Celebrating Donate Life Month

Michigan residents encouraged to join Organ Donor Registry, show their heart

Secretary of State Ruth Johnson and organ donation leaders celebrated the start of Donate Life Month at Wayne State University on April 2 with music, awards and an energetic call for community members to join the Michigan's Organ Donor Registry.

The kick-off also included a one-day campaign by a small army of volunteers – mostly organ recipients and their family and friends – who spread out across 80 Secretary of State offices to encourage customers to sign up on the state's organ donor rolls.

"We made huge strides in expanding the organ donor rolls with more than 1.4 million people added in the past three years alone," Johnson said to cheers during the "Heart of a Warrior" event at Wayne State, home to the WSU Warriors. "Today, Wayne State students, faculty and community members really have shown us their heart by being willing to sign up as potential donors."

Read the announcement.

Hear Secretary Johnson's interview with WJR radio.

Michigan has world's best new plate

The Automobile License Plate Collectors Association (ALPCA, Inc.) has overwhelmingly voted Michigan's Mackinac Bridge license plate as the world's best new plate. First issued last August, the beautiful plate features the bridge against a sunrise sky and gives residents the opportunity to celebrate one of the Great Lakes State's greatest assets, an engineering marvel that connects the upper and lower peninsulas.

Since 1970, ALPCA has recognized the state or province with the best new license plate design of the year. All plates of the world issued last year were eligible for the contest.

Michigan's plate was selected as the winner from among 12 finalists by ALPCA members for only the second time in the contest's history. In 1976, the state's red, white and blue bicentennial plate earned best new plate honors. "We're delighted that ALPCA has honored Michigan with its plate of the year award," Secretary of State Ruth Johnson said. "The Mackinac Bridge is a spectacular example of the many things that make our state such a special place. It represents what we call 'Pure Michigan,' and when people see it on our vehicles, we hope they will consider it an invitation to come and explore the Great Lakes State." More

SOS, DIFS team up to stop insurance fraud

The Secretary of State's Office and the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services recently teamed up to stop fraudulent insurance activity in Flint.

Last year, Secretary Johnson formed the FAIR (Fighting Auto Insurance Rip-offs) initiative to protect consumers.

Johnson attends Mich. Traffic Safety Summit

Secretary of State Ruth Johnson attended the Michigan Traffic Safety Summit in East Lansing on March 27 and presented Richard H. Austin Long-Term Traffic Safety Awards to safety leaders. 

The summit, at which several staff members also participated, is an annual conference for local, state and federal agencies to discuss emerging traffic safety trends, highlight program successes and share strategies.

Mobile app finds the nearest SOS office

Did you know that the state of Michigan offers an app for mobile devices that finds nearby Secretary of State offices and other services?

Available for Apple and Android devices, the application, called MiPage, also features the latest news and event information. 

A similar website also lets you find nearby government services.

Have a Question?

You'll find many answers online at our Frequently Asked Questions page.

You also can seek help by emailing us via our Contact Page or by calling our customer help line at 888-SOS-MICH (767-6424).