1954
 Medium blue base, yellow numbers/letters. One license plate was required.
The maize on blue color combination honored the University of Michigan. (Michigan State
University's colors would be featured the following year.)
In 1953, Secretary of State Owen J. Cleary had held a contest to determine a slogan
that would appear on license plates to promote the state. More than 20,000 entries were
submitted including, "Magic State," "Leisureland,"
"Sportland" and "Inland Empire." The judges chose "Water
Wonderland" over "Blue Waters." The 61 individuals who suggested
"Water Wonderland" received certificates at a recognition luncheon in Lansing
and were entered in a drawing for the grand prize of a week's vacation at the Grand Hotel
on Mackinac Island. The 1954 plates began carrying the winning legend: WATER WONDERLAND
(used until 1964).
The state began issuing official Amateur Radio Operator (ARO) plates. Persons licensed
as technical, general, conditional, advanced, or extra class amateur radio operators are
eligible to apply for the plate. An extra service fee is charged.
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1953