Whitmer Signs Bill Allowing For Two-Year Vehicle Registration

MICHIGAN — Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a bill Wednesday to give Michigan drivers the option to renew their license plates for two years, the governor's office said.

The house bill 4117, which was sponsored by Rep. Steven Johnson, R-Wayland Twp, looks to save Michigan drivers a trip to the secretary of state’s office or post office. Currently, a vehicle's registration is issued annually and expires on the owner’s birthday.

"The changes that I signed into law today will give Michigan car owners the opportunity to renew their license every two years instead of annually and will provide options for Michigan businesses to renew their special vehicle registration," Whitmer said. "These changes will build on the many new convenient services offered by the Secretary of State to put Michigan families and small businesses first."

Whitmer also signed several other bills in to law, including a senate bill allowing for no-cost registration renewal for certain agricultural and industrial vehicles.

The senate bill 220 will amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to provide a "special vehicle registrations" system at the secretary of state, allowing for certain agricultural or wood harvesting operations to be renewed at no additional charge beginning Oct. 1 2022, the news release said.

Whitmer also signed another house bill, 4281, that will ensure smaller cities with fewer than 15,500 people can continue receiving critical funding for their emergency services operations.

"The Michigan Municipal League was pleased to work with local officials, state legislators and the administration to help HB 4281 become a reality," Director of state and federal affairs for the Michigan Municipal League Chris Hackbarth said. "This bill will help ensure continued financial support for police and fire protection in communities that rely on this funding and recognizes the limitations that many communities face in funding their essential services."