewal after expiration date | $10.00 | Standard registration fee + $10.00 late fee |
Vehicle owners can renew expired registrations up to 10 months after the expiration date, though late fees apply immediately upon expiration.
Traffic Violations
Operating a motor vehicle with expired registration on Michigan roads constitutes a violation under MCL 257.255. The classification and penalties depend on the type of vehicle:
Standard Passenger Vehicles:
Operating a standard passenger vehicle without valid registration is typically charged as a civil infraction under MCL 257.255(2).
| Offense Classification | Penalty Type | Typical Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Infraction | Fine | Varies by jurisdiction (typically $120-$190) |
Commercial Vehicles:
For commercial vehicles required to be registered according to gross vehicle weight schedules, operating without a valid registration is a misdemeanor under MCL 257.255(2):
| Offense Classification | Maximum Fine | Maximum Imprisonment |
|---|---|---|
| Misdemeanor | $500.00 | 90 days |
International Registration Plan (IRP) Vehicles:
Operating a vehicle licensed under the IRP without valid registration due to nonpayment of apportioned fees is a misdemeanor under MCL 257.255(3):
| Offense Classification | Maximum Fine | Maximum Imprisonment | Additional Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Misdemeanor | $100.00 | 90 days | Vehicle may be impounded until valid registration obtained |
Government Agencies
Michigan Department of State
Richard H. Austin Building
430 West Allegan Street, 4th Floor
Lansing, MI 48918
Phone: (888) 767-6424
Official Website: Michigan Department of State
Michigan State Police Headquarters
7150 Harris Drive
Dimondale, MI 48821
Phone: (517) 332-2521
Official Website: Michigan State Police
